But step inside the passenger version of the new Fiat Doblo, and the image changes to family outings and adventures done in comfort and a certain amount of style. With no worries about the car being ruined with muddy wellies and bikes, due to it’s van-like utilitarian interior, children can be returned home filthy after a secret seven-type of adventure.

Fiat describe it as an honest, credible car with great driving characteristics. Despite the name, this is a brand new car. No up-gardes, no facelift and no collaboration – it’s all Fiat. It has a new Chassis, engine, suspension and transmission and while five seats come as standard, for those adventures, seven seats are available.

So why might you be tempted by this not so little number? It’s spacious, actually quite good fun to drive being amazingly agile despite its shape, very well priced (cheapest one comes in at £12,295), low CO2 emissions, great fuel economy thanks in part to its Start & Stop technology and can cope with a car load of messy kids, not to mention adults. But for me, any car that has sliding doors is a must. I will grow out of this phase one day – according to my mother, my life has been full of phases -  but for now, with kids that can’t be trusted to open car doors with care, sliding doors are essential for my mental health.

While it’s boxy looks might be off-putting to more fussy people, this new Doblo has a certain charm to its appearance, once you get over the fact that you are driving a van-like vehicle. It stands out from the crowd, and is perfect for an active family who put practicality before snobbery.