All MPVs are for the driver nowadays it seems. It is not acceptable to just be big or versatile or even safe; the people carrier must also be fun to drive. Illustrating this point is the launch of several new models this year, all touting a sporty side to go along with the versatility and space, or so the marketing men would have you think. The Corolla Verso, Mazda5 and Mitsubishi Grandis come to mind. The Honda Stream reviewed here has actually been on the market since 2001, purporting to offer the family man the opportunity to have his cake and eat it. The Stream received a minor facelift this year, aimed at making the car even more desirable. We wondered: does it live up to the marketing?

Personally, I don't think much of the Stream's new face. The headlights are too large and the bonnet detailing fussy. In contrast, the rest of the body is cleanly styled, with a large area of glass visually reducing the bulk. The rear lights are neatly integrated with the window and the 5-spoke wheels lend it a sporty edge. In the metal, it struck me that the Stream is much lower than its photographs suggest, not rising much above the average estate car.

This apparent lack of height is not an issue inside the Stream. There is plenty of space for six adults, though it is surprising that Honda didn't use the second row for three seats; instead a useful centre console with integrated cupholders splits the occupants. As with many large MPVs, the addition of a third row of seats drastically reduces the available boot space, though the rear most seats can be folded down to create a flat load area. Interestingly, it is far easier to get into the third row than it is in the Ford Galaxy/VW Sharan as the middle seats tilt and slide out of the way. Elsewhere, the Stream has ample storage space, but it doesn't set any new standards. The best seat in the house is undoubtedly the driver's. Like all modern Hondas, the controls are a joy to use, and well placed. Buttons and switches have a well-engineered tactility to their movement. The driving position is good too, and your sporty side is catered for with leather lining on the steering wheel and gear knob. The dials are clear, and the discerning amongst you won't miss the fact that the speedometer reads to 150mph and the rev counter to 8000rpm.

The only engine available in the Stream at present is a petrol 2.0-litre four-pot, with Honda's excellent i-VTEC variable valve timing system. Most of the time, the engine is quiet and refined. It has an alter ego though: it revs smoothly to the redline, emitting a growl not all that far removed from the roar that the Honda Civic Type-R makes at high revs. Though European buyers may favour the idea of a diesel engine in a car the size of the Stream, the petrol unit is a very competent all-rounder. Be wary of the combined fuel economy figure of nearly 33mpg though as the car will not have been filled to capacity when this measurement was taken. As well as being refined until pushed into sports MPV service, it endows the quite light (1418kg kerb weight) Stream with generous urge. The arbitrary benchmark 0-62mph time is a respectable 9.4 seconds, and the claimed top speed is 127mph. These figures mean little to the driving experience itself. On the motorway, the Stream marches along happily at and over the speed limit, while having enough in reserve for the occasional overtaking manoeuvre on the open road.

Honda has done a good job on the Stream's chassis too. Despite isolating the driver from kickback, the steering has a decent level of feel and is direct and accurate. Understandably, when pushed, the front wheels relinquish grip, but in general the Stream is actually well balanced through a sequence of bends. It certainly belies its size, and the long wheelbase ensures it is utterly stable under all conditions, notably so under heavy braking. You will not be disappointed by the Stream's abilities on your favourite road. Backing up the car's composure is decent feel through the well-spaced pedals and a slick 5-speed manual gearbox, though it must be noted that the brakes do eventually start to fade with heavy use.

So, once you remember that the Honda Stream is an MPV with sporting aspirations rather than a sportscar with space for six adults, you will "get" the point. It does indeed live up to Honda's marketing, with a willing engine, keen chassis and driver-oriented controls mixing it with comfortable and spacious surroundings that are of high quality. We will be driving the Mitsubishi Grandis shortly, which appears to be one of the few rivals dynamically to the Stream, though that car is fitted with a 2.4-litre. Watch this space.