SecondHandSense/Honda FR-V:Like the four-wheel-drive, the MPV, or multi-purpose vehicle, is a well-established part of today's car market. Given their popularity, it seems ironic that the shortcomings of MPVs are often overlooked, or forgotten. Their handling is usually poor and their ride often unimpressive, but the most obvious problem with them - and this is critical considering the needs of the buyers they are aimed at - is their often lamentable boot space.
The car industry's response to this criticism is usually to point out that seats can be removed or adjusted. But who has the time or energy to do this when trying to control a bunch of children or loading a trolley full of shopping, or both ?
But the bottom line is that people like them. They see them as being different to standard cars, more practical and quite often they see them as safer. Whatever their reasons, they buy them in big numbers. It is a pity, therefore, that more people have not been exposed to extremely well-designed MPVs, such as the Fiat Multipla and the Honda FR-V (Family Recreational Vehicle). We have looked at the former in a previous column but a recent passing acquaintance with an FR-V reminded us of what a truly clever car it is.
For a start, Honda and Fiat opted for a six-seat layout instead of seven. Almost every conceivable seating requirement is catered for without adjustment and the boot space is very generous. The layout is clever, with great floor space and a dashboard-mounted gearshift. There is an uncluttered feel about the car and the large window area makes it bright and inviting inside.
And you don't get seats that are limited to accommodate only small bottoms. It is also much easier to get in and out of than many MPVs, but then some people like the idea of climbing up into a car. Quite why I'm not sure - it is probably that secure feeling they say they get about four-wheel-drives too.
The FR-V drives well, and is comfortable in all driving conditions. It's not hard to park in the city, and is at home on the open road. It did not sell well here, due to a combination of styling and pricing. There are not even that many for sale on the second-hand market and many of those that are on offer are actually second-hand Japanese imports. That will explain the engine options available - 1.6-litre, 1.7-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines, and all of them are good.
The car scored a four-star rating (out of a possible five) and did not achieve the higher rating because of "quite poor" child protection. The FR-V does not have a recall record for major faults, as one would expect of Honda.
An Irish-registered 2005 FR-V with lots of equipment, such as air conditioning, multiple air bags, metallic paint and CD player, and with 29,000 kilometres on the clock is on offer for almost €22,000. An imported one registered in 2004 and with no stated mileage, is priced at €20,950.
FOR:Versatile MPV with car-like qualities AGAINST:Does not have a reassuring crash test result