But with nine seats up and in short wheelbase format, there is little space for luggage in the rear – just 327 litres.

We’d recommend the long wheelbase version – which boasts a more respectable 770 litres – if the maximum seats are being specified.

Taking all the rear seats out boosts load volume to five and six cubic metres respectively.

There is not a lot of legroom for the third passenger in the front row either.

Versions we tested with two single seats here were much more comfortable.

The seats in the back are stepped so that rear passengers can still see out of the front.

The second row is 7cm higher than the first and the third row is 3cm higher again.

The two rear rows of seats are split into a single and a double so either can be taken out separately.

But they are heavy and it’s no easy task. Meanwhile there are plenty of cup holders and cubby holes, including two handy overhead storage lockers.

Out on the twisty mountain roads round Turin, the Panorama showed itself to good effect.

Switchback corners were taken effortlessly and at no time did the van struggle, even on very steep slopes.

While the 136bhp version is obviously faster, with bags of power on tap, the 120bhp version should prove adequate for most UK needs.

Verdict

The Panorama looks good on the outside and provides a comfortable ambience for passengers. But the Fiat marketing men will have their jobs cut out to persuade current buyers out of their Mercs and VWs.