The car on test was fitted with a 2.0-litre petrol unit developing 148bhp. It was in SE trim so didn't have the alloy wheels and cruise control fitted to the Sport or Executive models.
The FR-V and rivals like the Renault Scenic, VW Touran and Vauxhall Zafira, are unashamedly geared more towards comfort and refinement than a sporting drive, so you can't expect pin sharp handling.
The Honda's soft suspension is ideal for soaking up bumps around town but the trade-off is more body roll in corners. But the steering is nicely weighted and therefore parking is a doddle. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed, too, even at top motorway speeds.
The Honda engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox mounted on the dashboard and it sees a fair amount of action. The FR-V produces only 142 lb/ft of torque, compared to the 199 lb/ft in the Scenic, so the engine has to be worked quite hard to keep up the momentum.
With three adults in the front, the centre seat needs to be slid back to prevent the driver's elbow painfully connecting with the passenger's ribs every time he or she changes gear.
In the back, there is ample room for three with generous legroom even for six-footers to sit without their knees digging into the seats in front. The wide cabin ensures ample shoulder room as well.
It's easy to increase the Honda's loadspace as each of the rear seats pushes forwards and down in one simple action to leave a flat load floor.
The car is well built to withstand the rigours of family life with high-grade materials and strong build quality. It is comfortable but I thought it could do with more cubby holes to deal with the inevitable clutter that builds up in a family car.
Heating and stereo controls need a bit of concentration to operate and I thought the bulky screen pillars obstructed the driver's vision too much. However, the elevated seating all round means everyone has a good view of the road ahead.
Verdict: The cabin is classy and the six-seat layout and folding rear seat make it impressively practical. It's well equipped, well priced and good to drive. However, the cabin could do with a little more storage space and three adults may feel cramped up front. The boot isn't as practical as some rivals'.
