Remember the first people-carriers? Nothing more than vans with windows and seats.

They set the scene, however, for today’s spectacular affairs, which are some of the sleekest, sexiest vehicles on the road.

But Hyundai has taken a step backwards with the i800, a model which puts function before style.

If you want an eight-seater model with excellent space and build-quality, but which won’t set you back a small fortune, then the i800 is worth a look, so long as you’re not too worried that it doesn’t resemble a spaceship.

Seven-seater people-carriers are ten-a-penny, but you would be hard-pressed to find an eight-seater.

Hyundai, which has made its name from compact models with fantastic warranties, believes this model will cause a stir. At less than £20,000, it’s worth a look if you have a big family or a lifestyle where you need to transport numbers of people and luggage.

So, what exactly do you get for your money? It comes as a 2.5 litre diesel with three rows of seats – two at the front and two rows of three.

This is such a long vehicle that at more than five metres it’s longer than a Mondeo estate, but that means it has a useful boot. So many people-carriers cram in seats but forget that more people equals more luggage, and end up providing a minimal boot.

It looks cumbersome from the side, where it really does appear van-like. The i800 is difficult to miss: it’s a big beast.

From the outside, Hyundai’s monster MPV is one of the more streamlined vehicles in this sector. Its vast bonnet slopes upwards to the windscreen, while the roofline follows a straight line to the i800’s tailgate.

It has two sliding side doors, which mean it’s easy to get in and out of, especially in the confines of a car park, and it has a huge tailgate. Barn door would be a more accurate description, but there’s good reason for it being on the large side. Open it up and it reveals a deep luggage compartment.

It’s worth getting excited about this aspect as it’s hard to find something that can carry so many people and their belongings. You usually have to reduce the headcount and stow some items in the cabin. Not so the i800, which is capable of accommodating both elements at once.

The simple truth is that, if you’re going to use the i800 in a professional capacity and carry people and their clobber on a daily basis, the ability to keep things separate is ideal.

There really is plenty of room in the i800. At just over five metres in length and boasting a 3.2 metre wheelbase, it can easily cope with eight occupants thanks to its three-row layout.

There are no fancy tables or rotating seats inside the i800, but the chairs can be moved about easily enough. What you’re paying for is space and practicality – something the i800 has in spades.

But it’s also a pretty polished performer on the road, which makes this XL-size MPV something of a surprise.

Powering the i800 is the sole diesel engine option, a 2.5 litre unit outputting 168bhp.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels – an unusual convention these days – and you get to play with a five-speed manual gearbox. The predictably lofty driving position aside, the rest of the experience from the right hand seat has more in common with a family hatch than an eight-seat MPV.

You have got to take it a little easy when cornering – the i800 is a tall beast after all – but for the rest of the time it behaves more in line with the firm’s i30 family hatch.

The i800’s supple ride is a world away from the unsophisticated crashing mess often experienced when travelling in more direct descendants from the van world.

It’s all rather hushed inside the i800’s cabin, too. For sure, you’re a long way from the engine when sat at the back, but it’s easy to hold a civilised conversation or listen to the radio without compromising your hearing, even when sat up front.

Factor in the supportive seats – all eight of them – plus the cabin’s light and airy ambience, and it’s easy to see the car getting the thumbs up from paying passengers.

Electric windows at the front, air conditioning, the aforementioned audio unit plus easy-to-operate twin sliding doors, modest running costs and a generous warranty complete this rounded package. And despite the i800’s size, getting in or out is never difficult or a chore.

In fact, i800 ownership is an incredibly pleasant experience. Engine refinement, ride quality and ease of use attributes rank favourably alongside smaller family cars.

If you find you need eight seats – for family reasons or business – then you could do a lot worse than consider a Hyundai.

Hyundai i800 2.5 CRDi:- COSTS: from £19,495 on the road.

ENGINE: A 2.5-litre diesel unit developing 168bhp via a five-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the rear wheels.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 112mph, 0-62mph in 14.5 seconds.

COSTS: 33.2mpg.

EMISSIONS: 225g/km.

WARRANTY: Five-year unlimited mileage warranty and ten-year anti-perforation guarantee.

STEVE'S RATINGS:- Performance: 3/5 Ride/Handling: 3/5 Space/Practicality: 5/5 Equipment: 3/5 Security/Safety: 3/5