PEOPLE-MOVERS

1ST - Citroën C4 Picasso HDi auto
The most elegant people-mover on the planet is less engaging to drive than either Toyota’s Tarago or Mitsu’s Grandis, thanks mainly to poor ride quality and a perpetually confused auto transmission. It was also outsold by the second-placed Tarago an incredible 25 to one in June this year (Tarago, 539 units; C4 Picasso, 21 units). However, the C4 Picasso offers supreme interior flexibility and comfort, and ‘feel good’ concessions against the Tarago’s whitegoods-spec design brief. Sharp pricing ($12K under Tarago), better fuel cost from the diesel, and the full safety kit nudged the Toyota into second — by a slim margin of just one percentage point.

2ND - Toyota Tarago GLX V6 (auto)
Good dynamics and decent poke from the V6 make the Tarago a strong contender … if you can cop the price, which makes both other podium-finishers seem downright cheap. Full safety kit makes good sense in light of Tarago’s intended cargo. Thirstier than diesel Picasso.



3RD - Mitsubishi Grandis VRX (auto)
Polarising looks and strong dynamics, but 2.4 four-potter thirstier even than V6 Tarago, despite considerably lower outputs. Absence of stability control means Grandis can’t compete with the other pair on safety, but five-year warranty a real plus for ‘term of lease’ owners.