The content of the article:
- Criterias of choice
- Top ten minivans
- Opel meriva
- Kia venga
- Volkswagen touran
- Citroen C4 Picasso
- Ford S-Max
- Honda freed
- Toyota Alphardn
- Citroen Berlingo Multispace
- Dodge Caravan R / T 2015
- Mercedes-Benz R-class
Not all Russian motorists know what a minivan is, although at the same time they often use this buzzword in conversations to characterize modern cars.
However, those drivers who have used this type of vehicle know that the minivan is a great family van. Its roomy interior allows up to nine people to be transported along with the driver. Thanks to the large number of seats, this car can take a large enough family on a trip, including both adults and children.
In addition, minivans are widely used for business purposes by various companies for the transportation of small and medium-sized cargo. This car is also indispensable for long journeys. Modern models have the most advanced technical developments: climate control, air conditioning, TV and many other useful functions.
Minivans are perhaps the only car category whose price has remained stable for decades, despite inflation and other financial turmoil.
Early family vans were made using a fairly simple technology, so the suspension was weak, the engine was weak, and the comfort left much to be desired. This was due to the fact that such a car was produced only for work purposes, and by purchasing it, car owners sought to save money on its maintenance.
The technology of modern van production is now directed primarily at people. Therefore, the quality of the car and the comfort of its interior have improved many times over. New brands of minivans have excellent functionality and excellent driving characteristics.
And despite the fact that manufacturers do not stop improving the models of these cars, their price remains affordable. Therefore, those drivers who prefer a minivan for one reason or another do not worry about the cost of repairing or purchasing a new car.
Criteria for choosing a family minivan
Buying a minivan must be taken very seriously. Let the price of this car be relatively low, but, nevertheless, you will have to pay a tidy sum to purchase it, and this is a serious matter.
It is better for a private driver to choose a minivan together with his family members, because, as we have already said, a minivan for private ownership is a family car. Therefore, comfort for the whole family comes first. Firms purchasing such cars should, when choosing, focus on its spaciousness.
Consider the main points for a competent choice of a minivan:
- car price and planned maintenance costs;
- the number of seats for boarding and the capacity of the luggage compartment;
- assessment of engine power, suspension quality and type of drive;
- installation by the manufacturer of functional equipment that provides convenient control and comfort in the car.
Many car enthusiasts attach particular importance to the appearance of the car, but in this case they will not have too much choice, because most of the Minevans have almost the same shape, regardless of the model.
The dimensions of modern vans are almost the same as those of other mid-range vehicles, whether it is a hatchback, a station wagon or a sedan. Therefore, the owner of the minivan cannot have any worries about maneuverability in city traffic jams or in tight parking lots.
Moreover, the individuality of the design of this car increases its safety, and the high seating position provides a good view, so the minivan is simply irreplaceable when transporting passengers.
Now let's take a look at the top ten menivans, from which you can choose a very decent camper van.
Top 10 minivans worth buying
10. Opel Meriva
Despite the fact that this car took only tenth place in the ranking, it is quite a great minivan. Both adults and little members of your family will like its design. This minivan was released in 2010 and immediately conquered motorists with its functional qualities and design features.
So, for example, the driver's doors and the doors for passengers open in different directions, which is very convenient when boarding. This is because the passenger door hinges are attached to the rear of the body. Plus, thanks to this design of doors in the cabin, the space for passengers has significantly increased. The trunk opens almost 90 degrees, which gives additional convenience during its operation. This minivan has a capacity of 140 hp, and its engine volume corresponds to 1.4 liters.
9. KIA Venga
Five doors and compactness are the first signs of this minivan, launched in 2009. Due to its small dimensions, this minivan is classified as a class "B", but at the same time it is one of the best cars in this class. In any case, he solves the tasks set by the driver no worse than larger cars. It has a comfortable high seating position, a fairly spacious interior and a large trunk, as well as a long wheelbase. The petrol engine is 1.4 or 1.6 liters.
8. Volkswagen Touran
The updated line of this minivan has a very interesting exterior. Large wheel arches and striking design make it an executive van. The roof is panoramic, but at the same time rails are installed on it, which makes it possible to transport a wide variety of goods.
The electronic equipment of Volkswagen will also be a pleasant surprise for the driver: parking sensors, signaling unexpected obstacles on the road, as well as a LightAssist device, which automatically turns on the light if it detects an approaching vehicle in the oncoming lane. Even though this van is in eighth place, it is reliable and safe enough that it will always be a great choice for a large family.
7. Citroen C4 Picasso
In seventh place is the handsome Picasso. Its unusual futuristic design amazes the imagination with its originality. It is safe to say that Citroen has made a real revolution in the modern automotive industry.
This minivan has a number of functional advantages: its control panel is adorned with a seven-inch touchscreen display and a great media system. It should be noted that this car has been updated, as a result of which it surpasses the first version in all respects.
6. Ford S-Max
It takes sixth place in our rating. The S-Max first rolled off the assembly line in 2006. Feature of the visual design - kinetic design, expressed in the apparent speed of the car. As the manufacturers themselves say, this body shape makes the car move rapidly even if it is stationary.
Plus, this shape significantly increases the aerodynamics of the minivan. The long wheelbase and large body give the car good stability and make it safer. Ford is equipped with fog lights, ABS, stability control and many other devices, including a navigation system, cruise control and a camera.
5. Honda Freed
The seven seats of the Honda Freed testify to the spaciousness of the minivan, which, paradoxically, is a fairly compact car. The landing is relatively low, but it is this that gives the car good stability and makes the interior spacious.Great camper van for a large family.
4. Toyota Alphard
After the last update, this van has received a new design, quite bold and original, ahead of modern times. Quality and reliability are the main characteristics of a minivan. It has a high level of functionality: ionizer, intelligent access system, audio system, climate control for three seasons.
Outwardly, the car resembles a sports car, due to which it visually appears smaller. The magnificent finish of the body and interior will delight any owner with comfort and quality. The fourth place in our ranking will not prevent this minivan from becoming a favorite for your family.
3. Citroen Berlingo Multispace
In the second generation, this minivan received an updated design, a high-quality interior and improved driving performance. Its suspension, similar to those found on passenger cars, has significantly reduced the carrying capacity, but at the same time the interior has become much more spacious. Climate control, power accessories and other functional devices make the comfort of this car quite attractive. Diesel engine, 90 h.p. - productive and environmentally friendly.
2. Dodge Caravan R / T 2015
The manufacturer of "Caravan" claims the sportiness of its brainchild. The original design, seventeen-inch wheels suggest just such an idea. The minivan has a very good 283 hp engine. and a volume of 3.6 liters. Has electronic windows and rigid suspension. Functional advantages: climate control, touch screens in the cabin, voice media system, parking sensors.
1. Mercedes-Benz R-class
It is not surprising that the first place was taken by the car of this particular company. But, nevertheless, it is worth noting that this car is completely unusual both for the manufacturer and among minivans. The body of this car is a rather successful hybrid of a crossover, station wagon and a van, but comfort can be easily equated with luxury sedans.
Unfortunately, in our country, not all models can be on sale, but the option with a 388 hp gasoline engine. available completely. All models have automatic transmissions, and more expensive versions have climate control, parking sensors, seat heaters and many other various options.
Conclusion on buying a family minivan
All of these minivans are intended mainly for the transport of passengers, but the transportation of goods is also not excluded.
Samples of vans that have appeared over the past ten years do not in the least give rise to doubts about their reliability and comfort, and at the same time convince any driver of their purpose for long trips with a large family.
