The cabin of the Meriva hasn’t dated well and it looks and feels unsophisticated compared to similar small people carriers. The design is drab and the button layout on the centre console is poor with the heating and ventilation controls placed too low down. The driving position is quite awkward too – not helped by the lack of adjustment in the steering column while the materials used on the dash and seats feel cheap.

Rear visibility is good which helps when parking, but the forward view is hampered by the windscreen pillars.

Racing seat specialists, Recaro, supplied the highly-supportive front seats which look and feel great. The rear, features the same seating flexibility as other Meriva models. The three-seat rear bench slides on rails to increase leg room or boot space and the seat backs can be reclined. It can be converted into two individual seats which can slide inwards, for increased shoulder room.

The car’s tall design means interior space is plentiful although it does force you to adopt a rather upright driving position. This is further encouraged by a steering column that adjusts for height but not for length – with a laid back position you can’t reach the wheel.