The comment for its styling is quite polarised. The large and angular headlamps look sophisticated, so is the front bumper, but the basic profile of the whole car is quite odd. It’s simply too boxy, without the sleekness of Scenic or the futuristic character of Fiat Multipla. Japanese stylists still have a long way to go.

Like Scenic, accommodation is limited to two rows and 5 seats. The rear row is 50-50 split and can be slided forward and backward individually, or can be detached, or can be folded to the back of front seats to enable a large and flat storage area rivalling an estate. Alternatively, the rear seats can be flipped downward and form a pair of beds together with front seats. Because of the column shifter, there is no transmission tunnel thus enable walk-through between front and rear seats.

Still, the Dingo is too small for a MPV. Apart from the lack of individual rear seats, the rear passengers might feel short of shoulder room. Legroom is also compromised with the boot space, although headroom is plenty of. It feels more like a city car than a weekend people carrier. 

Because of the Mirage-sourced platform, Dingo is not deemed to be a competent driver’s car. The biggest engine is just a GDI 1.5-litre, some 300 to 500 c.c. less than its competitors. Although the car is compact and light, performance is hampered by the use of 4-speed automatic.

In short, Dingo is a demonstration of lifestyle rather than actually delivering lifestyle. It’s not the most versatile mini MPV on offer. It’s far from the most comfortable and accommodative. It has the least driver appeal. The pioneer of MPV seems fail to follow the latest trend.