Volkswagen Multivan

Spun off and standing apart as Multivan, it was specifically designed for transporting people. Moreover, unlike the more universal Caravel, he was always an upstart with pretensions. Different finishing materials, richer functionality - everything about it screamed “hey, wipe your shoes before boarding!”

What definitely captivates the “German” is the richness of its configuration. There are seven (!) engine options to choose from: two petrol engines with a power of 149 and 204 hp. and five diesel engines - 102, 140, 150, 180 and 204 hp. Head spin! Depending on the selected unit, the thrust from it will be supplied through a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission, as well as a 7-speed DSG robot to the front or both axles at once.

But let’s, for the purity of the experiment, choose a variant suitable for our ward with front-wheel drive and a 150-horsepower TDI with a 7DSG gearbox. Already at the entrance you will get a considerable price tag of 3,972,600 rubles. Wow! It would be good if the body remained basic white or red. If you want something different, you’ll have to pay an additional 61 thousand, and to play around with a two-tone color (this is also available for the current generation Multivan) - even 168 thousand! Peugeot is more modest in this sense... We will not change the standard 17-inch wheels - the Traveler has them of the same size, and the design is a matter of taste.

The interior, even for this money, is depressing. The finishing, unlike the “French” one, is fabric, and for the leather you will have to dig into your wallet again - at least 142 thousand additional payments. You will also have to buy a rear view camera: your opponent has one! So, we count down another 25 thousand. For the same reason, I had to part with another 72 thousand rubles for the left sliding door and the electric drive of both. And with another 13 thousand to have support for CarPlay and Android Auto. Total 4276400 rub. Hmm, it seems that the difference could have been made by one more traveling compact crossover for every day... And a regular loan won’t help here - you’ll have to take out a mortgage.

Minivan for a large family - which one to choose?

I just went on a road trip in a Peugeot Traveler VIP Business from Moscow to Sochi and back, after which I promised to compare the “Frenchman” with its direct competitors in a separate publication. As you know, the promised one is waited for three years. So these “three years” have flown by, it’s time to put pen to paper. And then suddenly someone is looking for a minivan for a growing family...

Mercedes-Benz V-class

And what will they answer to this in Stuttgart (more precisely, in Spanish Vitoria, where the heir to Viano is being assembled)? With an extra-long wheelbase (3430 mm), its length will be 5.37 m - just right for comparison, because in this situation the minivan is even slightly superior to the “French” (see table below). Like the “countryman” Multivan, here we have a good choice of engines (one gasoline and three diesels), as well as traction transmission to both rear and all wheels (surcharge for all-wheel drive - 420 thousand rubles). For a confrontation, however, we will choose the simplest 136-horsepower diesel engine (V 200). Why not V 220 (163 hp)? Therefore, already at the start we fall beyond the budget - a relatively well-equipped version of Avantgarde (the standard one is completely “naked”) will cost 3,868,659 rubles.

But as with the Multivan, again there is no need to rush to exhale. Because although seven-seater saloon is already trimmed with leather (and there are several options to choose from), and the body is mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels, many reference functions Peugeot You'll have to buy it in cash.

Let's go? Let's leave the base color without embellishment, just choose one of five colors (here Merc is the champion!), since for metallics they will ask you 85,157 rubles. For starters, it would be nice to get hold of an automatic transmission for 161,193 rubles. - the basic price tags of all trim levels from the Germans are always indicated for the manual version. Having received the 7G -Tronic Plus with a proprietary Mercedes steering column selector lever, we begin to deal with getting into the cabin. It turns out that spectacular slider doors with electric drive are an option priced at 113,835 rubles, and an electric rear door too (45,461 rubles). Once inside, don’t stop counting out the bills, because the heated front seats (RUB 29,042) additional system climate control in the rear of the cabin (55,604 rubles), a rear parking camera (40,863 rubles) and even tinting the rear windows (29,480 rubles - something tells me that you can implement it cheaper yourself) - all this will be required investments. If you want Garmin Map Pilot navigation, you will also have to fork out for a radio with a CD drive (total - 80,633 rubles).

The list of options for the V-Class is long, but we'll curb our appetites. Because, firstly, not all of them are offered to the “French” counterpart, and, secondly, we have already spent a fair amount: my calculator showed 4,461,113 rubles. - It is absolutely impossible to negotiate further with the toad.

Minivan for a large family - which one to choose?

I just went on a road trip in a Peugeot Traveler VIP Business from Moscow to Sochi and back, after which I promised to compare the “Frenchman” with its direct competitors in a separate publication. As you know, the promised one is waited for three years. So these “three years” have flown by, it’s time to put pen to paper. And then suddenly someone is looking for a minivan for a growing family...

Bottom line

What do we have in the bottom line? The selection strategy is simple, and it is based on economic realities. Budget is limited - choose what is cheaper ( Hyundai H- 1), especially since the “Korean” is also the only eight-seater car from our four by default. And if you want and can pamper yourself and your many-sided family, we play with the German configurators. Moreover, I personally (and here I am not imposing my opinion) would choose one of the versions of Mercedes - simply because in terms of smoothness it is absolutely unattainable. But if we are talking about a reasonable compromise, then there is simply no choice: Peugeot Traveler VIP Business - a perfectly balanced offer in terms of price/quantity of car ratio, because behind 2 849 9 00 rub. you get all the goodies you need in everyday life. I know this because I lived with him for three weeks.

• The larger the family, the greater the lack of free space in the car. In our online store you can choose, and the range is very diverse.

Photo: “Behind the Wheel” and manufacturing companies

In terms of driving characteristics and operating costs, these single-volume cars are slightly inferior to middle-class sedans, although they are somewhat more expensive. You just need to remember that even in the largest minivan, if you take seven passengers on board, you will face the problem of accommodating their luggage. Either one or the other.

In this review we present all minivans officially sold in Russia. Not limiting ourselves to a simple listing of technical characteristics, we offer, in our opinion, the optimal package with an indication of its cost. For those who cannot imagine their future single-volume truck without an “automatic machine,” we give in parentheses minimum price with automatic transmission. So, study, calculate and choose.

from (RUB 2,115,000)

Unlike its predecessor, the fifth generation Voyager will only be a “Grand” - with the most spacious and comfortable 7-seater body. Thanks to the 3-meter wheelbase and high ceiling, the third row can comfortably accommodate adult passengers. The equipment of the only “Limited” version can be considered exhaustive. The highlight of the car is the “Stow and Go” system, which allows you to quickly hide the second and third row seats in special niches and increase cargo compartment from 640 to 3300 l.

1–2_no_copyright

“MERCEDES-BENZ-VIANO”

from 1,830,000 (1,978,000) rub.

2–1

The new Viano is built on the basis of the Vito minibus. The cars are similar in appearance and identical in design. The key difference between “Viano” is more high level equipment and quality of finish. Buyers are offered many options: 4 or 5 doors, three wheelbases. The number of seats changes accordingly - from five to seven. In the most expensive “Ambient” (leather interior, rear air suspension) “Viano” is a real business class minivan.

2–2_no_copyright

MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class

from (RUB 2,750,000)

An unusual car appeared in Russia at the beginning of 2006 and is a combination of a station wagon, an all-terrain vehicle and a minivan. Four-wheel drive, powerful engines and careful finishing characterize any of the selected versions. In Russia, only the version extended by 235 mm is available, so there is no doubt about the truly royal location of all six passengers. It is gratifying that after the recent restyling, the car has become more accessible by an average of 15%.

3–2_no_copyright

“TOYOTA-ALFARD”

from (RUB 2,485,000)

4–1

“Lonely Sun” - this is the name of the minivan translated from Arabic, which we sell in the only, but extremely rich, “Prestige” version - with three ottoman chairs, leather interior and powerful motor. However, sound insulation leaves much to be desired, and the huge 7-seater cabin can essentially accommodate only six people. Finally, the extremely immodest price tag suggests that this Toyota will happily avoid great popularity.

4–2_no_copyright

“FORD GALAXY”

from 1,056,000 (1,171,000) rub.

The second generation of the Galaxy minivan appeared at Russian Ford dealers in June 2006. The new “Galaxy”, unlike its predecessor, is a completely independent development of the “Blue Oval”. The car has a spacious 7-seater interior with wide transformation capabilities and a basic 2-liter engine with 145 hp that is quite decent in terms of performance. With. At the beginning of 2010, updated versions of Galaxy and S-Max debuted in Europe, which soon appeared at Russian dealers.

5–2_no_copyright

"FORD-ES-MAX"

from 1,022,000 (1,137,000) rub.

6–1

The Es-Max is built on the same platform as the new Galaxy and differs from it, first of all, in its slightly shorter height and length, as well as a more aggressive design. The result is a unique sports minivan that combines the practicality of a 5-seater (or 7-seater for an additional fee) interior with outstanding driving characteristics. The version with 2-liter Ecoboost turbo engines is especially good. This “ES-Max” will rival both hot hatchbacks and business class models in terms of dynamics.

6–2_no_copyright

“CHERY-CROSS-ISTAR”

from 634,000 rub.

7–1

The Russian debut of the Chinese minivan, also known as V5, B14 and Lange, took place at the Interauto-2007 exhibition. The British Lotus specialists worked on the chassis settings, and new engine of the Akteko family was created in collaboration with the Austrian company AVL. This car, whose appearance resembles the features of several Japanese cars, can only be classified as a full-fledged minivan due to its rather low body only with a reservation. But the car has a 7-seater interior, good appearance, a very decent interior, decent equipment and the most affordable price in its class.

When starting a family, people often change their living needs, tastes and habits. This also applies to a home car: if previously a young couple could afford a sports, miniature and powerful car– having created a family, you have to give up such joys, choosing the most comfortable conditions for the family.

But family cars can also combine the above characteristics. Our article will allow you to choose the best minivan for your family. When choosing a car, we will rely on such parameters as comfort, small dimensions, spaciousness, functionality and speed. Today's market has a huge selection of models to suit every taste.

We selected the top 10 minivans and identified the best minivan in the price range of no more than 1,500,000 rubles and with 7 seats. When choosing minivans, we were guided by the most popular consumer requests for 2015-2016:

• Ease of operation;
• Advanced driver and passenger safety system;
• Possibility of expanding the luggage compartment to transport large luggage;
• Spacious interior and access to all places for quick cleaning;
• Fuel saving mode;
• Availability of extended electrical package;

Rating of the best minivans: top ten

10th place: Chevrolet Captiva

Our ranking of the best minivans opens with a compact crossover Chevrolet Captiva. The car was developed by the South Korean division of GMC, which focused on comfortable travel over long distances. The design of the car allows you to lower and raise the rear wheels at any time. seats, so you can use a 5 or 7 seater car depending on your needs. This solution allows you to expand luggage compartment up to a volume of 942 liters, which is enough to fulfill any household purposes.

The car has many restyled and modernized versions, equipped with powerful electrical packages. Chevrolet Captiva boasts average price and excellent value for money.

9th place: Dodge Journey

The mid-size crossover Dodge Journey stands out among competitors with a spacious interior and the presence of such amenities as an on-board computer, cruise control, parking sensors, dynamic stabilization system, geolocation and automatic engine start control. You can easily fold rear seats and get a good roomy minivan for traveling. The model is periodically updated, which reduces the price of previous models. The car was initially produced exclusively for the American market, but became widespread and famous throughout the world.

8th place: Ford Galaxy

Automotive fans Ford company will not be left out: reliable Ford Galaxy included in our list of TOP 10 best family cars. The minivan has been produced since 1995 and received 5 Euro NCAP stars, which guarantees the safety of this vehicle. It stands out for its low price, low fuel consumption and the presence of the necessary functionality. You can easily choose a model based on your budget and needs. However, in Russia you can find it in only two trim levels: Trend and Ghia.

Today there are 3 generations of the model. The last one was introduced in 2015.

7th place: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Graceful French Citroen The Grand C4 Picasso stands out with its design among all the traffic. Incredible combination classic design and modernity will melt the heart of even the most avid lover of old cars. The model provides a unique opportunity to fold down 2 rows of seats, which provides the owner with 1951 liters of free space, which is enough to carry a large amount of luggage. Combination innovative technologies and French quality move this model closer to the middle of our rating.

6th place: Renault Espace

Renault calls its Escape “the world’s first production minivan.” This statement is not just words thrown to the wind! The model has been produced since 1984 and already has 5 generations. The car received 5 Euro NCAP stars, which guarantees its safety for both driver and pedestrian.

A wide range of models in various configurations can satisfy the needs of even the most picky buyer. Each model has distinctive design elements and is recognizable on the street. Comfortable interior and powerful technological base will allow you to overcome with pleasure long distances With minimal costs fuel.

5th place: Opel Zafira

Opel Zafira – golden mean our ranking of the best minivans. The car is a comfortable 7-seater station wagon with the ability to quickly install and dismantle the rear seats. Consumes little fuel, thanks to the presence of a 1.8 liter engine. The car will please you with the presence of an automatic transmission, which will make the trip much easier for a young driver and a woman.

As with other models on the list, the Opel Zafira has been on the automotive market for a long time. The model was released in 1999 and received many modifications. Zafira will be a great everyday vehicle for your family.

4th place: Kia Carens

Korean-made compact van Kia Carens has been produced since 1999 and offers customers unique technical characteristics and components. A minivan with a 2-liter engine in mixed mode consumes 6 liters per 100 kilometers, which is a significant achievement in fuel economy.

Defiant design spacious salon and Korean quality are the main reasons for buying this car. The car stands out among its competitors low cost. The unsurpassed price-quality ratio puts this Kia Carens in 4th position in our rating.

3rd place: Opel Zafira Tourer

The updated representative of the Opel family, Zafira Taurer, strengthens its position on the 3rd place in the ranking of the best family cars. It has an inimitable design that can captivate even the most picky connoisseur. Premium design combined with the latest features and high-quality finishing materials.

The family car's dynamic handling and safety system make this car one of the most recommended for family trips. You can easily customize the car to suit your driving style. The system will automatically select the optimal fuel consumption mode, which allows you to save money. The minivan deservedly takes 3rd place in the top of the best family cars.

2nd place: Nissan Qashqai +2

Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan has always been famous for the quality and convenience of its minivans. Model release Nissan Qashqai+2 made a kind of revolution in the production of family cars. It has a strict and graceful design that you can’t help but fall in love with at first sight. The car was designed specifically for long trips with climate change. Every kilometer on the road will give you pleasure. A comfortable interior, maximum technical support, the ability to fold and move the rear seats solve a number of driver problems. At any time you can put luggage in the car without thinking about adjusting the seats - the car will do everything for you.

Nice seven seater Nissan car The Qashqai +2 gets a well-deserved silver in our ranking of family minivans.

1st place: Mazda 5

The body of a sports hatchback and the functionality of a full-fledged family car is the dream of any motorist, which is fulfilled by the Mazda 5. The Japanese compact van is one of the most popular cars in its homeland and has found fame in Russia. The designers placed emphasis on literally every detail: inimitable design, comfort, premium equipment, low fuel consumption and low cost.

You control how many passenger seats your car has by being able to move, fold and remove the rear seats. Mazda 5 definitely deserves your attention and gets the title of the best family car and the best minivan in our rating.

Our material is based on selected information, consumer statistics and Euro NCAP statistics. The comfort of family trips depends entirely on you!

Characteristics and description of the highest quality family minivans: top 10, technical details, photo. Video about budget cars for traveling.

Manufacturers offer a sufficient number of models, although they consider this class of cars “to have no major prospects.” Which of the existing minivans are the best?

1. Minivan is an excellent solution for large family. If there are three or four children in a family, no hatchbacks or sedans will save the situation: there simply won’t be enough space for everyone. A minivan is a great solution here.
2. Minivans are very popular among car travelers who prefer to travel with a company. As a rule, in this case, a minivan is turned into a kind of house on wheels: you can go on the road, or use it instead of a tent - it’s compact, reliable, and there’s comfort.
3. Minivans are often used in small commercial firms. Here the situation is the opposite: there are not many employees, a minibus is too large a vehicle for the company’s needs, but a minivan is the optimal solution.

In our choice we will be guided by the following criteria:

• spaciousness of the car interior;
• Availability modern systems ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers;
• reliability technical units, low probability of breakdowns;
• fuel and other expenses automotive fluids, as well as spare parts;
• Availability electronic systems, facilitating the driver’s work;
• the ability to compensate for the limited trunk volume by transforming the interior and turning the car into a van with increased load capacity;
• availability of climate control systems and additional multimedia for a comfortable ride for passengers.

Family minivans - ranking of the best

There are seven seats in the cabin: the most comfortable are the front seats with heating, position settings, and lateral support. For the second row of seats, a mechanism for changing the backrest angle is provided. The third row of seats is the simplest, for the most unassuming passengers.

By the way, this back row– essentially a sofa – can be transformed, increasing the volume by reducing the number of passengers luggage compartment up to 1980 years

Manufacturers offer the buyer a choice of configurations with the following engines:

• 1.2 l gasoline, power – 110 hp;
• 1.4 l gasoline, power – 150 hp;
• 1.6 l diesel, power – 110 hp;
• 2.0 l diesel, power – 150 hp.

Among the advantages of this minivan, it is worth noting its efficiency and interior comfort. Considering the budget model, the quality of the finish is pleasantly pleasing.

Disadvantages include the lack of an all-wheel drive system and the high cost of repairs.

The cost of Volkswagen Touran is 1.25 - 1.8 million rubles.

The power units offered are petrol:

• 1.2 l gasoline with a power of 115 hp;
• 1.2 l. gasoline with a power of 130 hp;
• diesel 110 hp (by the way, the most popular in the line).

The advantages of this model include its efficiency, affordable cost of maintenance and repairs, reliability and convenience even on long trips.

Among the minuses, it is worth mentioning some “slowness” of the car when accelerating. Renault cost Scenic – 1.4 – 2.0 million rubles.

8. Peugeot Traveler

Another “French”, accommodating up to eight passengers. The second and third rows of seats can be removed and moved without the use of tools, changing the interior configuration of the cabin.

This minivan is available in two body modifications: Long and Standard, while wheelbase– the same, 3.28 m. The length of the Standard model is 4.97 m, Long – 5.31 m.

Traveler is a true family car that has won an honest five stars in crash tests. The car is equipped with all the necessary safety systems, from seat belts and airbags, including side airbags, to protective curtains in the cabin.

The high cost spoils the picture motor oil(the model uses the ashless modification C4).

The lower cost of the Peugeot Traveler is 2.1 million rubles.

The first two rows of passenger seats are as comfortable as possible, equipped with ventilation and heating systems, with the possibility of installing a separate climate control system.

The third row is the most ascetic, but, nevertheless, also with a heating function. This row can be dismantled, thereby changing the volume of the luggage compartment at the expense of the interior from 650 to 2200 liters.

A common “disease” of French minivans can perhaps be considered the insufficient agility of the engines. But on the other hand, it is not appropriate for a family car to drive in style. racing cars, it has a different purpose. But engine efficiency is very important here.

Manufacturers of the C4 Grand Picasso offer their customers a 1.6 liter petrol power unit with a capacity of 120 hp. or diesel engine 150 hp, both engines are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The speed of such units is low, but their efficiency is encouraging: in a combined cycle, a gasoline engine will require 6.5 liters per 100 km, a diesel engine - 4 liters.

The advantages of the model traditionally include a spacious trunk, high-quality heating and soundproofing of the interior.

Among the disadvantages, the most often mentioned is not very good aerodynamics: at speeds above 120 km/h, driving becomes dangerous.

The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso costs from one and a half to two million rubles.

The car is equipped with turbocharged two-liter engines with power ranging from 90 to 199 hp.

The “advantages” of this model include a responsive engine, interior comfort and reliability of the car’s technical components. Among the minuses, it is worth mentioning the excessively noisy interior and the stiffness of the suspension.

The price range for the Volkswagen Multivan T6.1 starts at 1.7 million rubles and is limited to 3.3 million.

The car is available in three modifications - L, M and S, depending on the length of the body and wheelbase. Power units are strictly diesel engines, with a volume of 1.5 and 2 liters and a power output of 120 and 177 hp, respectively.

The minivan is distinguished by its spaciousness, reliability and high level of comfort for passengers and the driver.

Among the disadvantages, owners note the high cost of maintenance and the purely “urban registration” of the minivan: where the asphalt ends, the Zafira begins to have problems with movement.

Opel Zafira Life costs from 2.5 to 3.9 million rubles.

A very roomy and spacious interior, designed for five or seven passengers, a high level of comfort. The designers have provided a wide range of systems for their brainchild active safety including ESP with rollover protection.

Minivan power – 155 and 178 hp. provide accordingly gasoline engines for 2.0 and 2.2 liters.

Owners of the minivan primarily note its spaciousness, safety, comfort, and, unlike the previous one in the Opel Zafira Life rating, its high cross-country ability.

Price SsangYong Korando Turismo starts at $1.25 million.

The car is equipped with a choice of the following power units:

• diesel 2 liters with a power of 152 hp;
• gasoline 3.5 liters with a power of 301 hp;
• hybrid gasoline unit 152 hp plus two electric motors with a total power of 197 hp.

The disadvantages include primarily low ground clearance: if it were larger, the minivan's cross-country ability would not be so low.

Toyota Alphard costs from 4.8 to 5.2 million rubles.

The model is classified as both a minivan and a crossover, since its capacity is 7 people. Technically the car resembles Toyota Camry, since it was created on its platform.

The car is equipped with two types of engines with a power of 182 and 268 hp. The car has a wide ground clearance of 20.5 cm and can be used both on intercity highways and within city limits.

According to the IIHS, the model passed crash tests “excellently.” The advantages of this minivan include, first of all, its safety, excellent driving performance, comfort and spaciousness of the cabin.

Disadvantages include a rather weak engine for such a model, small rear-view mirrors and insufficiently reliable paintwork.

Price Toyota Venza starts at 1.75 million rubles.

Included with the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission are a choice of turbodiesel power units from 190 to 239 l. The car is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The advantages of the model are, first of all, its reliability, safety and representativeness. The car looks solid and discreet, as it should be family car wealthy family.

The disadvantages include, first of all, the rapid occurrence of corrosion processes on the body, as well as the fairly high cost of car maintenance.

Costs Mercedes-Benz V-Class from 3.4 to 7.6 million rubles.

Conclusion

When choosing a minivan for family trips, pay attention first of all to how reliable and roomy it is. this model, is it safe for children and adults.

Optimal choice– a model that allows transformations to be carried out in the cabin, having large trunk and a spacious interior. And, of course, the cost of spare parts and maintenance plays an important role.

Video about budget cars for travel: