It had common sense by the bootload but a sad lack of charisma. Buyers are not naive enough to be totally bowled over by fuss and frills but they do like their cars to be interesting – hence the 2007 facelift for the Touran.

The overall, boxy shape has not changed much but it has a stylish new face, lights, bumpers and grille, which will improve the image no end.

There are also plenty of other changes which are not obvious on the outside but add to the family friendliness and general appeal.

VW has upgraded the equipment levels, given it new trim and materials inside and added more safety features including front, side AND head airbags.

There is also a new engine lineup with two petrol units and four diesel. Forecasts show that more than 85 per cent of Touran's buyers will opt for one of the diesel engines and enjoy the benefits of 45mpg-plus fuel consumption.

The range starts at under £15,000 for the 1.6 litre S level petrol model. The cheapest diesel is about a thousand pounds more and for the top of the range, with a 170 bhp two-litre engine and automatic transmission, you will have to find £23,310.

None of them exactly hang around but the more powerful of the diesels are the best value and they have the mid-range pull that it essential for family load carriers.

A downside is that the diesels are quite noisy but with VW's effective sound insulation it is well suppressed and not a problem inside the cabin.

The new Touran is a sevenseater and with all seats in position luggage space has to be sacrificed. With the sixth and seventh seats folded down it is a different story and there is more than enough space for most family needs.

It is also easy to load – people and luggage – and the seats can be re-arranged into dozens of variations.

Either way, all the human passengers have a generous amount of leg, head and shoulder room and a good all round view of the outside world; but the driver might find the broad front pillars are a potential blind spot.

All of the materials are top quality, well put together and it feels like a solid, well made car that will survive the demands of family life.

Thanks to the VW badge, it will also hold its value well, which is another bonus for buyers with an eye to the future.

The ride is quite firm but it handles well and is a pleasant, well-behaved car to drive.

The interior is still a bit bland but everything is well thought out
and all of the models are generously kitted out with equipment. The list includes cruise control, heated door mirrors, cup holders and folding tables, reading lights, electric windows, air conditioning and
roof rails and there are nearly 40 different storage compartments and cubby holes to keep everything neat and tidy.

The Sport version has extras including rear parking sensor, electronic
climate control and sports seats.

It is a good car made even better and hopefully it will now get the credit it deserves.

The West Norfolk dealership is King's Lynn Volkswagen, at North
Lynn.