Car choice: The best car for camping and cycling at a bargain price?

Paul Cooper needs to load bikes and camping gear inside a vehicle, but only has £2000 to spend

The Citroën Xsara Picasso has been one of the most popular MPVs since the turn of the century

A car for the head

There is always the option of a bike rack, but I understand that for security and convenience Paul would prefer his bicycles to be secured inside the vehicle. A Citroën Xsara Picasso is a compact people carrier which is cheap to buy, easy to drive and live with. The three rear seats are individual items and therefore can be removed to create as much space as required. They also fold and tip, so there are plenty of options for people and kit. The diesel 1.6 HDi, delivers over 57mpg and I found an immaculate one-owner 2006 Exclusive model for £2,000.

The Fiat Multipla is versatile and has plenty of space in the back

A car for the heart

The Fiat Multipla has always been one of the most unusual people carriers, which seats six, three at the front and three at the rear. Although the rear seats can be folded forward I would be inclined to remove them completely. That leaves three up front for passenger versatility while the rear load bay is massive. Removing their front wheels should allow the bikes to go inside and leave lots more space for tents and all the sundry items for camping. A 1.9 JTD 115 will return 44mpg, I found a one-owner 2007 Eleganza at £1995.