The return of the minibus is upon us - only these days they're badged as a new take on an MPV.
Okay, so minibuses haven't actually gone away, but from Volkswagen's Caravelle to the Mercedes Viano, there are quite a few MPVs that bear more than a passing resemblance to what might once have been .
Anyone who drove a minibus back in the 70s or 80s would bear testament to the fact it was a little like getting behind the wheel of a 2 1/2 ton truck.
But all that has changed with the HYUNDAI I800, which has the kind of car-like characteristics minibus designers must once have dreamed of.
It's bigger than a standard saloon, or even a large SUV for that matter, but you soon get used to these larger dimensions and it is not at all difficult to drive, or even park in a supermarket space.
The HYUNDAI I800 offers smooth and slick gear changes via a lever that is conveniently close at hand on the dash.
Unlike a seven-seater, the HYUNDAI I800 goes one better by offering eight in considerable comfor t. The centre row of three seats can be moved forward and back to offer the kind of legroom one might encounter in a limousine. Moved forward it enables legroom for those passengers in the third row to be increased.
Whatever way you want to arrange the seating, there's still a massive amount of boot space (851 litres) - arguably enough for eight sets of luggage.
However before you rush out and place your order, enthusiasm should be tempered by the fact the HYUNDAI I800 doesn't go round corners like a Subaru Impreza.
To put it politely, handling is not one if its strong points due to it being based on a van. While its general ease to drive is a selling point, there is a risk of complacency and I found myself getting caught out once or twice when cornering a little too quickly.
Thankfully I didn't have eight passengers at the time. Perhaps best of all, the HYUNDAI I800 has a price tag of just under £20,000, which makes it very good value for money. The extra equipment is generous too.
Facts and figures
HYUNDAI I800 2.5 CRDI STYLE PRICE: £19,830
MECHANICAL: 168bhp, 2,497cc, four-cylinder diesel engine driving rear wheel via five-speed manual gearbox
MAX SPEED: 112mph 0-62MPH: 14.5 seconds
COMBINED MPG: 33.2
INSURANCE GROUP: 14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 225g/km
BIK RATING: 35%
WARRANTY: Five years/unlimited mileage