Honda FR-V

Our verdict

The Honda FR-V makes a slightly better fist of the three-plus-three seating configuration than Fiat did with the cumbersome Multipla, but it’s nevertheless of questionable value having a really wide cabin that the driver feels shoved to one side of.

Comfort

Ride is good in the FR-V, more so than we'd expected, and the sheer sense of space in this huge cabin creates a very luxurious atmosphere. It's also light on the steering, which makes parking a doddle.

Performance

Just two engines to choose from, one of which you should probably avoid. Get the solitary diesel option as it's better equipped to deal with the FR-V's bulk, something you might not really notice until you've loaded it to the rafters.

Cool

The FR-V looks strangely good, with its broad stance and sharp angles. And having the funny seating gives it an air of individuality in a segment groaning under the weight of workaday styling and design.

Quality

Sure enough, it's another well-built Honda. Mechanically you can swear by the FR-V, and the interior is nicely designed and executed with care and attention to detail.

Handling

A wide track makes the FR-V surprisingly composed in corners, but that sensation of being so far to one side of the car, albeit entirely psychological, can give the driver the impression he's steering a tank.

Practicality

Despite its apparent width, the FR-V is nowhere near as big inside as the similarly thought-out Fiat Multipla, and having three in each row feels quite cramped. That said, it has a far smaller footprint than the Multipla too, meaning it's easier to cope with in town.

Running costs

The list price is quite reasonable on the FR-V, especially bearing in mind it offers more seats than the equivalent Ford C-Max or Renault Scenic. It should also be very reliable and both petrol and diesel engines are fairly frugal.