BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 23rd Jul 2003
STILL old-fashioned in looks with a boxy shape and extended nose. Front-wheel drive powered by a 2.4-litre, 16-valve, carburettor- equipped engine driving through five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Power steering was an option.
NISSAN SERENA 2D WAGON (1992-1995)
MODERN body design in the Tarago/MPV mould but with the smallest engine in the group - a 1998cc, fuel-injected, twin cam, 16-valve four. The engine drives the rear wheels through a choice of four-speed auto or five-speed manual. Standard features include central locking, power front windows, power-operated mirrors and radio/cassette.
MAZDA MPV 4D WAGON (1993-1996)
CLEARLY the best performer of the group with a forward- mounted, fuel-injected, 3.0-litre V6 engine driving the rear wheels. Transmission is automatic only. Swing out doors differ from the sliding versions of the others. A car-like feel on the road and plenty of extras including anti-lock brakes, air- conditioning/climate control, central locking, power steering, windows and mirrors, and radio/cassette.
VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE BUS (1984-1992)
A GROWN-UP version of the old Kombi. The carburettor-equipped, 2.0-litre motor drives the rear wheels through a five-speed manual box - no auto available. Seats seven with heaps of extra room for luggage. Somewhat dated styling compared to the Tarago and MPV.