We've never run a van-based mini-MPV on our long term test fleet. To be honest, I just couldn't face the thought of using one day-in, day-out. These cars are so dispiriting, so obviously commercial in origin. Fortunately, there's one that isn't: Skoda's Roomster.

When the Czech maker decided to enter this sector, they didn't have a small van to convert so, not wanting to be left out, they built the Roomster - the first van-based MPV-sector competitor that isn't, well, based on a van. Well not obviously anyway. Since to looks so avant garde, we'll forget the fact that many of its underpinnings are based on a Volkswagen Caddy - but that's another story.

Anyway, the point is that with this model, Skoda have at least made some effort with the design, both inside and out, rather than just grafting in some extra doors and windows a la Citroen Berlingo Multispace or Renault Kangoo. So we thought we'd try one over an extended period, choosing for our test the Roomster2 TDI diesel version that the majority of customers go for.

The Skoda PR blurb describes the Roomster as 'a car of two halves' - or 'rooms' as the Skoda PR machine would have us refer to them. What they call 'the 'Driving Room' is the area occupied by the driver and front passenger and it feels very much like that of a conventional family hatchback. The driving position is comfortable, with a good degree of adjustment and much less upright than in most MPV products. Quality materials have also been used and build quality is strong.

As you progress rearward, you enter the Roomster's 'Living Room' and it's here that the vehicle's van-like silhouette pays dividends. The roofline steps up, allowing the rear seats to be mounted 46mm higher than those in the front: this boosts the space available to passengers. Leg and headroom are both extremely generous and there's a light, airy feel to the space thanks to the large windows. An optional panoramic glass roof (unfortunately not fitted to our test car) increases this effect with Skoda pointing out that children become bored more quickly if they don't have a good view of the scenery. My own experience bears this out.

"We expected a high degree of day-to-day family versatility and this Skoda hasn't disappointed"

Our testers found the rear seating to be thoughtfully designed. All three sections of the rear bench are individually foldable and removable. We particularly liked the fact that they also recline as well as sliding forwards and backwards so that passengers can choose either to maximise passenger legroom or to bump up capacity in the extremely generous boot behind. This boot is accessed through a large tailgate which lifts to reveal a capacity of 450 litres. Then, depending on the position of the rear seats, there's the option of increasing that cargo space right up to a truly van-like 1,780 litres - which is achieved when all three of the rather heavy seats are positioned in the garage at home. All this helps to open up a wide range of potential interior configurations for the Roomster - a real strength when it comes to meeting the varying needs of modern families.

We tried the range-topping 1.9-litre TDI diesel which offers 105bhp and a sizable 240Nm torque rating. At around £13,000 for the version we've been running, this might be hard for many families to justify, so it's worth pointing out that more affordable 70 and 80bhp 1.4-litre diesel units are available. The petrol range opens with a 70bhp 1.2-litre unit, then there's an 85bhp 1.4 and a 105bhp 1.6. We've also tried the three-cylinder 1.2-litre version and found it more capable than you would expect given its size: it will be quite adequate for many family buyers. If you plan on undertaking longer journeys, the 1.4 may be a better option with its 132Nm torque output at 3,800rpm. The 1.6 feels more muscular still with 155Nm produced at the same engine speed.

One thing that immediately surprised me about this car in day-to-day use has been the fact that to go with its car-like driving position, the Roomster also delivers impressively car-like handling. Despite the high roofline at the rear, it resists body roll admirably and the general ride quality is far superior to van-based MPV rivals. It stays nice and quiet when you're on the move as well, with only limited wind and road noise finding its way inside.

There's no doubt that, with its composed handling and clever interior, the Roomster is a far more sophisticated proposition than your typical van-based MPV but it's priced accordingly. The basic price of £10,055 for a 1.2-litre model in base Roomster 1 trim looks attractive enough but the range-topping Roomster 3 car stretches to over £14,000. All derivatives look well-equipped, however, with air-conditioning, front, curtain and side airbags, body-coloured bumpers and an MP3-compatible CD stereo. The top Roomster 3 derivatives really pile it on, adding the panoramic glass roof, parking sensors and cruise control amongst other items. The other option is the Roomster Scout which piles on the off-roader design cues to create a more imposing air. It's not four-wheel-drive though.

So far, we've been pretty impressed with our Roomster. There have been no problems with the car to date - but then, given that it's only six months old, you wouldn't expect that. What we did expect was a high degree of day-to-day family versatility and this Skoda hasn't disappointed. In fact, I've found myself driving it a lot more than I expected to..

TOP 5 ROOMSTER DEALS

The results below show the top ROOMSTER deals on buyacar

	Skoda Roomster 1.4 16V Scout 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £193	Saving £1,867	Price £10,503
	Skoda Roomster 1.6 16V Scout 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £198	Saving £1,909	Price £10,834
	Skoda Roomster 1.4 TDI PD 80 Scout 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £212	Saving £1,984	Price £11,335
	Skoda Roomster 1.9 TDI PD Scout 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £224	Saving £2,056	Price £11,860
	Skoda Roomster 1.6 16V Scout 5dr Tiptronic People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £212	Saving £1,992	Price £11,446

typical 12.69% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000