FIT FOR ALL THE FAMILY.

ANY family vehicle that costs under pounds 10,000 and returns over 40mpg is enough to attract the attention of most budget-conscious motorists and Citron has responded to this with the Nemo Multispace.

This is a follow up to the Berlingo Multispace, the car that was instrumental in introducing value MPVs to the UK and, like its Berlingo cousin, the Nemo Multispace is based on a van platform.

Nemo is the small van that has given the Citron range a powerful boost in recent times and its Multispace version is one of the key factors in attracting motorists to trade in old cars under the new scrappage scheme..

My test car was the basic 1.4i with a pricetag of pounds 9,995 on the road which means that with a scrappage deal it can be had for pounds 7,995. There are more expensive versions, but it is the basic 1.4i petrol that is attracting a lot of attention.

Offered in one trim level only, the Nemo Multispace appeals to drivers looking for a simple vehicle with functionality and space for the whole family. Functional does not mean this fun vehicle does not lack creature comforts because its specification includes remote central locking, electric windows, power steering, split rear seats, four airbags, trip computer and even 'guide me home' lights fitted as standard.

The styling embodies much common sense including an excellent expanse of glass for allround visibility and large door mirrors inherited from its van cousin. Twin sliding doors in the rear provide easy, wide access for passengers, even in restricted locations, meaning that young children alighting from the vehicle don't bang a door into any car parked alongside.

Although designed for an urban environment, the Nemo Multispace is equally suited to motorway driving with smooth long-distance running capabilities and excellent fuel economy.

The 1.4 engine gives enough power to make the Multispace lively even under full load.

And if you need to increase the 360-litre boot volume, it goes up to 890-litres with rear seats folded or a massive 2,500-litres with the rear seats completely removed. This is also one one of the handiest vehicles to park because of its small exterior dimensions (3.96m long and 2.02m wide) and a sub 10-metre turning circle.

All in all, the Nemo Multispace is very much a car of its time. It offers the optimum in space, performance and price on a small platform.

FAST FACTS n MODEL: Citron Nemo Multispace 1.4i n PRICE: pounds 9,995 n MECHANICAL: 75bhp,.1,360cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.

n MAX SPEED: 96mph; 0-62mph: 16.2 seconds n COMBINED MPG: 42.2 n INSURANCE GROUP: 2 n CO2 EMISSIONS: 157g/km n BIK RATING: 17% n WARRANTY: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles ROAD TEST Citroen Nemo Multispace