Citroen Nemo Multispace

Citroen Nemo Multispace

Average. Quirky looks won't be to everyone's taste but the Nemo Multispace is a practical and robust alternative to a conventional MPV.

If you think the Citroen Nemo Multispace looks familiar - and let's face it, it doesn't have a face you'd forget in a hurry - then it'll probably have something to do with the fact that it's a close relation of the equally quirky Fiat Qubo.

Based on its Nemo van counterpart, the Multispace shares its underpinnings with Fiat's Grande Punto, which should mean it's a decent drive. At first glance you're not likely to love the way it looks, its protruding front bumper giving it a Leslie Ash-style 'trout pout' and a profile that is definitely more van-like than car.

However, its shape does have benefits, providing decent headroom for front and rear passengers, while there's up to 2,500 litres of loadspace if the seats are removed. The seats can also be folded down flat, as well as tipped forwards to form a bulkhead behind the front seats, depending on the amount of space required.

The Nemo Multispace's simple and unfussy interior has been designed for practicality, so the dash is made up of hard solid-feeling plastics and an easy-to-clean plastic floor runs along the length of the car. Large windows also give the cabin a light and airy feel.

There's also plenty of adjustment for the driver and a dash-mounted gearstick to give it a more car-like driving experience.

The Nemo is predictably van-like to drive, though. Tighter corners are generally dealt with well and, despite a slight struggle with body roll, it feels surprisingly composed: there's just a touch of understeer on the limit, though. Unfortunately, a choppy ride undermines all the good work, the suspension struggling to cope with any road surfaces that are less than perfect.

The Nemo Multispace is available with a choice of two engines; a 1.4 petrol unit producing 75bhp or a 1.4 HDi diesel generating 70bhp. The diesel officially returns 62.8mpg and the petrol is good for 42.2mpg. Both engines need working hard to coax much power from them: they're capable of propelling the car at a steady 75mph cruise on the motorway but it takes a while to get there - 0-62mph takes 16.6 seconds (petrol) and 18.2 seconds (diesel).

The Nemo Multispace is currently available for £2,000 less than its list price under the government's scrappage incentive scheme, which could make it a tempting alternative for those looking to buy an MPV.