Customers considering a B-segment MPV want space, ease of entry and compact dimensions. Increasingly nowadays, they also want a bit of style. Kia Venga certainly has the first three qualities. However, the fourth isn’t an instant win. It’s a car whose appeal grows on you.

Overall it has plenty of weapons to fight its corner in its market segment. In this 2 trim level buyers get electric mirrors, air-con, alloy wheels and MP3 connectivity. Other enticements include Venga’s five-star EuroNCAP rating and seven-year warranty, plus a boot space easily expandable to 570 litres thanks a foldaway deck and rear seats which slide forward when passenger legroom isn’t the priority.

The 89bhp petrol engine takes a little stirring, but is fine for this suburban runabout and is reasonably frugal. And with Venga being just over four metres from nose to tail, parking is no great concern.

At £12,695, it’s not cheap. But it is competitive.

Price: £12,695

Rivals: Citroën C3 Picasso, Nissan Note