Is a van ever a good compromise when you have a large family? I received a reader query recently, wondering how a family of six children and two adults could travel together in safety while keeping within the law. They have a people carrier and a twin-cab 4x4, but neither of these can accommodate their needs.

One solution I've seen a number of families look at springs to mind. I've been driving the Citroen Dispatch Combi, which is available in the Fiat and Peugeot livery as well with small specification changes and some difference in prices. For a larger family, I think it's the best option. And because it's based on a van-type chassis, this type of people carrier has lots of room, a good high driving position and a good towing ability at 2 tonnes.

The Citroen Dispatch Combi I had on the road was well equipped. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was lively; it would put many of the larger 4x4s and twin-cab pick-ups to shame, despite its modest engine power of 125bhp. While there were no official acceleration figures, this people carrier could move.

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I found it reasonably economical at 13.5km/litre (36mpg), given that it's a relatively big machine. It is more economical than the twin-cab 4x4 option that this family are currently using. The economy figure I recorded was about 15% poorer than the rated figure, but overall I was happy with that.

The gear lever is mounted high for easy movement through the six speeds. The clutch did not feel truck-ish, so was easy to use. The seating position is good, with great front visibility and good seat adjustment options.

You have to get used to the size, that's for certain, especially when it comes to supermarket parking spaces. It is bigger than your average people carrier, such as a Renault Scenic of Opel Zafira - much bigger, in fact. I would recommend the rear parking sensors, which add about €420 to the price - a little expensive but a must.

The side doors are sliding with great access, but they required a bit of an effort to use. There is seating for eight, with two separate seats up front. Moving seats about in the rear is a bit of an effort; they are not light, but it can be done. And there's decent boot space even with everyone on board. This people carrier is the real thing in terms of storage pockets. And there are good cup holders for the front team.

The safety kit is modest and that's probably why it received a three-star rating in the Euro NCAP test in 2012. There is the obligatory ABS braking system but only a driver's airbag.

You need to go for the more expensive SX version to get a front passenger airbag - not very fair in my view. Passenger and side airbags are on the optional listing too for €470 extra. And Citroen is charging more for the Bluetooth phone connection too - surely another essential safety feature in a modern car.

Citroen offers a Grip Control System that gives a type of extra traction for difficult conditions for the Dispatch Combi and it was fitted to the test car. It costs over €1,400 extra and I found it useful in an off-road test with a Peugeot recently. I'm not sure if it's ready to replace the twin-cab 4x4 just yet, but it's worth thinking about and does not mean less economy.

The Dispatch is in the E category for road tax, so it's more expensive than many of the smaller people carriers with a €750 annual charge. All of the rest of the factory-type conversions are expected to be in a similar class.

The entry price is €36,700 or £23,999 in Northern Ireland, so it's not cheap, but neither are any of the bigger people carriers such as the Ford Galaxy or Volkswagen Sharan. Citroen has left too much in the extras basket with the Dispatch making it a little expensive when you tool it up to suit a family's needs.

Expect to keep a people carrier by the Dispatch for some time. It will always carry its load in reasonable comfort, it will fit the family and they'll all get a good view of the road. I expect that there are 132-reg deals to be done - maybe now's the time.