Daewoo are operating in a market that is difficult and complicated anyway, but for them there is an additional problem that also happens to be unique. And, to be quite honest about it, a degree of that difficulty is self inflicted, although not intentionally so.

Financially, the Daewoo conglomerate has known better times. Trading difficulties associated with the company name have led to a certain unease about their products in the market place.

On the one hand Daewoo have to fight that, and at the same time they have to fight their corner in the dog-eat-dog world of commerce.

People wonder what might lie down the road if they buy Daewoo, and then something happens the parent company.

Well, we have been assured that in the motoring end, life will go on; that all pre-purchase promises will be delivered up, and, anyway, Daewoo intend being around for a long, long time to come.

Just as well we got such assurances. Because we have a little Daewoo number, well, not so little, more good sized, that is worth telling people about.

It is the Daewoo Tacuma, a compact 5-seater MPV. Overall it may not be the best, most rounded MPV around, but in terms of package and price, the Tacuma - it is an Afrikaan word meaning joyful lifestyle - cannot and should not be ignored.

There are two versions, a 1.8-litre SE and a more luxurious 2.0-litre version. Surprisingly, the latter, bigger engined version has proved the most popular in this country, despite our penal tax system.

For the sake of this article we are talking about the 1.8, which has an attractive and posse leading price of £15,995 (ex-works).

For that price,Tacuma comes with air conditioning as standard, the only car in its class to do so. As well, the standard package also includes ABS, electronic brake distribution (EBD), electric front windows, twin airbags, immobiliser, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and metallic paint. Not bad, what?

While one found the ride a mite rougher than the Citroen Picasso, for example, there was no serious compromise in the drive.

The new eight valve transversely mounted engine is a more than decent performer, and one was happy with returns of nearly 30 miles to the gallon.

Technical partners on the development of the Tacuma included Porsche, Italdesign and Pininfarina. The latter's beautiful creations include the drop dead gorgeous Peugeot 406 coupe.

Now, while the Tacuma's exterior may not look as good as the Peugeot, Pininfarina did give the car a distinctive, athletic looking stance that would draw your eye for a second look.

I liked the shape, and I remember looking after the car and taking note the first time I saw one being driven down High street in the city.

Inside the Tacuma offers five individual seats with all the permuations you would expect from an MPV, including a height adjustable driver's seat. The interior is most accommodating, with extra space won through a body design which is high and wide.

No problem whatsoever with headroom or legroom, front or back. The capacity of the boot is 455 litres as standard, but this can be stretched as far as 1,155 litres with the three rear seats tucked away.

The Tacuma also has a host of handy storage points, including a large glove box, good size pockets in all four doors, and cup holders front and rear.

Both versions have aircraft style fold down tables on the back of the front seats.

You can pay more for an MPV, and, in virtually all cases, you will get less.
But for all round value, the Tacuma takes beating.

One would have liked a CD among the equipment. Instead, you get an RDS radio/cassette.

That was about the only quibble - or does that come under the heading of preference? - one encountered, because for price, package and all round usage, Tacuma can hold its ground against any.

People who never gave much of a thought to an MPV, might like to check out the Tacuma. They won't be disappointed.

Guaranteed!

By the way, the Tacuma carries a 3-year/100,000 klm. warranty.

Daewoo Tacuma 1.8 SE £15,995 (ex-works).