With an active family to keep on the move normal cars just didn’t seem big enough – so we found ourselves in the people carrier market, writes Robin from Shrewsbury.

It wasn’t long before we discovered that so-called ‘people carriers’ might fit a couple of extra bodies in but really were no bigger than our Peugeot estate. Not enough room for all of us and our kit.

So an obvious candidate was the VW Caravelle. It seemed to be just the thing for us – practical, reliable, good build quality and lots of space.

We managed to hunt down a reasonable example from a trekking company which cleaned up quite nicely, and with the addition of a roof rack, was ready for duty (we really do have a lot of stuff and the big roof area was another plus point for us).

So far we’ve been really pleased with it and it has transported the five of us, six bicycles, a Canadian canoe and occasional guests to the Lake District, Scotland, Amsterdam, Germany and even to the shops and work.

While it seems pretty big it’s only a few inches longer and wider than our old estate. We also chose a model with good spec, so we have six seats with three-point belts and just two with lap belts.

There’s air con in the front and back – Summer motorway jams on the way back from Cornwall converted us to the need for this luxury!

Sliding doors at the back are great for the children and for tight parking. I’ve actually managed to get in spaces normal cars turn their slim-line noses up at, being able to walk into the back and out via the magic doors on runners.

The seating is not quite as versatile as something like an Espace, but with all the space you really don’t need too many options.

Only the middle row of seats are quick-release and the middle of these doubles as a table. The rear seats fold down though and really that’s been enough for us.

On the downside, getting bikes onto the roof can be a challenge, as can cleaning the roof.

Also, parts are pretty pricey – although the local VW staff (the commercial guys not the snooty car folk!) have been excellent.

Surprisingly for a vehicle this size, the economy has been pretty good. While we haven’t measured it accurately there has been no obvious increase in fuel bills.

All in all I’d highly recommend the ‘bus’ for largish active families, not just private hire companies.

It’s easy and relaxing to drive and it’s great fun!

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