THE MINI MPV FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 108

Amid a welter of same-old mini-MPVs, the Honda Stream stands out like a beacon. Not for its looks as it's a fairly low-key thing, more for its driving characteristics. Think of it as a mini-MPV for people who resent having to buy one and you're a little closer to hitting the nail on the head. Unless the responsibilities of parenthood have flattened every ounce of mischievousness from your system, chances are you'll love the way the Stream drives. With used models now beginning to filter onto the market in meaningful numbers, the concept of seven seats and a good time have just become that little bit more affordable.

Modelsword count: 11

Models Covered: 5dr Mini-MPV 1.7, 2.0 petrol (S, SE, SE Sport)

Historyword count: 72

The Honda Stream was introduced in April 2001 following a hiatus of a year in Honda's mini-MPV production. With the Shuttle a distant memory, the Stream attracted a whole new raft of plaudits. Three models were available, a 123bhp 1.7-litre version in either S or SE trim and a rip snorting 154bhp variant in SE Sport trim. Both were fitted with Honda's VTEC engine technology and both were a hoot to drive.

What You Getword count: 374

At first, the Stream doesn't promise too much. Settle in behind the wheel and you're greeted by reassuringly familiar Honda controls, a decent driving position that's different to many of the sit up and beg mini-MPV offerings and good all round visibility. The gear lever sprouts from the fascia like a hastily-buried dalek, but it works surprisingly well. Sporty though? Not a bit of it. There aren't any racy spoilers, liquorice strip low profile tyres or body hugging sports seats on display. The lines are neat, if slightly anonymous. Drop into the driver's seat and, again, there seems little to get excited about. You're greeted by reassuringly familiar Honda controls, a decent driving position that's different to many of the sit up and beg mini-MPV offerings and good all round visibility. The gear lever sprouts from the fascia like a hastily buried dalek, but it works surprisingly well. Sporty though? Not a bit of it. And that, in many ways is the sheer genius of the Stream. It will appeal to those who appreciate a sporty drive but need the practicality. They can have a car that's secretly something of a funster without being accused of being the oldest swinger in town. For convenience sake, let's imagine you're transporting six ankle biters to a football match. The Stream can easily accommodate the seating requests, although you may need to insist they share a towel and the half-time orange as six lots of bulky kit bags would have to find alternate travel arrangements. Yes, the Stream is a proper seven-seater, but how viable is the whole seven-seat scenario if you can't transport the allied paraphernalia with you? It's something of a moot point, but one that Vauxhall, Honda and Peugeot seem to have ignored. The seating is well planned, if not quite so smugly clever as is the case with the Zafira. Not that you'll mind unduly as the rearmost row of seats is easy to fold flat, giving you a very convenient five door with acres of carrying capacity. Standard features include air conditioning, twin front and side airbags and anti-lock brakes beefed up by electronic brakeforce distribution. You'll also find an electric sunroof, powered windows and door mirrors on the standard equipment list.

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