With its spacious family-friendly interior and attention to detail, the Vauxhall Vivaro Life combines everyday practicality with an element of luxury.

It’s a seven or eight-seater vehicle, depending on specification, that competes in a specialised segment, appealing to large families, taxi drivers, and businesses needing to transport employees or customers.

For this summer’s family camping trip to south-west England, it proved the perfect companion.

With its cavernous interior, it offered oceans of space and comfort for six holidaymakers, plus all their cases and camping equipment.

Eight seats come as standard, but my test car only had seven as it was fitted with an extra cost option that gives you two luxury ‘executive-standard’ chairs in the middle row instead of the standard three-seat bench.

That was certainly a worthwhile choice as far as my mother-in-law Suzy was concerned, as she remarked on the excellent comfort as we tackled the near-300 motorway miles between West Yorkshire and Devon.

The large central armrest on the second row and a tray that came out of the back of the front seats apparently created a feeling of ‘being like on a plane’ - albeit not for speed on the caravan-filled M5!

The experience was all helped by the fact the Elite version, tested here, is more refined than its stablemates, setting itself apart with alloy wheels, touchscreen audio and a generous array of driving technology and assistance systems.

What really impressed me and, more to the point, my two children, was the space on the back row.

Those who’ve tried squeezing six or seven people into a so-called seven-seater SUV or MPV will be well aware that the third row is for occasional use - preferably a fairly nimble and agile five-year-old.

Happily, the back seats would have been plenty big enough for a six-footer, let alone a child, so there was less restlessness than normal from the kids.

Another triumph was the boot, which offered a remarkable space big enough to swallow a tent bag, six sizeable bags, cooking gear, camping fridge, quilts and the obligatory cricket equipment.

In tight parking spots, the sliding back doors are a great asset and can be opened automatically with a press of the handle, making entering and exiting much easier for rear passengers.

As the driver, you’re well aware that you’re driving a big vehicle, but it never becomes frustrating.

Indeed, the2.0-litre turbo diesel engine has enough get up and go to keep you interested, going from 0-60mph in less than 10.5 seconds. Perhaps more importantly, it offers 400nm of torque at 2,000rpm.

The handling is also quite nimble and agile for a vehicle of this size, allowing you to corner briskly with plenty of confidence.

Ride quality is good, with the suspension easing out the worst road imperfections without feeling too floaty.

The driving position offers plenty of adjustment in the height of the seats provides a commanding view of the road ahead.

Meanwhile, the reversing camera is a superbly-trustworthy piece of equipment that I came to rely heavily upon when reversing after meeting oncoming tractors on Devon's tight, hedge-lined country roads.

In terms of looks, anything van-based is never likely to be the most handsome of beasts, but the Vivaro is as good as it gets, with a very attractive front end and imposing grille setting the tone.

At over £40k you’d expect the Elite version to come with all sorts of impressive gadgets - and it wants for nothing.

The seven-inch colour touchscreen is high quality, there’s a six-way electronically adjustable heated seat, complete with massage facility, dual-zone climate control, and the list goes on.

If you're in the market for this type of vehicle, it ticks many boxes.

Vauxhall Vivaro Life Elite L

PRICE: £44,700 OTR

ENGINE: 2.0-litre (180PS) diesel turbo

PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 10.4 seconds and max speed of 105mph

ECONOMY: 40.6mpg combined high on WLTP

EMISSIONS: 199g/km

TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic

INSURANCE GROUP: 26E