1. Renault Grand Scenic 1.6 dCi 130 S/S

Claimed: 64.2mpg. Real: 56.1mpg

By the standards of these things, a discrepancy of 8mpg is pretty good. Renault can hold their heads up for making a big seven-seater that really can better 56mpg. Decent spec, decent discounts – that all adds up.

2. Toyota Prius + 1.8 VVT-I Hybrid

Claimed: 68.9mpg. Real: 55.0mpg

You gain green credentials if that’s important to you, as well as automatic transmission. You also gain a fair bit of space. It’s an expensive choice, and it’s interesting that it’s the only hybrid to make it on our Top 10. You’d expect more would wouldn’t you?

3. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 e-HDi

Claimed: 70.6mpg. Real: 54.4mpg

Bit of a gap there between claimed and real consumption, but this is a big and smart MPV which can swallow families and cargos no problem. High levels of design and equipment add to the attraction.

4. Toyota Verso 1.6 D-4D

Claimed: 62.0mpg. Real: 52.7mpg

Seven would be a bit of a push for the Verso over any distance, but this is classy and comfortable and comes with a good choice of gutsy engines.

5. Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTi 136

Claimed: 68.9mpg. Real: 51.5mpg

You get plenty of space and good levels of equipment with the Zafira Tourer. You also get cheap running costs, as well as cheap purchase price thanks to decent discounts, so there’s a low barrier to entry.

6. Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi Ecodynamics ISG

Claimed: 60.1mpg. Real: 51.4mpg

Kia rather unimaginatively called their entry level Carens the ‘1’. Yet it’s the one you want, as it comes with all you really need if not really want. This is a great MPV, filled with style, practicality and comfort, and let’s not forget that seven-year warranty.

7. Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi 180

Claimed: 56.5mpg. Real: 49.7mpg

It may cost more than some of its competitors, but you get a lot for your money with the S-Max, and that includes a decent driving experience. It’s also very practical as all the seats bar the front pair can be folded flat, for when you want to move your elderly aunt without making her get out of bed.

8. Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi 115

Claimed: 54.3mpg. Real: 47.1mpg

A good mid-size, mid-price MPV, which has a highly flexible seating/cargo area, helped by foldaway seats and full-size seats in the second row.

9. Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI Ecomotive 140

Claimed: 49.0mpg. Real: 46.4mpg

An MPV fit for a sultan. There’s certainly plenty of space for his entourage in the Alhambra, and they’ll like the practicality linked to a refined design.

10. Nissan X-Trail 1.6 N-Tec

Claimed: 53.3mpg. Real: 45.7mpg

A seven-seater than can handle more in the way of tracks and trails than the others here. It sways about a bit, like a 4x4, but the new model has a notably better, fresher and more spacious cabin. Even so, the third row is not where you’d want to sit two big friends for long. Or else they wouldn’t be your friends.