A long time in the past, station wagons have been “in” and sedans with bench seats might accommodate six passengers. Then SUVs took over and compact minibuses crammed.
Toyota Avanza
House: 7 seats, 128-430/1 424 L
Security: 2 airbags, ABS
Price of 4 tyres: R 4 736
Highway take a look at problem: Could 2012 (1,5 TX)
0-100 km/h: 12,30 seconds High velocity: 164 km/h Energy: 76 kW
Torque: 136 N.m C02: 168 g/km Gas consumption: 8,64 L/100 km
The Avanza grew to become a high vendor nearly instantly, primarily as a result of it was a tricky and dependable Toyota. Nicely, a Daihatsu truly, however then they’re the identical father or mother firm. As a compact seven-seater, the Avanza quickly discovered service as a people-mover for many who wanted greater than a hatchback however didn’t want a full-size Quantum. Extra suited to shorter distances and speeds of round 100 km/h owing to the lowish energy and gearing that required over 4 000 r/min to do a real 120 km/h on the open street.
The styling has been tweaked through the years with curves and angles that give the impression of sportiness, which was not warranted. On buy, look rigorously at mileage, service historical past, indicators of accident injury and inside put on as many have been extensively used and could also be ripe for upkeep that may add considerably to the finances. One we noticed had near 600 000 km on the clock. Fortuitously, there are sufficient out there to make sure a stable buy.
Whereas there are two engines on supply – a 1,3 and 1,5-litre – we’d search for the extra highly effective variations for household use particularly if getting used for lengthy vacation street journeys. The gas consumption of earlier fashions was listed as increased than later ones however count on round 8,00 L/100 km in the actual world.
Suzuki Ertiga
House: 7 seats, 80-400/1 496 L
Security: 2 airbags, ABS, EBD
Price of 4 tyres: R 5 644
Highway take a look at problem: November 2014 (1,4 GLX MT)
0-100 km/h: 12,08 seconds High velocity: 170 km/h Energy: 70 kW
Torque: 130 N.m C02: 156 g/km Gas consumption: 7,92 L/100 km
The Ertiga arrived in 2014 to affix this rising marketplace for compact individuals movers and rapidly grew to become one other of Suzuki’s gross sales successes. Though the facelifted model was launched in 2019, the unique has much less fussy styling and most agree it’s fairly enticing for the sort of car. The 1,4-litre engine is robust sufficient and provides good low- to mid-range torque with a fast gearshift (solely 5 ahead ratios) to permit for an satisfying driving expertise. Fabric seating is cozy, the second row is adjustable and there’s good house within the final row. With all seats occupied, don’t count on a lot room for baggage although. The bottom GA mannequin has no electrical home windows or audio system versus the higher-specced GL and GLX, however all have twin airbags and ABS. The GLX has alloy wheels and steering wheel controls included as commonplace.
A four-year service plan helps however you could have run out of providers if the mileage is over 60 000 km. If you’ll find a GLX mannequin, you’ll benefit from the added comfort options. There are only some on supply inside our finances so you could have to have a look at financing choices to cowl the hole. Mileages already coated are usually decrease than is the case with the Toyota Avanza and Honda BR-V and this solely provides to the desirability.
Honda BR-V
House: 7 seats, 192-440/1 344 L
Security: 2 airbags, ABS, EBD
Price of 4 tyres: R 4 050
Highway take a look at: August 2016
0-100 km/h: 10,92 seconds High velocity: 155 km/h Energy: 88 kW
Torque: 145 N.m C02: 151 g/km Gas consumption: 7,60 L/100 km
The BR-V took over from the Mobilio in late 2016 as Honda’s compact seven-seater conveyance. Three spec ranges have been launched – Development, Consolation and Class – with additions of alloy wheels and leather-based seating, neither of which detract from a stable total package deal. Respectable floor clearance and the added practicality of roof rails add to the attraction. Entry to the third row is simple and the center row is adjustable as with the Suzuki. The engine is acquainted to Honda followers in its 1,5-litre kind delivering 88 kW and 145 N.m of torque. A brand new six-speed gearbox was launched and could be our selection above the CVT options. The engine generally is a bit buzzy at freeway speeds however fares higher than the Avanza with its increased energy and decrease revs.
Suspension provides compromise for passenger consolation and a helpful baggage capability of 192 litres even with all seats in use. Pricing tends to be above our higher finances restrict so a cautious search could also be needed and the mileage already coated might be above 150 000 km … not ideally suited for a four-year-old automotive. A two-year/
30 000 km service plan was provided on solely the upper specced fashions; it’s essential you examine the service ebook for
satisfactory upkeep historical past.
Nissan NV200
House: 7 seats, 360-736/1 792 L
Security: 4 airbags, ABS, EBD
Price of 4 tyres: R 4 304
Highway take a look at: January 2014 (1,6 Combi Visia)
0-100 km/h: 12,54 seconds High velocity: n/a Energy: 81 kW
Torque: 153 N.m C02: 169 g/km Gas consumption: 8,76 L/100 km
From each single angle, it does appear to be the van from which it’s constructed, however don’t be postpone by the slabby styling and tinny high quality.
This NV200 has the sprightly 1,6-litre Nissan engine and a quick-shifting five-speed gearbox. At 81 kW, it makes it probably the most highly effective amongst this quartet however being bigger, it additionally weighs greater than the others. As with the Avanza, and with solely 5 ahead gears, the engine revs are excessive at 4 000 r/min at 120 km/h so a sixth ratio would have helped. A 66 kW diesel model is accessible for the hypermilers on the market. A fantastic assist for loading items, the sill top is a low 513 mm. Additional aiding loading capacity, the third seat row could be eliminated fully by undoing simply 4 bolts. The peak gives plenty of headroom that doubles as house for giant items when the rear isn’t getting used for passengers.
With the big physique, the 14-inch wheels do look a bit too small. The spare is fitted under-body and the home windows are fastened aside for these up entrance. Consolation is tops and there’s even further packing house below the seats. No service plan was included when new, sadly. If it’s most house and first rate drivability you might be on the lookout for, at an inexpensive value, do embody this NV200 in your search.
