Take it to the limit

Triathlete Tim Don, a man who knows all about performance and endurance, puts three of the new so-called fun 'lifestyle' vehicles to the ultimate test. Andrew Francis reports

TIM Don's passion for cars is almost on a par with his dedication to sport.

As one of Britain's leading triathletes, Hampton-based Don spends over 40 hours a week cycling, running and swimming himself into shape.

During the past couple of years, the super fit 24-year-old has had to rely on a variety of estate cars to haul his equipment and training gear to and from races.

"You can only get the bike in by laying it flat, and the rest of my gear just floats and rolls around everywhere."

The lack of versatility has frustrated Don enough for him to start considering alternative transport, but with a BMW 5 Series his preferred means of transport, he didn't want something practical but dull. "The last thing I want is an lacklustre drive after a hard day's sweat."

His dilemma will be familiar to an increasing number of active Londoners, who want cars that are entertaining but practical and capable of taking a lot of gear for holidays and hobbies like mountain biking.

Given that Don has made his name in a sport that demands skill and dash, we took him shopping to see whether any of the latest crop of multifaceted lifestyle fun cars met his needs and perhaps yours too.

Mercedes Vaneo 1.9 Trend (automatic) Price: pounds 16,780 Combined ecomony: 33.2mpg 0-60mph: 11.9 secs Top Speed: 110mph

Tim Don's assessment: Image: "It's a Merc, so it has the right badge for me.

Shame about the name though.

Is that Van-E-O or VA-Neo? From the front, it looks just like the A-Class, but from the rear, it really does look like a van. A bit Postman Pat-ish!

Thankfully, it has that Germanic appeal and quality finish inside."

Practicality: "Like the Citron Berlingo, the huge roof-hinged rear door, coupled to the lowest rear-loading lip I've come across, is a positive, and so are the equally gigantic sliding doors, which make access easy. The Cycle Pack, with its secure bike rack fitted to the floor, is a good idea but I'm not sure it's worth the extra pennies given the hefty screen price already."

Performance: "It drives as you'd expect a Mercedes to drive, and that's what makes it so strange; glance over your shoulder and you're confronted by all this space. The engine felt good, but, with a couple of bodies in the back, anything less powerful than the 1.9- litre could struggle."

Verdict: "It's that name, and that rear-end styling - oh dear, oh dear.

Maybe too much refinement and luxury for an outandabout sporting life."

Citron Berlingo Multispace 2.0 HDI (manual) Price: pounds 10,260 Combined economy: 47.9mpg 0-60mph: 13.1secs Top Speed: 98mph

Tim Don's assessment: Image: "It's a van isn't it? I must admit I'd struggle imagewise, but I defy anyone to step inside, get behind the wheel and not think: 'Wow!' It has this incredible sense of space and light thanks to all those windows in the ridiculously high roofline. The garish trim takes some getting used to."

Practicality: "It's like a smuggler's paradise inside.

Everywhere you look there's storage space. The hatchback rear door effortlessly takes my bike, and gives me somewhere to hide from the sun or rain as I sort my gear out. The plastic interior and rear floor is a real plus. A quick wipe down with a wet cloth and it's clean again. Perfect. The major drawback is the space and access to the rear seats - it's way too snug."

Performance: "Is this really a diesel? I'm stunned. It's incredibly responsive, quiet, and has more than enough grunt for me. After a long day's training, you want to be comforted by the seats, and these certainly do the trick."

Verdict: "For the money, it's hard to find fault. It's fun and hugely practical."

Honda CRV 2.0-litre i-VTEC SE Sport (manual) Price: pounds 17,995 Combined economy: 31mpg 0-60mph: 10.1 secs Top Speed: 110mph

Tim Don's assessment: Image: "Chunky and certainly something I'd be happy to be seen driving to the coast. The inside is a tad conservative - although I loved the Space Invader handbrake."

Practicality: "Unlike the other two, the rear swing door is a handicap when it comes to loading. I know the rear seats fold away easy, and there is room to secure a couple of bikes upright, but it doesn't have anywhere near enough space.

The saving grace is the waterproof storage container under the load floor - which is perfect to chuck my soaking wetsuit in."

Performance: "Can't get my head round this one. It's got the appearance of an off-roader, but feels like you're driving a car. Although the petrol engine is lively enough it was certainly noisier inside the cabin than the oil-burning Citron Berlingo, which is a surprise."

Verdict: "Has the right looks, but normal doors mean it struggles on the practicality front. It also lacks a diversity of storage space."

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