REGULAR readers of the road test page will know that I don't like off-roaders or any sort of cross-over/SUV/MPV vehicle (BMW's excellent X5 being a notable exception).

I wish to add to this list that I don't like people carriers. Their high centre of gravity is the perfect antidote to enthusiastic driving and whenever I get behind the wheel of one, I feel as though I'm in a van.

So I have made a vow. If I am fortunate enough to meet a nice lady and get married, I am not going to have any more than two children. If I am blessed with two Kirk juniors, I shall wheel myself off to the local vasectomy clinic and have the snip. That way I can ensure I don't have to buy a people carrier to cart my family and their bits and pieces around.

But for any of your drivers who do have a large family, there is plenty of choice in the market for seven-seater people carriers, ranging from the established Ford Galaxy/SEAT Alhambra/Volkswagen Sharan triumvirate to the new Honda Stream, Chrysler Voyager, Vauxhall's clever Zafira and the new Toyota Avensis Verso.

All offer flexible seating arrangements (seven seats and not much luggage room being the standard issue) and most offer excellent diesel engines to help your drivers cut their tax bills come next April (the Honda Stream is not available in diesel so it cannot be included).