Seven-Seater Showdown: Skip the Minibus, Try These Pkw Alternatives
Five positions in the household seating arrangement for the unit consisting of parents and children.
Share on: Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Email, Print, Copy Link
If you're not feeling a minibus vibe, it's time for a seven-seater car. The German market boasts around 40 car models, excluding minibuses, in this category. Here's a rundown of five intriguing options, from budget-friendly to luxurious.
Hyundai Santa Fe - The Imposing Giant
The fifth-generation Santa Fe has ballooned to a sizeable 4.83 meters long. It sports a bold design and ample boot space of up to 2 cubic meters. Comfortable seating for five adults is standard, with six or seven passengers available upon request.
Hyundai offers full and plug-in hybrids, with more powerful variants coming standard with all-wheel drive. Starting at €60,750, the base model with front-wheel drive, 158 kW/215 PS, and automatic transmission guarantees a smooth ride.
Dacia Jogger - Affordable Family Costs
At just €18,900, the Jogger offers a hard-to-beat deal for a large family. Although seating in the third row can get a bit cozy for adults, smaller children or occasional rides won't mind.
The interior design and functionality are top-notch, even if the safety equipment and crash performance might necessitate some trade-offs. Engines with three and four cylinders are on the menu, with optional autogas variants to save on fuel costs.
Opel Frontera - Compact and Spacious
Seven seats are typically scarce in compact and subcompact SUVs, but Opel has bucked that trend with the 4.39-meter-long Frontera. While the third row might not be the comfiest spot, the first five seats provide ample legroom. With the third row folded down, the boot storage is impressive.
Check out our first-hand Frontera review!
Opel Frontera - First Drive: A Contender
The Frontera's modern and fresh interior doesn't quite match higher-end models but makes do with the cost-optimized design. The lively mild-hybrid petrol engine that comes standard in the seven-seater is another bright spot. Prices start at around €25,000.
Mazda CX-80 - Luxurious Haven
The CX-80, Mazda's larger sibling to the mid-size CX-60, sports an additional 25 cm in length and boasts a third row of seats. Premium intentions are evident in the elegant design, fine craftsmanship, and high-quality materials. Short adults and those tall enough to endure slightly reduced headroom can appreciate the comfy third row with clever storage solutions and USB ports.
Stay tuned for a comprehensive review!
Mazda spares no expense with the powertrain, offering a six-cylinder engine in both diesel and plug-in hybrid configurations. The steep price tag – starting at €56,200 for the "Exclusive Line" model – reflects the luxury ambiance. To max out on luxurious amenities, consider the "Homura" variant, which fetches around €63,000.
Maxus Mifa 9 - Plush Electricness
Originating from China as a popular choice among families and executives, the Maxus Mifa boasts luxurious features like leg rests, massage, and cooling functions on individual seats in the second row. Though the third row could use more space, it retains the overall comfortable ambiance.
Unfortunately, exact pricing for the Maxus Mifa 9 isn't readily available, but keep an eye out for listings or consult the manufacturer directly.
If you're looking for particular Hyundai, Dacia, Opel, or Mazda models, we've got you covered!
[1] Maxus eTerron 9[2] Hyundai Models[3] Dacia Models[4] Opel Models[5] Mazda Models[6] Compact Van
Sources: ntv.de, Holger Holzer, sp-x
The Commission, by means of implementing acts, could lay down rules for the application of the seven-seater car regulation, considering the various lifestyle options these vehicles offer, such as home-and-garden activities, travels, or even commuting to work. For instance, a homeowner might find the spacious interior and high-quality materials of the Mazda CX-80 ideal for transporting garden tools one weekend, and their family the next. On the other hand, a budget-conscious family might opt for the affordable Dacia Jogger for their home-and-garden activities and daily carpooling, allowing them to save on fuel costs with autogas variants.
