53: Citroen C4 Picasso – the classic French family car

The French just have an innate understanding of family cars, and that really comes through in Citroën’s C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso.

They understand that it’s not about impressing the neighbours with a big, shiny Teutonic badge, nor about Nurburging laptimes, but about providing a big, comfortable, welcoming space for those journeys that would otherwise drain your mental and physical resources.

So whether it’s a school run or a long haul, the Picasso’s airy cabin, big seats, decent cabin quality, big, attractive display screens, and general mien of comfort really do help.

It’s not perfect - the handling is too distant for any enjoyment, the infotainment system is fiddly, and the build quality doesn’t feel quite as good as Volkswagen’s, but as a way to transport you and your kids happily about the place, it does take some beating.