Take a close look at the Grandis

Nov 9 2009 Peter Hayward

IF your fancy and your needs are pointing towards a large MPV, don't buy anything else before you try the Mitsubishi Grandis.

It's been available with a 2.4 petrol engine but the pick of the two engine range is the two-litre D-ID turbo diesel.

It has a combination of good performance and economy and this, plus excellent standard equipment, makes it great value.

It also has a bigger boot than most rivals with all seven seats in place and those rear seats fold easily and quickly into the floor when not needed.

The diesel is a little noisy when cold but is just as quiet as the rest on the move and the ride is excellent, smoothly dealing with lumps and bumps in town at slow speeds.

There is quite a lot of roll in the corners and the steering is too light, but it clings on gamely when pressed and feels very safe.

Interior

That equipment list includes climate control, loads of airbags, alarm, leather in many and a multi-CD player.

Add all that up for some others and they start to look expensive by comparison. It's a Mitsubishi, so reliability should be excellent.

FAST FACTS

Mitsubishi Grandis

Price: Pay about £8,700 for an '05 05-reg Classic, £11,000 for an '06 06-reg Equippe, or £13,500 for an '07 57-reg Elegance.

Mechanical: 134bhp, 1968cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine driving the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 121mph

0-62mph: 10.8 seconds

Combined mpg: 42

Insurance group: 14

CO2 emissions: 176g/km

BIK rating: 20%

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Ford Galaxy