And so, after four months and 6,000 trouble-free miles, we bid goodbye to our long-term test Kia Sedona 2.9 CRDi LS.

The latest generation of the Korean carmaker’s MPV has been rated highly by almost all of the AM team. Certainly those of us with children and associated paraphernalia to transport have been huge fans.

The seating is supportive, driving position and visibility are both very good. Relaxation is aided by the positioning of the dash-mounted gears, although the ’box itself would undoubtedly benefit from a sixth gear.

Head, leg and shoulder room is generous for all passengers, even those in the rearmost seats.

The looks are an improvement over the previous generation Sedona, but are still behind the competition. The Renault Espace, Citroën C4 Grand Picasso and Ford Galaxy are leagues ahead aesthetically. Even the less than stunning Peugeot 807 sits above the Korean-designed Sedona in the MPV beauty pageant stakes.

The main grumble concerns fuel economy: covering 260 miles of short and medium distance journeys over the Christmas period, our Sedona managed to return 23.6mpg. It’s some way off the claimed combined figure of 36.2mpg.

Yet despite these shortcomings the Sedona leaves the AM fleet having made a positive impression. On balance it is an extremely capable alternative to the bigger brands’ offerings.

Price: £19,495
Engine: 2.9-litre diesel: 182bhp @ 3,800rpm, 253lb ft @ 1,750-3,500rpm
Efficiency: 23.6mpg (actual), 36.2mpg (manufacturer figures)
Start mileage: 6,069
Current mileage: 9,205
Test period: September-January
CAP RV 3yr/30k: £7,550 (39%)
CAP RV 3yr/60k: £6,325 (33%)
Likes: Space, dash-mounted gears, relaxed cruising, electronic doors, rear parking sensors, DVD, practicality
Dislikes: Lack of cruise control, no sixth gear, limited cabin storage, removing and installing rear seats tricky, fuel consumption