Ten greenest people carriers

1. Renault Grand Modus (08 on)

Eco-friendly buyers have two frugal diesels to choose between, with the dCi 86 the greenest choice overall, while some of Grand Modus’ interior components are made from recycled plastic.
    

Read Parker's review

 2. Fiat Idea (04-07)

The name Idea actually stands for Intelligent Design, Emotion and Architecture. It's Fiat's answer to the Vauxhall Meriva and offers plenty of space in a relatively compact body shape. The greenest engine is the frugal 1.3-litre diesel.

Read Parker's review

 3. Ford Focus C-MAX (03 on)

Ford C-MAX is an excellent mid-size people carrier. It's based on the award-winning Ford Focus - so it benefits from excellent steering and tidy cornering. Inside, it's tastefully finished with an up-market look.

Read Parker's review

 4. Peugeot 307 SW (02-08)

The 307 SW blends attractive styling, practicality and roominess and takes the best bits from the 307 hatchback - including a wide choice of engines, good levels of safety and lots of room.

Read Parker's review

 5. Renault Scenic (03 on)

The Scenic’s biggest asset is that it’s spacious and versatile, making it an ideal family choice for those who are more interested in flexibility than break-neck speed. 56mpg and low road tax - excellent for keeping costs down. 

Read Parker's review

 6. Citroën Xsara Picasso (00 on)

A regular at the top of the best-selling MPV chart - but that's probably more to do with enticing offers from Citroën dealers, rather than it being the best in its class. Go for the 1.6-litre diesel to cut costs and emissions.

Read Parker's review

 7. Vauxhall Meriva (03 on)

The Meriva shares components with the Corsa and Astra, adding practicality in a compact package. With flexible seating, a tall shape and lots of interior space, it's a decent little family car with added versatility.

Read Parker's review

 8. Renault Grand Scenic (04 on)

Renault takes on the Vauxhall Zafira and Volkswagen Touran with its seven-seat people carrier. It's a good effort too, with decent diesel and petrol engines, and a good quality, thoughtfully designed interior with plenty of clever touches. 

Read Parker's review

 9. Renault Kangoo (99 on)

Simple, functional and spacious; the Renault Kangoo will appeal to family buyers looking for straightforward practicality. The van-like looks won't appeal to everyone, but buyers looking for a value-for-money holdall should be smitten.

Read Parker's review

 10. Hyundai Matrix (01 on)

Matrix is Hyundai’s take on the popular Compact MPV sector. The strange styling means there’s plenty of interior space, it’s quite practical and, like all Hyundai models, there’s plenty of standard kit.

Read Parker's review

 How green are you?

Use the Parker's carbon footprint calculator to find out how green you and your car are. 

Calculate my carbon footprint