options for a growing family

worried_jim

jasmin10 wrote: »

They did some tests on top gear I think it ws with the 3rd row. And it showed it in slow motion when the car had rear impact. The dummy that was sat in the back 3rd row took all impact as it was so close to the back window. (we too are looking for a bigger car, and this put us off). Can't remember if this was for all cars with 3rd rows or if it was just one type of car.

I think Top Gear were having a go at the Chrysler Voyager, and it was a few years ago and wasn't covered by ncap ratings at the time. Check the ncap ratings as I am sure things have changed now.

Also I believe the smax in made in Germany.

Brooker_Dave

jasmin10 wrote: »

They did some tests on top gear I think it ws with the 3rd row. And it showed it in slow motion when the car had rear impact. The dummy that was sat in the back 3rd row took all impact as it was so close to the back window. (we too are looking for a bigger car, and this put us off). Can't remember if this was for all cars with 3rd rows or if it was just one type of car.

That was fifthgear where they drove a lorry into the back of a Zafira, to be fair if you drive a lorry into the back of anything it's curtains...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsCX3H4U-Ok

daveyjp

Touran - forget it. The rear most seats mean goodbye boot and the rear seats aren't child seat friendly.

You need an MPV with three rows of proper seats - even consider a smaller minibus type vehicle something like a Transit Connect Tourneo, Citroen Dispatch, VW Caravelle. We had a Dispatch as a hire car in Tenerife and it was brilliant. Three rows of three proper seats and plenty of boot space.

catwoman

We got a Zafira last year, its a great car and husband loves it but I have to be honest and say I find it too big especially parking at supermarket.

sarahg1969

Forget the Zafira if you have car seats. The middle row is a bench, and you can't fold it forward with car seats on it. And they are very narrow, too - remember, it's only an Astra.

Very poor design, if you ask me. It's supposed to be a family car, but it's useless with car seats in.


Also, I heard a rumour that it was unwise to have kids in car seat in 3rd row of seats in MPVs. Any truth in this?

The rear seats in the smaller MPVs (Zafira, Touran, Grand Scenic, etc) are really flimsy,, and are not built for putting car seats on, as far as I know. I know the Touran is only recommended for children up to 10 or 12 too. If you really need 7 seats on a full-time basis, you are better going for a "proper" MPV with a third row of proper seats.

Andyf33

Thanks for all your comments/suggestions. I didnt realise until about a week ago how complex the whole MPV thing would be.

As a minimum im gonna have 1 little angel on booster seat, 2 in high backed booster seats and 1 in a baby car seat. Plus boot space for a pushchair. Guess I will just have to convince the wife that she can live with a larger MPV during the week - or find a smaller one with enough flexible seating to accomodate.

On the plus side - as it will primarily be the wifes car it will only do about 3000 miles per year as im now keeping my car. Think I will be going on a tour of dealers next weekend. oh joy.
Thanks again

Rolandtheroadie

Andyf33 wrote: »

Thanks for all your comments/suggestions. I didnt realise until about a week ago how complex the whole MPV thing would be.

As a minimum im gonna have 1 little angel on booster seat, 2 in high backed booster seats and 1 in a baby car seat. Plus boot space for a pushchair. Guess I will just have to convince the wife that she can live with a larger MPV during the week - or find a smaller one with enough flexible seating to accomodate.

On the plus side - as it will primarily be the wifes car it will only do about 3000 miles per year as im now keeping my car. Think I will be going on a tour of dealers next weekend. oh joy.
Thanks again

I've just booked our first holiday as a family of 6 in April and still have not bought a peoplecarrier yet. All your thoughts are the exact same as what we've been considering.
I'm loathed to buy one and make a mistake but i've also realised we can't have it all. Looks like it'll have to be 7 seats first and foremost then a trailer or roofbox for holidays.

babybimbles

OP I'd like to know what you went for as we are in the same predicament

Rolandtheroadie

Sorry, I wasnt the OP but was also in the same position although with twins (massive buggy, 2 big car chairs). All the peoplecarriers we looked at either had a boot or 7 seats, no happy medium.
We eventually went for a Chrysler Grand Voyager. It's returning around 33 miles to the gallon for general driving (2.5 diesel), has a half decent boot, roof bars as standard (so you'd just need a roof box), 2 + 2 + 3 seating arrangement (the 3 and the 2 middle can be swapped if required).
It would comfortably take 7 adults (unlike a Zafira with the 2 kiddie seats in the boot).

Ettenna

I have been looking for a new MPV as well. I rather fancy the Chysler Grand Voyager because it has 3 rows of proper seats and the second two rows fold completely flat. We currently have a 17 seat minibus but it is on its last legs. The other option is a Caravelle but it isn't much smaller than the LDV (apart from height).

We have basically 4 adults, 2 children and one baby to get in and still have room for a pushchair and any luggage.