71: Volkswagen Touran – Motoring’s answer to the Dunnes Stores anorak

You know those jackets, the ones you see in some branches of Dunnes Stores, or Marks & Spencer? They are almost resolutely unstylish, to the point of being invisible, but they seem well priced, and when you inspect a little closer they’ve got huge, useful pockets, and are made of a hard-wearing, warm material? Those ones? Yup, that what the Volkswagen Touran is.

Okay, so basically no-one wants to buy an MPV anymore, but the thing is those of us with kids and the need for extra seats really should do. SUVs tempt more with their blandishments of faux-adventure and stick-on plastic ruggedness, but the fact is that when it comes to packing people, pets, and parcels, a monobox MPV is still the best thing.

The VW Touran, though it’s rather plain both outside and in, is a perfect example of that. It’s roomy and versatile, well-made, frugal, and while hardly exciting to drive is also hardly bad. You’ll never crave owning it, but you will appreciate it when you do.

Best model: Touran 1.2 TSI Comfortline for €33,070