The practicality of our long-term Suzuki Swace comes under focus.

The Swace’s 596 to 1,606 litres of boot space was put to the test for staycations over the summer

P11d (BiK): £29,094 (24%) MPG/CO2:64.2mpg/103g/km Test MPG: 51.5mpg

I said in a previous report that I’m a fan of the easy efficiencies to be had from Swace’s hybrid powertrain but its practicality is also scoring highly with me.

There’s plenty of room in the rear for one thing and a good deal of range on the fore and aft function on the sliding front seats.

It’s not the biggest boot in its class – that honour goes to the Škoda Octavia estate – but the Swace’s 596 to 1,606 litres of boot space is more than decent enough. There’s no whizzy electronic tailgate but there is an adjustable floor – given that I never travel light, I set it at the lowest level from the outset. I’ve also made use of the space left by where the spare tyre would normally be and the cubbies to the sides of the boot.

For me, the great thing is that I can carry around everyday paraphernalia for the kids while still being able to get my disabled mum’s wheelchair in with ease.

The Swace provides plenty of seat adjustment and I love the lumbar adjustment, although I could do with a little more support generally. All-round vision is great, supported by the sensors – you won’t have any problems reversing or manoeuvring this car.

All of which were put to the test on the family’s annual holiday, where the Swace scored highly. Anything that can reduce stress while driving the family around tight country lanes is a plus in my book.