The new Grand C4 Picasso was chosen by Carbuyer because of its running costs, comfort, practicality, reliability and safety, as well as its new technologies, value-for-money and optional extras.

It took the Best Seven-Seater prize in the Carbuyer Best Car Awards which isn’t bad for a vehicle which goes back almost 18 years.

It was something of a trendsetter when it was first the Xsara Picasso people carrier last century and now has become an ultra-practical family car recognised for its superior comfort and innovative technologies, alongside a spacious and versatile interior.

Ten years ago it was rebadged as the C4 Picasso and there have been a number of changes and alterations over the years to what you get these days.

Stuart Milne, editor at Carbuyer, said; “Citroën’s Grand C4 Picasso looks great - but that beauty is more than skin deep.

“It's such a well thought-out car, with plenty of glass giving a light and airy feel inside.

“There's plenty of space for seven, and with touches such as three ISOFIX mounting points, it's perfectly designed for family life. It's just as good out on the road, with a wide range of engines as well as a comprehensive range of safety equipment meaning your family will stay safe should the worst happen.”

These words were music to the ears of the Citroen bosses and Chris Cheetham, Citroën UK’s Marketing Director, said: “The awards just keep coming for this great family car and that’s because it really is the best vehicle in its class.

“Following the Best MPV award from Auto Express earlier this year, we are honoured to be able to add the accolade of Carbuyer Best Seven-Seater 2017 to the list.

“This award is testament to our design and engineering teams, and is evidence that style doesn’t need to lose out to practicality.”

Auto Express gave the Picasso five stars and they don’t give the Big Five without serious investigation.

They said the C4 Picasso was a fine example of Citroen doing MPVs well and it was one of the most spacious and economical mid-sized people carriers on the market.

They also said it was also an interesting looking car with a futuristic interior with a new look and the latest in-car tech.

Can’t disagree with a word.

On the road there is an all round vision which is perfect and with the all the space which is available to you, you might even want to go and take all the young relations out for the day. But then perhaps not.

There are a variety of petrol and diesel engines including one which has a small, three-cylinder petrol turbo which gives you low running costs and strong performance.

Auto Express rated it as a great little engine which has Citroen’s S&S stop/start system as standard. It's now also available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Handling is pretty good considering this is quite a large vehicle and it is comfortable on long distances. It is not the fastest out of the traps but this is not the sort of vehicle you want bags of speed from.

On the economic front one of the models will give you more than 70 miles to the gallon while the least economic does more 50 miles to the gallon which is refreshing these days as the prices seem to be going up and up.

There is a host of storage spaces like cubbyholes, deep floor bins and drawers under the seats plus 12V power supply and USB socket. Top-spec models get individual climate controls in the rear, built-in roller blinds in the back doors and an extra conversation mirror that allows the driver and front passenger to keep an eye on children seated behind them. Also included are picnic tables that fold out of the front seatbacks.

Boot space can be extended from 537 to 630 litres by sliding the rear bench forward, while folding the seats down presents a completely flat load area and a vast, 1,851-litre capacity. The boot light also doubles as a neat, hand-held rechargeable torch.

The Citroen C4 Picasso comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty.