OF course, Honda could have followed convention with the new FR-V, its entry into the compact MPV market. It could have wrapped the car's outstandingly flexible, practical and intelligent interior in a boxy, slightly utilitarian body. But who says that style has to go out the window simply because you have lots of people to carry?

So while the FR-V can perform workhorse-like duties, its styling doesn't pigeonhole you as a practical person. The there's the FR-V's seating - five or seven? Actually Honda had a better idea; six seats; arranged in two rows of three. When you think about it, six seats are plenty for most small families. And with all the seats in two rows, it's easy for everyone in the car to talk to each other, making it a more friendly way to travel.

The three-plus-three arrangement also means you can have a large boot - not always the case with CMPVs. And when you need more space for luggage the FR-V comes into its own - not only do the three rear seats fold individually, they fold flat into the floor. So you get maximum space without having to remove and then store heavy, bulky seats. What's more, you can fold the seats one-handed, simply by reaching in from the boot and unfastening a single latch.

To add to the numerous seating/boot space combinations, you can fold the central front seat's back down onto its cusion to make room for extra-long items or to form a table. The seat cushion also has a fold-out extension complete with storage drawer underneath it, expanding its usefulness.

Another thing that sets the FR-V apart is the quality o style of its cabin. Forget compact MPV, think more along the lines of executive saloon; just because you need practicality doesn't mean you have to forgo life's niceties.