Scoochin' Around in Style: A Closer Look at 7-Seater Cars for the Family
Five spots available for a family to occupy together
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Lnement to the idea of skipping the minibus, perhaps you need a vehicle with seven seats for your expanding family. With approximately 40 car models with seven seats accessible on the German market (excluding minibuses), the choice is plenty! Here's a taste of a handful of captivating options, featuring affordable models, electric choices, smarter alternatives, and plenty of legroom.
Hyundai Santa Fe - The Titan Among the Seven-Seaters
A Korean company's crossover has expanded into an actual colossus in its fifth generation. Measuring 4.83 meters long, accentuated by its bold design and vertical side walls, the Santa Fe comes off as more than just big. With a cargo capacity of up to 2 cubic meters, it's not only visually impressive but delivers, especially if the rear seats are arranged as per the need - seating five, six, or seven passengers. The third row isn't just an afterthought but designed to accommodate even adults. This is made possible by the second row's sliding capability, offering ample legroom.
Hyundai has nixed diesel engines and instead offers full and plug-in hybrids. The pricier variants sport all-wheel drive. The base model, an all-wheel drive hybrid with 215 PS, an automatic transmission, and the seven-seater package, comes in at €60,750.
Dacia Jogger - Compact and Affordable for the Crew
For around €19,000, Dacia offers the seven-seater version of the Jogger, making it inconceivable to spend less for a large family vehicle. However, it's important to note that seating in the third row might mean snuggling in a bit, as the compact van is based on the Clio compact car and has few inches to spare in the third row. It's suitable for smaller children or occasional trips.
The Jogger's interior design is user-friendly, with simple equipment, and the "Extreme" model adds a touch of visual panache for an extra €2,000. The safety equipment and crash performance may not satisfy the most stringent standards. Nevertheless, petrol engines with both three and four cylinders are available, with the autogas variant lowering operational costs.
Opel Frontera - A Cozy Compact Room for Seven
Suits and tuxedos are typically absent from the compact and midsize vehicle classes, but not the Opel Frontera. Classified as a crossover positioned between both categories, it surprisingly offers a third row for seven seats in its 4.39-meter body. The additional seats, though versatile for emergencies, aim to cater to a smaller group. With the third row folded down, storage is simply immense.
Despite the cost-effective design of the Frontera, the driving experience remains animated, with the standard mild-hybrid petrol engine greeting passengers wherever they go. Prices start at around €25,000, making it a feasible everyday ride.
Mazda CX-80 - Premium Interior Awaits
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Making its entrance among the midsize SUVs (CX-60) is the larger sibling, CX-80, showcasing a whopping 25 centimeters more length and a third row of seats. Featuring a stylish and even plush interior, Mazda highlights its aspirations for a luxury vehicle line-up with elegant design, premium materials, and fine craftsmanship.
Mazda leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the powertrain, offering their flagship equipped with six-cylinder engines (either diesel or hybrid). With prices starting at 56,200 euros for the "Exclusive Line" model, one might argue the CX-80 is moving into premium territories. However, the "Homura" trim, boasting superior features and displayed at around 63,000 euros, is a true looker.
Maxus Mifa 9 - A Perfect Electric Getaway
In China, large vans (that isn't the case here) cater to families, as well as serving as luxurious executive transport. Likewise, the Maxus Mifa from SAIC group features pizzazz, boasting footrests, massages, and cooling functions available on the individual seats in the second row.
Space in the third row is inevitably compromised since it accommodates a three-seater bench, but one still gets to experience the overall luxurious ambiance. The powertrain is always electric, with a power rating of 245 PS and a range of around 440 kilometers, making it a fantastic vehicle for longer commutes.
With the base model priced at a cool 70,000 euros and the "Luxury" model at 76,000 euros, the Maxus competes with a select few Chinese models in this price range.
- Hyundai Models
- Dacia Models
- Opel Models
- Mazda Models
- Compact Van
Enrichment Data:The search results provide rich information on the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, while the Dacia Jogger, Opel Frontera, Mazda CX-80, and Maxus Mifa 9 feature limited data points or are not currently produced. Here are some key facts and figures that might be of interest for these vehicles:
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Performance: Featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor, the Santa Fe Hybrid boasts a combined power output of 231 hp. The drivetrain consists of a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Efficiency: The Santa Fe Hybrid achieves a fuel economy of 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined.
- Seating: Comes with three rows of seating to accommodate seven passengers (depending on the configuration).
- Trim Levels: The Santa Fe offers trim options in ascending order: SEL, Limited, Calligraphy.
- Price: The base SEL model starts at approximately $39,275, while the top-tier Calligraphy trim fetches around $49,325.
- Features: Key features in the base SEL model include a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and a hands-free smart liftgate. More premium features like Bose premium audio system, Nappa leather seating, and head-up display are available in higher trims.
Dacia Jogger
- Design: Based on the Clio compact car, the Jogger offers practicality and affordability.
- Engine: The car is offered with a variety of engine choices, including petrol and bi-fuel (LPG) options.
- Transmission: The Jogger is available with manual or automatic transmissions.
- Fuel Efficiency: The fuel efficiency depends on the engine option chosen.
- Seating: Accommodates seven passengers with seating that may be on the tighter side, especially for the third-row passengers.
- Price: Offered as an affordable entry-level option.
- Features: Offers a range of standard safety features and basic amenities.
Opel Frontera (Discontinued Model)
- Design: A compact SUV discontinued in the early 2000s, offering robustness and off-road capabilities.
- Performance: Historically, the Frontera offered an attractive blend of ruggedness and performance.
- Trim Levels: Not applicable as the model is no longer in production.
- Price: Not applicable as the model is no longer in production.
Mazda CX-80 (Upcoming Model)
- Performance: likely to feature inline-6 engines with turbocharging and potential hybrid options.
- Fuel Efficiency: Information about the fuel efficiency is yet to be released.
- Seating: Potentially accommodates seven passengers.
- Transmission: Automatic transmission expected.
- Price: Anticipated to be in the mid-to-high range of SUVs.
Maxus Mifa 9
- Design: Stylish and exuding a luxury vibe, featuring a spacious and plush interior.
- Engine: Turbocharged petrol engines with hybrid options are expected.
- Fuel Efficiency: Expect around 440 kilometers of range for the electric models.
- Seating: Accommodates seven passengers.
- Trim Levels: Not detailed.
- Price: Expected to compete with select few Chinese models in the same price range.
For the most updated and comprehensive information on the Dacia Jogger, Opel Frontera, Mazda CX-80, and Maxus Mifa 9, consult the latest automotive news sources or the official websites of these manufacturers.
The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, lay down the rules for the application of this Regulation in relation to lifestyle choices, such as home-and-garden improvements, cars, and the purchase of electric vehicles, ensuring that consumers are protected and informed.
While perusing the seven-seater cars for the family, maintaining an electric lifestyle can be appealing, and the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, with its hybrid engine and affordable pricing, could be an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance, fuel-efficient, and roomy family vehicle.
