The Fiat Multipla. What can you say about it that hasn’t been said before? The sticker in the back window from the original marketing campaign says it all: “Wait till you see the front!”

The fact remains, love it or loathe it, there just isn’t a more practical family saloon on the market…period!

There are two engine types, 1.6 petrol and 1.9 Turbo diesel with two trim levels are available. SX trim is the basic model with the ELX the upmarket one to get.

The ‘ELX’s’ gain twin sunroofs and climate control, heated mirrors and other little goodies but the SX is still a good basic buy.

With six seats set in two rows of three (each with a real seatbelt), coupled with a boot that carried luggage for six of us for a long weekend away to Cornwall, it can’t be all that bad, surely?

Knocking about, my 1.9 turbo diesel regularly returns over 40 mpg - even if I hook up my folding camper and cruise off for the weekend I can still get mid forties to the gallon! It’s a superb tow car for people who like camping, or, heaven forbid, like to tow a ‘Tin Tent’.

Fantastic views can be had all around from the large glass windows and because the car is shorter than most small hatch backs, parking is, frankly, a breeze. If you can’t park a Multi you shouldn’t be on the road!

Down sides? Petrol models are reliable enough but a little thirsty, and diesel’s suffer from niggling faults. Check for mass air flow meters and exhaust gas relief valves to name but two.

Generally, when buying second hand (resale values are good) look for poor trim, electrics, scuffs on the plastic as its not particularly strong and check all Multi’s for inside edge wear of the front tyres. Tracking faults abound!

Finally, wave or flash when you see another Multi – it’s a recognised greeting. But, for the real anoraks amongst you, come down to the Ugly Bug Ball in May at Billing Aquadrome and meet fellow ‘Multi Mates’ for a fun weekend.

Details, tips and advice on the website and forum at www.multiplaowners.co.uk

Moriarty the Mundane…aka Nick Walton of Wombourne

Pictured: Me on the right with the main organisers at the UBB 2007 presentation awards at Billing Aquadrome, Northampton.

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