FIAT launched its all-new 500 supermini in 2007 and has followed up with no fewer than four variations - the 500C, 500 Abarth, 500L and the newly revealed 500L Trekking.

Not content with this the Italian manufacturer has now gone for a seven-seater mini MPV which goes on sale in September.

It's badged the 500L MPW - which stands for Multi Purpose Wagon - and is aimed squarely at the family market.

Although it's billed as a seven-seater the two rear seats are only suitable for kids, and not for a long drive, but otherwise the roominess of the MPW is impressive and it offers a really comfortable ride for driver and passengers.

There's plenty of head, leg and shoulder room and the high driving position gives a good view of the road ahead.

The MPW is based on the Fiat 500L compact MPV which was launched a few weeks ago but comes in around 210mm longer and a touch higher althugh it is the same width.

Storage space is extremely good - it's the only car in its class with a load capacity of 638 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

However, with all the seats in place the boot space is relatively small at just 168 litres which is less than you'd get in a supermini.

Initially the Fiat 500L MPW will be equipped with two petrol engines,  a 95bhp 1.4 and 105bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir turbos, as well as two turbodiesels in the shape of the 105bhp 1.6 MultiJet and the smaller but more economical 85bhp 1.3-litre which is also available with automatic transmission.

The MPW comes in two trim levels - Pop Star and Lounge - both with five or seven seats, 19 body colours and six interior trims. Factor in 15 different types of alloy wheels and hub caps and in total there are no fewer than 282 combinations.

There are some nice standard features including leather interiors, an integrated navigation system and rear camera to assist with reversing.

Maybe it's overall styling won't be to everyone's liking but I think it doesn't looks any worse than some of the latest pumped-up MINI models. It has a fair bit of Italian flare and could appeal to those looking for something different.

I tried the 1.6 diesel version and on the move the new MPW is very quiet with excellent wind noise reduction and the engine note at high speed is reasonably smooth.

Nevertheless, under hard acceleration at lower speeds it's a bit gruff.

It rides pretty well, ironing out bumps and potholes but on tight, fast bends it tends to roll a bit but only if pushed pretty hard. Overall it offers a comfortable and composed ride.

Most versions will use a six-speed manual gearbox, which is reasonably slick if a little spaced apart but the 1.3 diesel comes with the choice of a five-speed manual box or automatic.

Standard equipment includes central locking, touch-screen radio, Bluetooth, a CD player, fog lights and an adjustable steering wheel while there are plenty of cubby-holes for stowing family items.

In terms of performance and economy the 1.6 diesel offers a top speed of 112mph and a sprint time of 12.2 seconds 0-62mph. Fiat claims you will get around 63mpg on a combined run and its CO2 figure comes in at 117 g/km.

Prices haven't yet been announced but Fiat says it will be around £800 dearer than the 500L for the five-seater and £1,600 more for the seven-seat version which should mean that an entry-level seven-seater will be around £18,000.