OUR teenage German exchange student, Susanne, summed up the dazzling yellow Fiat Multipla in two words: 'It's cool.'

Bulbous, bizarre and butt-ugly were some of the less complimentary comments hurled its way by others, but like it or loathe it, the innovative six-seater has carved a stylish niche in the mini people carrier market.

It arrived in the UK at the beginning of 2000 as a true ground-breaking family car, with extraordinary abilities to match its strikingly singular appearance.

The latest model has new features, improved specification and an array of new options. It's versatile, practical, roomy and comfortable and, above all, performs and handles like a saloon.

The Multipla has two rows of three seats, a high roof, vertical sides and a flat floorpan.

It is also extremely wide, opening the way for a serious amount of luggage space and storage spaces, drawers and pockets abound.

Ride comfort has been improved on all versions, and the driver's door window now has a one-touch close function as standard equipment. The new tailgate's power lock is electrically operated and incorporates a sensor.

When opening the doors with the remote central locking, simply touching the tailgate door handle will unlatch the tailgate for easy opening.

Safety has been a top priority on the new model and anti-lock braking, previously standard equipment, is aided by rear disc brakes on all versions.

Smart front airbags are also standard, and are fitted with the latest-generation sensors that adjust airbag intervention according to passenger weight, while optional roof airbags drop down over the windows to protect your head in case of side impact.

The rear seats have also been improved, with rear headrests, and more supportive seatbacks for increased comfort.

The new Multipla range is also fitted with ISOFIX attachments, allowing child seats to be attached easily and safely.

The revised Multipla range continues to be available in two specification levels, SX and ELX, and can be equipped with two engine options: the 103 horsepower, 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol engine, and the 1.9-litre, common-rail direct injection diesel engine, which has been uprated to develop 115 horsepower.

Increased specification on ELX versions includes features such as lumbar adjustment control on the driver's seat, tinted glass, body-coloured bumpers and number plate holder, side airbags, and new design alloy wheels as standard.

The Multipla is also available with some new options, enabling customers to equip their vehicle to suit their own particular requirements.

For example, a leather steering wheel and gear lever knob is now available, and the steering wheel can be ordered with controls for the radio, which is also available with a single-slot CD player.

An optional feature on the test car was the fitting of CONNECT, a communications system, which Fiat says is the most advanced infotelematic package on the market.

It neatly combines the controls for the sound system and optional ten-disc CD changer with a mobile phone, linked to roadside assistance and a wide range of advice from the nearest hotel and filling station and optional satellite navigation all at the touch of a button.

Another optional extra is a £250 fridge.

Now, as our exchange student would say, that really is cool.