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 It’s a perennial problem. If you have four kids, or even if you have three and they want to bring a friend along, a conventional car simply hasn’t got enough seats. The only answer is to buy a people mover or MPV. Don’t worry though; this doesn’t have to mean the end of life as you know it or imminent bankruptcy. Here are four elegant solutions to the problem.
Vauxhall Zafira SRi - 2005 to present
The Zafira has almost become synonymous with the word family these days and it has much to recommend it. It is based on the Astra so it is compact and handles reasonably well but, thanks to some very clever seats, it can fit seven people when required or just be a small estate car for the rest of the time. It is good value, well made and easy on the eye, if hardly a head turner. The main reason I’ve picked it, though, is the “140mph baby buggy” that Vauxhall created when they put a 200bhp turbo under the bonnet. It is plenty fast enough to have some fun while the handling is good enough to let you enjoy all the power. The Zafira is a big seller so there are plenty around; £6500 gets you an 06 model with 33k on the clock.
For: Fast, good value, practical
Against: A bit long in the tooth these days
Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 - 2003 to present
This is the thinking man’s Toffroader; huge, understated and as well mannered on road as it is in a Swedish snowfield, it exudes prestige and quality. It is luxurious, very well equipped and as practical as a Transit Van. The V8 and V6 petrol engines are fast but anything other than frugal, so Volvo’s excellent 5 pot diesel is the one to go for – 163bhp won’t exactly stir the blood but it is commendably economical. And, yes, you can afford one with this miserly budget; an 04 model with 130,000 miles under its belt can be yours for £7k.
For: Space, luxury, prestige, bonus off road ability
Against: Relatively heavy running costs
Renault Espace IV - 2003 to present
The original and, to my mind, still the best large MPV, the Espace offers massive amounts of space. The funky styling still looks great after 8 years and you’ll be proud to have one parked on your driveway. The interior is airy, spacious, slightly space age in style and supremely comfortable, whatever seat you take. A petrol version is something of a rarity but the 2.2 diesel offers adequate performance and will do better than 40mpg on a run. They are good value too; our budget puts you in a pristine 6 year old with a scant 38,000 miles on it.
For: Space, looks, comfort, value
Against: Unwieldy, not as flexible as some of its rivals
Ford S Max - 2006 to present
The S Max is based on the Mondeo and shares many of that car’s attributes – it is well built, good looking and has class leading ride and handling – whatever model you choose it will be a joy to drive. The Tardis-like interior is cavernous and astonishingly versatile, thanks to seating that is even more flexible than the Zafira. Go for the Titanium spec and you get all the goodies including leather and cruise control and, for once, I’d recommend a petrol engine; the 2.0 litre is fast enough to have some fun and still manages 35mpg. You can pick up an 06 model that has covered 70,000 miles for £7k.
For: Driving pleasure, flexibility, good looks, well equipped
Against: Beware of ones that have been used as taxis
Kit Johnson
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