Mitsubishi Grandis   Women's view

Want A Bit Of Sleek Sophistication In Your MPV Driving? The Mitsubishi Grandis Might Just Be The Thing For You. Hannah Rainford Takes It On The School Run

I must admit to feeling slightly apprehensive about getting in vehicles as big as Mitsubishis Grandis MPV. Driving them around is no problem; its manoeuvring them out of car parking spaces or squeezing between two parked cars on a road. Still, I can clearly see the benefits of a car this size to family buyers. Its multi-functional seating/storage arrangements are very useful for the large or the extended family.

Family buyers will love the fact that the Grandis provides them with so much space. It even caters for the expanding family with Mitsubishis Hide and Seat arrangement. The concept involves a rear row of seats that can be individually folded away into the floor in a simple operation that takes a few seconds. No more lugging seats out through the boot or trying aimlessly to push them down flat only for them to spring up again.

You have a choice of having a large boot space and five seats, a massive 1545 litres of cargo space and two seats or a small space in the boot with seven comfortable seats. The third row of seats isnt just a crude bench as in most vehicles of this ilk. Both seats can be reversed to provide a rear facing vantage point ideal when viewing an outdoor event as the rear tailgate provides an excellent rain shelter. Whats more, both rows of seats can be individually reclined for additional comfort.

The amount of space inside the vehicle is what you would expect of a vehicle this size. The Grandis has lots of small cubby holes and sections to keep things in, with every seat (including the third row) having in built cup holders. The second row of seats is lucky enough to have a small tray, similar to ones that you get on aeroplanes. The only problem with these is that you have to struggle to put them up.

Im below average height and my legs were in the way when I tried to pull the tray up. A drop down tray would have been a much better choice. The tray is handy for a packet of crisps or a handheld games console and kids will love the novelty on a long trip.

After managing successfully to reverse the Grandis out of its parking space, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfortable drive. I normally spend a good fifteen minutes trying to locate everything and figure out how to switch everything on. With the Grandis, it was simple: everything was easily located on dials and switches, making the journey much more pleasant. The gear stick was located just above the centre console, which I initially thought would be a nuisance yet it seemed no different after a few minutes. I took the car on my usual school run route and handled the route very well though its size did let it down a bit when I had to squeeze through a parked white van and car on a residential road. The driving position is much lower than many other MPVs and the drive felt very similar to a hatchback.

The only thing to remind me was the rev of the diesel engine when I moved away at the lights.

Whats less of a surprise is that the Grandis comes very well-equipped. Anti lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and twin front and side airbags are fitted as standard to all models. Four trim levels are offered, Classic, Equippe, Elegance and Warrior. Prices for the 2.

4-litre petrol model start at £19,751 but most buyers will opt for the 2.0-litre DI-D diesel variant I tried. At £19,716, the Classic DI-D includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a CD player, keyless entry and alarm, automatic air-conditioning, front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, electronic door mirrors and a height adjustable drivers seat with armrest. Thats a fair roster for an entry-level vehicle.

Move up to the Equippe and for £21,616 theres stability and traction control, a dual sunroof, cruise control, leather trim on the steering wheel and gear shifter plus a CD autochanger. Tack on leather seats and you have the Grandis Elegance, priced from £23,116 for the manual car. The Warrior gives you a DVD entertainment system, 18" alloy wheels and some exterior styling features in addition. You can get space for cheaper but you can also get others that are more expensive. Considering that you get many extra features as standard, the Mitsubishi Grandis could definitely be money well spent.

I could live with one if I didnt have to park it every day in tight parking spaces. To the family buyer who is looking for an adaptable multi-person vehicle, this could be the perfect vehicle for them. I know that if they had launched this ten years ago when my parents needed a car for six or more people plus luggage space that they would have definitely considered it. Its sleek design makes many other MPVs look dull and uninspiring.

It could definitely turn heads on the school run.