People Mover Reviews

No matter how schmick the car looks, though, at this sort of money there are probably one or two expensive time bombs lurking within it.

People movers were originally just vans with bench seats like the VW Kombi, introduced in 1950.But people movers have come a long way since then. The svelte lines of the Honda Odyssey are light years from the brick-shaped Kombi.But isn't a rectangular van the most practical shape for moving people and their luggage? VW thinks so and still flies the flag of people-moving vans with the Multivan.It might appear to have the aerodynamics of a shoe box, but it is practical and the new two-litre turbo petrol model overcomes some of the problems associated with big vans such as power, economy and driving dynamics.VALUEPeople movers start at $25,990 for a Kia Rondo and range up to the Mercedes Viano at $79,490. The Multivan TSI350 is at the top end of the field along with the Benz and the flagship Tarago ($71,990).It comes in Comfortline spec for $54,990 with chrome accents, Bluetooth, window blinds, climate control and cruise, while the Highline at $71,990 adds powered dual sliding side doors, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, auto headlights, cabin table, better sound system and 17-inch alloy wheels.The true value comes in the ability to carry seven big adults in absolute comfort, still with plenty of space for luggage and the ability to configure the cabin in myriad ways. VW also has good resale and warranty for this type of vehicle.TECHNOLOGYThe addition of the two-litre turbo petrol TSI350 engine adds some sporty and responsive dynamics while keeping fuel economy relatively affordable. The engine combines a turbocharger with intercooler and direct fuel injection to produce 150kW and 350Nm of torque. It's not as potent a people mover as the V6 Kia Grand Carnival (202kW/336Nm), but married to the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission it's slightly more economical at 10.1L/100km compared with 10.9 for the Kia.SAFETYThere is no ANCAP safety rating for the Multivan, but it comes with six airbags including curtain airbags that cover the whole cabin.Side assist and a rearview camera are optional, however since it is a rectangle, the vehicle extends as far as the eye can see at the windows, so parking and manoeuvring in small areas really is little problem. It also comes with stability control, ABS and brake assist, and there are five child seat anchor points.DESIGNIt's basically a brick on wheels and only Bauhaus fans - the rational and functional art style, not the '70s Brit-punk band - would find it remotely appealing. That's not to say rock bands wouldn't find this appealing. Many a rock band owes their ability to move from gig to gig to a VW Kombi or similar van. Exterior design is reflected inside with VW's typically austere and functional instrumentation. While some people movers such as the Kia have eight seats, the VW has acres of cabin room for seven large adults and greater luggage space. It also comes with long dual sliding doors and a massive tailgate that makes loading luggage and people effortless. Sliding floor rails allow the two second row seats to be moved separately and rotated 180 degrees and the third row bench seat also moves forward and back for maximum versatility.DRIVINGIt leaps off the line with surprising acceleration and a slight chirp of the front wheels. Drivers will also find it turns into corners with startling agility and very little need to deploy the electronic stability program. The engineers can only go so far in counteracting the laws of physics on a tall van, so rapid swerving to avoid an object at speed can cause massive body wobbles. Still, it's responsive and agile for a big van and also very quiet even though the driver is almost sitting over the engine. Doors open and close with a solid clunk and the whole vehicle feels like it could hit a brick wall and come away in better shape.VERDICTForget about the looks. This is a practical van with loads of space, a flexible seating arrangement and now a good balance of power and economy.Volkswagen MultivanPrice: $54,990-$71,990Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 51 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: N/ASpare: full-sizeEngine: 2-litre 4-cyl turbo, 150kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic; FWDBody: 4.8m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.9m (h)Weight: 2180kgThirst: 10.1L/100km; 236g/km CO2

My friends had spent barely minutes inspecting the massive Hyundai iMax before one decided “Now this is what you take when you go camping.” “No,” another disagreed. ”This is what you camp in when you go camping”.While that may be a bit of a stretch, the eight seater iMax’s carrying capacity certainly makes up for any of its other drawbacks. This barge-like beast isn’t the vehicle in which to nip down to the café strip for lunch, but if you want to transport large – or extended -- families, the iMax can accommodate without a whimper.The girth of this landbound passenger ship may seem intimidating – especially when you think about having to dock it. But if you need to cart extra people around, the iMax has the space and seats. Externally the van looks massive and there’s no disguising that, though the chrome radiator grille and tinted glass are a nice touch at dressing up the large body.Internally passengers in back are well cared for. Access to the back via two sliding doors and a sliding second row, sufficient legroom, cup holders, and roof-mounted adjustable air vents keep everyone happy. The second row seats are reversed, with the single seat on the driver side instead of the passenger, but with two doors, you can still get passengers in from the safety of the curb. A well-appointed dash, and wheel mounted volume controls lets the driver man the helm of cabin comfort. While the iMax is smooth sailing for transporting people, if you’re looking for a van to move precious cargo, you may want to look elsewhere. The seats don’t fold flat, and we couldn’t figure out why, as allowing them to would open the iMax to those seeking a van to move larger freight.The eight-seater could suit a large family on tour, but the height, width and bulk would keep this from being a practical, every day family van. The iMax leans more toward the commercial and small business buyer, rather than the family.The eight seater, automatic iMax diesel we tested is priced from $42,490 (a diesel, six-speed manual, and a petrol four-speed automatic are also available). That price tag gives you dual sliding doors, 16-in alloy wheels, USB audio input with iPod compatibility, Bluetooth, reverse sensing warning system, wheel mounted audio controls, dual zone air conditioning with pollen filter, roof-mounted air vents for passengers in back, and a boatload of luggage space with a cargo capacity of 842L.The four cylinder, five-speed automatic, 2.5-litre CRDi diesel iMax, has 125kW/441Nm, strong enough torque to cart around eight people and their luggage without much whingeing. Our drive around greater Sydney, including a couple heavy trips to the airport, found 13.0L/100km, though the official figure is 9.0L/100km.The iMax’s semi-bonnet design aids in crash protection and the four-channel, four-sensor ABS tries to keep you from needing it. The iMax gets a four-star ANCAP safety rating, with dual front SRS airbags, four-ring body structure with reinforced cross members and floor panels, and impact intrusion bars built into the front doors. Anti-lock brakes with electronic aids, stability and traction plus child safety door locks on sliding doors and child seat anchor points on second row seats all lend a hand in keeping you from harm.You don’t feel the size or weight of the vehicle through the steering wheel, and the turning circle is surprisingly smaller than you expect. The iMax has rear-wheel drive and though there is significant body roll on turns, it’s less noticeable when you have a full load, and the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension keep guests from getting jostled. The driver’s seat is comfortable and the height of the vehicle (1925mm) will give you a clear view over traffic, but good luck trying to fit inside low parking garages.When you do find a good spot, the reverse sensing warning system is indispensible, as without it, the length of the vehicle would require a telescope – possible the deep space Hubble -- to help you park. The iMax is a limited function van; but as long as you’re not moving large cargo that’s okay. Externally and internally, the iMax stays true to its calling – it’s a people mover that’s great for moving people - go figure.Hyundai’s diesel, automatic iMax shies from carrying large cargo, but for transporting people and luggage the iMax ticks all the boxes.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?Honda's Odyssey needs no introduction. It's the people mover you want when you don't want a people mover, courtesy of the fact it drives more like a car than any of its competitors.How much?Odyssey comes in two flavours. The Luxury as its name suggests is the more expensive of the two at $44,920 (but with sales the way they are we reckon you could probably bargain them down).What are competitors?Noteable competitors include the Kia Carnival, Chrysler's Grand Voyager, Hyundai iMax and of course the Toyota Tarago. Apart from the very van like iMax, they are all more expensive.What's under the bonnet?A 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine with 132kW of power and 218Nm of torque. It's hooked up to a five-speed automatic with paddle shifts.How does it go?Not bad. Lacks low down torque, but the tranny does a good job of harnessing the engine's output. Of course the more people you have aboard, the bigger dent it is going to put in this.Is it economical?Takes standard unleaded. With a 60-litre tank fuel consumption is rated at 8.9 litres/100km (we were getting 9.0).Is it green?Not bad. Scores 3.5 out 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius sets the benchmark with 5).Is it safe?Fitted with front, side and curtain airbags Odyssey scores four out of five stars for safety. Not bad but not as safe as it could be and more importantly should be.Is it comfortable?Comfort is one of the car's fortes. It's like a loungeroom in there.What's it like to drive?Snack to drive. The reversing camera is a bonus not just in terms of safety but also for making parking easier. At 4.8 metres however you have to be aware of its length and factor this into your cornering calculations.Is it value for money?Odyssey comes with a satellite navigation featuring USB connectivity with iPod integration, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, live traffic updates, SD card map updates, rear reversing camera and a DVD player as standard.Would we buy one?It would be very tempting if we were in the market for a seven-seater. It does what it does very well and is going to he heaps cheaper to run than a four wheel drive wagon  but lacks luggage space when all seven seats are in use. Wish they'd stop fooling with the styling which now carries too many embellishments. 

Having been cramped into several test car third rows, we approached the seven-seater Kia Rondo with fear for our legs. The Rondo doesn’t look any bigger than a normal wagon from the outside, so it couldn’t possibly fit seven people in comfort, right?So after (easily) flipping down the middle row, sliding it forward on (smooth) tracks, and climbing in back, we flinched - waiting for that painful moment when the second row is smashed back into our knees.It didn’t come. We blinked in surprise, happily moved our legs, and decided the Rondo deserves recognition as a roomy people mover.VALUEThe Kia Rondo 7 SLi sports a $31,390 price tag, bringing ABS, ESC, climate control air-conditioning, 17 inch alloy wheels, 6 way driver’s seat with lumbar support, iPod compatibility, active front headrests, leather seats, muti-function steering wheel with volume control and Bluetooth, heated electric outside mirrors, anti-theft immobiliser, battery saver, and roof rails.TECHNOLOGYOnce it gets in gear, the 2.0 L petrol engine Rondo has enough strength to take a full load uphill with 106kW of power and 189Nm of torque.Unfortunately getting the right gear takes a while as the transmission lets you down and leaves you wondering why there isn’t a fifth gear in this automatic, front-wheel drive wagon.  However it can carry a lot of stuff without fuel penalty. A weekend trip loaded with three adults, two surfboards, snorkel gear, luggage, and food delivered 9.1L/100km – not far off the official figure of 8.6L/10km.DESIGNIt’s not the belle of the ball but the Rondo still tries. While wagons aren’t known for their good looks, the chrome trim, ‘Schreyer’ grille, and the happy avoidance of the back-heavy look of other wagons makes the Rondo a belle in its own right. Internally it steps it up a notch as the leather interior gives you a suave welcome - unexpected in typically drab people movers. Large windows give plenty of visibility; making parking a breeze and give the wagon an airy feel.Storage is accessible and even the third row hasn’t been forgotten with cupholders and side storage conveniently located. The glove box and two air vents give the front passenger dash area the face of a depressed robot, but the vents in back keep the kids cool and content.As we found, the third row is roomier than you’d expect, since the second row seats can be locked forward or back, giving more legroom to either row as required. This flexibility lends the Rondo to the needs and growth spurts of an increasing family, or the variable leg lengths of a group of friends.It is easier to get to the third row via the driver side with only one seat needing to be flipped down for access. However, if you’re stuck on a busy road and need to get the kids in you can still slide up and get over the two seats on the passenger side with little extra effort.With the third row stored there is plenty of space in the boot, but when the seats are up luggage space is a problem. So a full load of both people and cargo is going to be tricky.SAFETYDriver and front passenger, curtain, and front side SRS airbags help the Rondo reach its four-star ANCAP rating. Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, front and rear side door impact beams, active front headrests, and child-proof rear door locks keep you and your six passengers feeling secure on the road.DRIVING“No, no, little Rondo… try again. Yes, that’s right. When we’re on the motorway we should be in fourth gear - not second.” The automatic hunts for the right gear like a teenager learning manual. Our ride was constantly interrupted as we felt required to encourage the Rondo to find the correct gear. Seeing as it only has four, it shouldn’t be that hard.If you’re looking for a vehicle that gives you plenty of pep on the motorway the Rondo will leave you disappointed. But if you’re driving family around city streets, the Rondo is great.Aside from the gearchanges, in nearly every other respect - steering, road grip and braking – the Rondo stepped up to the plate just fine. We just couldn’t get over the transmission. With flawless gearshifts in Kia’s Sportage, we know Kia can make a smooth automatic. It’d just be great to see it in the Rondo.VERDICTIf you’re looking for a people mover and don’t mind a rough transmission, the seven-seater Rondo SLi will get you around in surprising comfort.Kia Rondo 7 SLIPrice: from $31,390Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kmsEconomy: 8.6l/100km; 206g/km CO2Safety Equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBDCrash rating: four starsEngine: 4 cylinder, 2.0 litreOutputs: 106kW/189NmTransmission: four-speed Sports AutomaticDimensions: 4545mm (L); 1800mm (W); 1650mm (H); 2700mm (WB)Weight: 1598kgTyre: Size 225/50 R17. Alloy

There’s a lot to be said for designing a people mover that’s based on a cargo van. Hyundai’s iMax is a classic example of this.While the iMax may not have the sleek look of something like a Toyota Tarago or Chrysler Voyager it has so much more interior space that it can almost be seen as a small bus not a people mover.Hyundai’s generous warranty apply of five years or unlimited kilometres is much appreciated in those who are in the mortgage-paying, family-raising stage of their lives.Power and torque figures are a relatively standard 129kW at 6000rpm and 228Nm at 4200rpm. Standard features on the iMax include air conditioning with dual-zones and additional controls in the rear. The audio system has an MP3-compatible CD player with auxiliary input jack.On a practical note, the iMax has a semi-bonneted body, which is the best compromise between crash safety and interior volume.Safety gear includes dual front airbags and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Dual airbags are considered as a bare minimum by many buyers these days so Hyundai may have to up the ante soon.There’s enough toughness in the style of the Hyundai iMax to also make it appeal to those who may otherwise have bought an SUV or even a 4WD. Just look at its prominent bonnet, large mesh grille and big headlights that swoop a long way back. There’s no shortage of chrome in the front end.There are large sliding doors on both sides of the van, making for easy ingress and egress to the second row of seats. Getting into the back is a bit of a squeeze, though the easy sliding of the second row certainly minimises the effort.The first two rows of seats in the Hyundai can slide backwards and forwards to provide numerous combinations of legroom. The split in the second-row seat sees the single seat on the wrong side for Australia. So the easier to move seat is on the traffic side of the iMax rather than on the kerb side. Presumably this has been done as a cost saving design, and at just $39,990 plus on-road costs, the iMax CRDi is certainly light on the wallet.Hyundai iMax is capable of carrying eight adults in spacious comfort - typically, people movers carry four adults and three children unless you want to have crowded interior. When the back seats aren't in use the second-row seats slide right back to give a huge amount of limo-like leg space.Fuel consumption is about seven to nine litres per hundred kilometres on the open road and eight to eleven litres around town. Fill this Hyundai with eight people and motorway cursing means it’s consuming less than a litre of diesel for each person to travel 100 kilometres. Talk about low-cost travel.Even with a full complement of eight passengers, there is a surprising amount of space in the rear of the iMax for luggage. That’s partly thanks to a boot that’s deeper than that of an SUV with a differential under the floor, but also because it’s a boxy van back there, not a sleek people mover.Interior stowage space is good, with not one, but two, deep door pockets in each front door; single pockets in the rear sliding doors and rather shallow oddments areas beside the rearmost seats. There are drink holders beside each of the outboard seats.On the road the big Hyundai iMax people mover rides well and is generally stable. Its shape means it can be affected by strong side winds and the backwash of air from big trucks.The big Hyundai people mover we tested had a 2.5-litre common-rail turbo-diesel.It has a semi-commercial sound to it, not exactly a truck rattle, but there’s no doubt it’s a diesel at idle. Once up and cruising at a steady speed it’s more subdued in its note. Torque is strong and even with seven people in ‘our’ iMax we had no trouble keeping up with traffic or climbing hills.Transmission was by a five-speed automatic with tiptronic-type overrides in our test iMax, it works nicely in conjunction with the engine torque characteristics.Though the emphasis in the suspension setup is on comfort, handling isn’t too bad.There's good turn in and the iMax tracks nicely around corners providing you don’t tackle them at any sort of speed. If you do get cornering wrong understeer will knock the speed back to a sensible level. The Hyundai iMax is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in tight conditions thanks to a tight turning circle. However, it’s a big vehicle and can be challenging in underground carparks.

Not content with dominating the people mover market for almost a decade, Kia is again piling on the pressure.This time it's with a new diesel engine for its eight-seater Carnival and the effect is like a heart transplant in an ageing body.ENGINE AND MECHANICALThe new 2.2-litre turbodiesel might be smaller in capacity than its 2.9-litre predecessor but it produces more power and torque and is smoother, quieter and more responsive. Output is 143kW and 429Nm of torque, an increase of 7kW, but more importantly an 86Nm boost in pulling power.Add a six-speed automatic transmission, up from five, and the combination copes surprisingly well with the Carnival's beefy 2100kg plus body weight. And fuel use drops 3.7 per cent to a combined average of 8.1-litre/100km.PRICE AND EQUIPMENTPrices are up by at least $2400 over the previous diesel but the Carnival is still a class act in value for money. There are three versions: the Si at $44,900, the SLi at $50,190 and the Platinum at $56,190, all about $4000 more than the petrol versions but offset by a more flexible engine, lower running costs and higher resale value.Equipment on the Si includes six airbags (front, side and curtain), stability control, 16-inch alloy wheels, a temporary spare wheel, heated mirrors, cruise control, power windows including the rear quarters, single CD audio with MP3, USB and iPod, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls for cruise, audio and phone and roof rails.The SLi adds leather trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, electric sliding side doors, a rear camera and an auto-dimming mirror. The Platinum adds a sunroof, an electric tailgate, rear parking sensors, tri-zone climate control, six-disc audio and privacy glass.Rivals in the diesel class are few, notably the more van-like Hyundai iLoad, Ssangyong's oddly styled Stavic and the more expensive Volkswagen Caravelle/Multivan. In terms of space-per-dollar and features, the diesel Grand Carnival is hard to beat.DESIGNSeating is arranged 2-3-3, with bucket seats in the first and second rows and a rear bench that split-folds 60:40 flat to the floor. The middle seats can also be removed leaving a van-like load area.Styling remains similar in silhouette to the first Carnival and the interior trim is showing its age with plenty of hard grey plastic trim and still no centre three-point seat belt in the second row, and the back seats are lap belt only.DRIVINGBut it is big, versatile, practical and serviceable. The diesel engine delivers brisk take-off, strong mid-range response and relaxed cruising. The MacPherson strut front suspension and rear multi-link design are calibrated to carry up to eight people in comfort.As a result the ride is smooth and cushy on smooth roads but with some thump and shudder over broken edges. Handling is secure enough at normal speeds but it tends to lean and wallow when stretched over secondary roads.The brakes need a decent shove but are up to the task and the steering is light and easy to manage, although with a length of more than 5m, parking is a challenge.

Honda Odyssey is a practical vehicle that makes a lot more sense than the large SUVs that also seat seven. Odyssey doesn’t give its owner the feeling they can conquer the Simpson Desert, nor does it give a – completely inaccurate -- sense of being invincible. What it does offer is a smooth, quiet ride, good interior space and the sort of engineering with which the Japanese company has been associated for decades.DESIGNLower than some station wagons, the Odyssey has slim head- and tail-lights, a stylish grille and a longer than normal bonnet for this class. The roof tapers mildly down at the back to improve aerodynamics and therefore reduce fuel consumption.Odyssey’s interior is almost futuristic in its shape, with a sweeping-wave dash and instruments that sit in no fewer than four layers. The latter seems a bit over the top to us, but in this class where understatement tends to be the norm that’s perhaps no bad thing. A pleasing feature of the Honda Odyssey body is relatively slim A-pillars to give a better and safer view to the front-side, particularly on twisting roads.Large, spacious cabins are the whole reason for buying any people mover. Sit three tall adults behind one another Honda Odyssey and all have good legroom. However, those in the rearmost seat may be tight for headroom. Try it for yourself if teenagers may be riding back there.The secret to the interior space in this low-slung Honda is its low floor. Access to the rearmost seats is never easy in a vehicle of this type, but Honda does it better than most, with back doors that go as far backwards as possible, virtually touching the wheelarches, to create decent space.FIT-OUT AND EQUIPMENTThe latest Odyssey, the subject of this week’s road test, has a touch-screen satellite navigation system with live traffic updates, as well as integrated Bluetooth and steering wheel mounted audio controls. A reversing camera is a very useful safety feature for anyone, no-one more so than the family driver at whom this vehicle is aimed.All seven seats have lap/sash safety belts. Front, side and curtain airbags protect occupants in every row of seating. Boot space is quite good, but the amount of luggage space suffers if all seats are in use. This isn’t unusual in this class and SUVs can suffer more than most due to the need for an extra differential and driveshaft under the boot area.ENGINE AND MECHANICALPower comes from a four-cylinder 2.4-litre engine producing 132 kW of power and 218 Nm of torque. Engine performance is adequate rather than exciting, which is acceptable for a family wagon. If you're going to be carrying a lot of people, and driving in hilly areas you may find the Odyssey struggles at times.The V6 engine once offered in older generation Odyssey’s is no longer available as very few buyers were interested in paying the significant extra cost.The four-cylinder engine has been revised in the latest Odyssey and we found typical fuel consumption to be reasonably low. Expect to use about seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres in easy driving, and around eight to ten litres in suburban running. This number is likely to climb significantly if you use your Odyssey with a big load and/or in hilly conditions because of the engine’s relatively small size.DRIVINGRide comfort is almost car-like as a result of the low centre of gravity. On smooth to moderate roads we were most impressed by the quietness of the ride. Obviously the designers have put considerable emphasis on this important aspect of the latest iteration of the Odyssey. It’s almost limo-like to ride in.Road and tyre noise on coarse-chip was pleasingly low, meaning this family people mover can be used on rough backroads during weekends or holiday trips without overly tiring the occupants.HONDA ODYSSEYMODEL RANGEOdyssey 2.4-litre: $37,100 (automatic)Odyssey Luxury 2.4-litre: $44,920 (automatic)FEATURESABS Brakes: Standard in both modelsAutomatic Transmission: Standard in both modelsCruise Control: Standard in both modelsDual Front Airbags: Standard in both modelsFront Side Airbags: Standard in both modelsElectronic Stability Program: Standard in both modelsRear Parking Sensors: Standard in both modelsReversing Camera: Standard in LuxuryUSB/Auxiliary Audio Inputs: Standard in both modelsBluetooth: Standard in both modelsSteering Wheel Mounted Controls: Standard in both modelsENGINE:Capacity: 2.354 litresConfiguration: Four cylinders in lineHead Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinderCompression Ratio: 10.5:1Maximum Power: 132 kW @ 6500 rpmMaximum Torque: 218 Nm @ 4500 rpmDRIVELINE:Driven Wheels: FrontManual Transmission: Not offeredAutomatic Transmission: Five-speedFinal Drive Ratio: 4.437:1DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:Length: 4810 mmWheelbase: 2830 mmWidth: 1800 mmHeight: 1545 mmTurning Circle: 10.8 metresKerb Mass: 1645 kgFuel Tank Capacity: 60 litresBoot Capacity: 259 litres (708 litres with rear seats lowered)Towing Ability: 450 kg (1000 kg with braked trailer)SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:Front Suspension: Independent, double wishbone, coils springsRear Suspension: Independent, double wishbone, coils springsFront Brakes: Ventilated discRear Brakes: DiscFUEL CONSUMPTION:Type: Petrol 91RONCombined Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.9 L/100kmGREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:Greenhouse Rating: 6/10Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10STANDARD WARRANTY:Three years/100,000 km

Peoplemovers have never been particularly fashionable, they're the ugly ducklings of the motoring world, but there's no denying their practicality when it comes to family transport.There's plenty of reasons to consider buying a peoplemover, particularly one like the Honda Odyssey, instead of an SUV. Honda had done its level best with the Odyssey to make the peoplemover sexy and rid it of the old image of a converted van as most once were. Compared to other peoplemovers the Odyssey is quite a stylish vehicle, it really doesn't evoke images of a delivery van at all. For a family of five or more it makes a lot of sense.The 2009 Odyssey was the result of an extensive makeover, with a new body, improved safety, and better performance and fuel economy. Under the sleek new skin the mechanical platform was basically the same as the previous model. Honda offered two models, the well-equipped entry-level model and the Luxury, which came with leather and a host of other neat features. All it lacked was a parking aid, which would have been a welcome addition in a vehicle of its type. With just 2.4 litres doing the work the Honda is no fireball in the road, but has enough grunt to make for a smooth, comfortable drive with sufficient get and go to get the job done.The five-speed auto is smooth and well matched to the engine. On the road the suspension is supple and delivers a comfortable ride while still giving the feeling that it's clamped to the road. The secret to the Odyssey has always been its comfortable, flexible cabin, which is more like a car than a van. It seats up to seven and the seats can be slid, folded and removed to create the perfect space for your family.IN THE SHOPA Honda specialist mechanic once bemoaned to me that he wished he had of done his apprenticeship on another make as it was tough making a living out of Hondas when they rarely broke down.His mate, who's done his apprenticeship on another make, a German one, was making a nice living from fixing the cars he chose to specialise in. It's not a guarantee that Hondas don't, or won't, break down, but it is testament to their overall level of reliability. They need to be well maintained and service according to the book, but if they are you should enjoy a good run out of them.The Odyssey is no exception. As the Odyssey is primarily aimed at families check the cabin closely for the things that happen when kids are transport, things like stained and torn trim, broken hardware etc. Also look for damage from incidental contact with the scenery because of the lack of parking aids.IN A CRASHWith front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, ABS braking the Odyssey is well equipped to handle a crunch. ANCAP gave it a four-star tick when it was tested.UNDER THE PUMPThe 2.4-litre engine has to work quite hard to propel the Odyssey, but even so it's quite a frugal unit, with a claimed average of 8.9 L/ 100 km. Carsguide recorded an average of 10.1 L/100 km when testing the stylish wagon, and that might be closer to real life reality.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $41,990 to $47,990Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 132 kW/218 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, FWDEconomy: 8.9 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: Base and LuxurySafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTStylish, comfortable, efficient, and sensible means of transporting a family.

Choosing the right vehicle to suit your growing family's needs is always difficult, particularly because the car that makes the most sense is the one you least want to drive.Once, family choices were limited to a sedan and wagon, mostly of the big Holden, Ford variety, but today there's a myriad choices that can have you scratching your head trying to decide.Most families today opt for a big four-wheel drive wagon or an SUV, but they really aren't the best bet for a family that extends beyond mum, dad and a couple of kids.For larger families there's no question that the best choice is a people-mover. Even then there's a range of makes and models to choose from and you have to decide if a big model, like the Kia Grand Carnival, is needed or if you can get away with a compact model, such as the Kia Rondo.Kia claimed the Rondo was unique in the market, a new concept it trumpeted, but was it really so new?Not really, Holden beat it to the punch some years ago with the Zafira and if you looked a little further into the past you'd find the Daihatsu Pyzar.Like the Zafira the Rondo was based on a medium-sized passenger car platform, in Kia's case the Magentis.It was a four-door wagon with seven seats that came in three models, the base LX, the EX and range-topping EX-L. The LX came with a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic if you were prepared to part with an extra $2000. It was standard with air-conditioning, 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors and windows.In the middle of the range the EX also had steering wheel-mounted audio controls, roof rails, fog lamps, 17-inch alloys, upgraded cloth seats and a four-speed automatic was standard. The range-topping EX-L boasted a sunroof, leather trim, and climate control air-conditioning.Although the Rondo was sold as a people-mover it wasn't a huge mothership like some peoplemovers, it was little longer than a regular hatchback, which made it easier to handle in the rough and tumble of the school run.Despite its compact dimensions it was deceptively large inside, with the second and third rows of seats able to be slid back and forth to accommodate all passengers relatively comfortably. The only downside is that once all passengers are in and comfortable there isn't much room left to carry anything behind the third seat.Rondo shared its engines and gearboxes with the Magentis, and the extra kaygees of a full load tends to dull the performance of the 2.0-  litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, and the four-speed auto, the choice of most Rondo owners, was also a limitation.IN THE SHOP Like Hyundai before it Kia was once looked upon as a cheap-and-cheerful model from Korea and not to be taken too seriously by all but the cash-strapped among us. That's changed, and how, with the new Rio recently voted Carsguide Car of the Year, and deservedly so.Kia has got its act together and its cars are no longer derided for being unreliable and lacking in durability. Carsguide gets very few complaints about the Rondo, which suggests there's little to be concerned about when shopping for a used example.Even better, the 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is still in effect. To cash in the warranty the vehicle must have been serviced by the book, so it's important to make sure the required servicing has been done. Also check for the usual signs of dodgy crash repairs, mismatching paint, drooping doors, wobbly panel gaps.IN A CRASH Rondo scrubs up quite well on the safety front, with four ticks from ANCAP, based on front airbags across all models, and side airbags on the EX and EX-L. All models, including the base LX, had ABS braking and stability control.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $26,990-$31,990 Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 106 kW/189 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed autoEconomy: 8.4-8.6 L/100 kmBody: 4-door wagonVariants: LX, EX, EX-L Safety: 4-star ANCAP