There are many people in Ireland who bought the Mitsubishi Spacewagon because it was one of the least MPV-looking of its genre. It was understated, and more of a roomier estate than a vanny people-carrier.

Many buyers liked it because it didn't stand out that much.

Well, in the latest MPV from the three-diamond logo, they won't be able to stay incognito. The Grandis is extraordinarily distinctive.

Mitsubishi say it isn't a direct replacement for the Spacewagon, and in that respect there's now a gap in its MPV range, because the Grandis is right up there with the more expensive end of the large people-carrier band, while the Spacestar is a little less than the mid-range norms. But the higher price of Grandis also reflects a definite shift upwards in finish and fitting as well as style.

The Grandis is as modern as you can get, but with undertones of classic car architecture (in the old-fashioned sense) from the 1930s and post-WW II, when swooping sidepanels were popular.

The droop-snoot front almost looks as if it will touch the ground, but in fact there's ample clearance. And an extra bit of sculpting over the rear passenger area has a stretching effect on the overall look. Something that is accentuated by the fact that the Grandis has an overall lower roofline than most large MPVs. But it is not altogether illusion - it IS a long car.

If the front is strongly-styled, the rear is almost brazen, yet manages not to go beyond the boundaries of aesthetics.

All this covers an interior where comfort is king. The Grandis comes in a cheaper 7-seater, the review car was the 6-seater. At this size, it is a given that the main pairs of seats are comfortable, but anything behind the middle row is usually compromise.

And perhaps there is a little of that here, but not so's anyone will notice without taking out the measuring tape.

The back seats are also unique in the large MPV segment in that they fold away with one-handed ease into the floor, leaving a substantial rear luggage space for four people up front. Also, they have another trick - they can be flipped over so that, when parked, two people can sit facing backwards with their legs dangling out over the back, their heads protected from sun or rain by the raised tailgate. Just the job for the point-to-point?

There are two glass roof sections, the one over the front passengers of the pop-up variety and the other in the middle is a full electric sunroof. Though those middle passengers will be quite comfortable, the intrusion of the roof mechanism does lower headroom a little. Not to problematical levels for most people, though.

The operating end of the car has a swooping dashboard design, yet one that is eminently practical in execution. The autobox shifter is mounted in a centre section extension of this, and above it are uncomplicated controls and displays for the aircon and sound systems.

The driving instruments are quite reassuringly normal in shape, but bang up to date in their high-luminescence technology. I was impressed by the overall clarity of design in all controls. Without a big screen in sight.

The Grandis comes for the momt with only a 2.4-litre petrol engine, a heavy-hitter in tax and insurance terms but surprisingly economical at a general fuel consumption of around 31mpg. A 2-litre diesel is promised for the latter half of next year, and that is probably essential for any substantial sales penetration in Ireland.

The petrol engine has a 161bhp output, and pulls the Grandis along in ... well, grand style. The autobox in the review car is a 4-speed with sequential manual capability, and I've found that latter in many cars to be useful for slowing an auto down to reducing speed limits.

And while I'm on that, with the vastly increased potential for being penalty-pointed in built-up areas, I've been using cruise control whenever it is available in such conditions. And it is a revelation how many times one is passed. Often with a dirty look.

The autobox was very smooth, though I think I'd have liked an extra gear, which are becoming quite common now. The engine would occasionally make itself heard if pressed, but otherwise was a paragon of manners.

It is clear I liked the Grandis. Indeed, I liked it a lot, and it surprised me in many respects. It is very much a part of a major shift in emphasis by Mitsubishi, begun by its Outlander, and continuing very shortly with the arrival of the new Colt.

For too long, like the otherwise admirable Spacewagon, one didn't notice Mitsubishis. You can't miss the Grandis.

There must be something wrong with it, surely?

Well ...

No?