Citroën Nemo Multispace Estate (2009 - 2012) practicality

The Nemo was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2010 but only received a three-star rating (out of the maximum five stars). This was under the organisation's tougher regime which is one overall rating that takes into account adult occupant safety as well as child and pedestrian protection and a rear impact whiplash test. The Nemo wasn't helped by the fact that ESP stability control isn't available - even as an optional extra.

It also doesn't have a curtain airbag as standard. However it does get ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters and energy absorbing side impact protection. Both outer rear seats have Isofix child seat mounting points.

The sliding side doors give the Nemo a real advantage over other small family cars this size and make getting in and out of the back simple. They're a particular advantage in small parking spaces such as multi-storey car parks. So it's strange that the tailgate is so large, meaning you have to leave a good-sized space between the back of the car and any other vehicles or walls, to make sure you can open it.

The rear seats don't slide, but they do split 60/40 and can be folded down, or even removed altogether to create a van-like load area. A parcel shelf comes as standard to keep anything in the boot out of sight, while a load capacity of 360 litres is more than a Citroen C4. Elsewhere there is a lidded glovebox and a sunglasses holder while the door pockets, although narrow, do have space for a drinks bottle.