Buying a seven seat MPV? We test three

Ford Grand C-Max , BMW Gran Tourer, Volkswagen Touran

Seven seat cars may be considered distress purchases but there are a couple of new offerings that promise much more than simply practicality writes Geraldine Herbert

For many buying an MPV is a rite of passage, that time in life when the last vestiges of youth’s frivolity dissipate in favour of night feeds and school runs.  But as a parent of two young boys and a few dogs in tow I have to admit the charms of a seven seater are hard to ignore. And the good news is that MPVs are no longer just about space these days, driving dynamics and kerb appeal are just as important. We look at three new options recently launched to suit a range of budgets.

Ford Grand C-Max

Ford Grand C-Max
It was Ford who brought credible dynamics to the MPV sector and the new C-Max is no exception. Thanks to its engaging driving dynamics and practical cabin, the previous version was a popular choice.  Revamped in 2015, the C-Max offers seating for five while the more expensive and larger Grand C-MAX comes with seven seats.

The Grand C-Max is not the most stylish of seven seaters but the rear sliding doors makes access to the rear seats particularly easy, though like large MPVs they are only suitable for kids or very flexible friends.  Storage space in the Grand C-MAX ranges from 65 litres to 755 litres depending on seating configuration and can extend to 1742 with just the 2 front seats in place.

Inside, the Focus-style dashboard is a welcome addition and the controls  are easy to use with a stack of high-tech options and while the quality has improved throughout both the Touran and Gran Tourer feel a little more luxurious.  Ford’s voice activated connectivity system, Sync is also now available.

Ford Grand C-Max

On the road the Grand C-Max does not disappoint, the steering is sharp, the ride smooth and it corners with almost as much composure as a hatchback. Ford has improved the refinement and this is particularly noticeable at high speeds.

Available in 2 trim levels – Zetec and Titanium – and with 3 engine options pick of the bunch the 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine that replaces the old 1.6-litre unit. There’s also a 100bhp 1.0 Ecoboost petrol and a 2.0TDCi 150bhp Diesel which is available as both manual and automatic.

Prices for the all-new Grand C-MAX start at €28,455 for a 1.0L Ecoboost Zetec rising to €35,000 for the 2.0TDCi Automatic Titanium version. Standard equipment includes 16” alloys, front fogs, A/C, Privacy glass, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and electric folding mirrors. Upgrading to Titanium will get you 17” alloys. Cruise control, chrome detailing, LED daytime running lights, climate control, keyless start, auto lights and wipers and roof rails.

The Grand C-Max is well priced and offers a lot for the money, though the overall quality inside is not quite on a par with a rivals and boot space is tiny with all seven seats in use.  Overall it is good to drive, economical and the sliding doors are particularly useful for families with very young kids.

BMW Gran Tourer

BMW Gran Tourer

Billed as the ” first premium compact model to offer up to seven seats ” the Gran Tourer is BMW’s new family ferry with driving dynamics to merit the badge and large enough to haul a small hockey team.

BMW now offer two people carriers, the five seat Active Tourer designed to appeal to young families who want a little more space  while the Gran Tourer is  all about those crucial seven seats.  At 214mm longer than the Active Tourer there is decent space for three kids in the standard arrangement, each with individual isofix mountings and the optional third row can also accommodate two child seats. There is also a huge amount of cubby holes and storage areas, where children’s toys and books can be stowed easily, and a host of family features, including folding tables at the rear of the front seats.

On the road it certainly offers a more rewarding drive than many rivals so if driving dynamics is high on your list the Gran Tourer may be a pricey option but is will definitely be a tempting alternative.

Engines range from the entry level three-cylinder 216d diesel to the top of-the-range 220d with four-wheel drive. In between are a 218i and 220i petrol and 218d diesel, so there’s plenty of choice.

Prices for the Gran Tourer start at €36,750, which is almost €4,000 more than for the Active Tourer. The range topping 220d xDrive M Sport is €51,660. The standard specification includes Intelligent Emergency Call, Bluetooth, Collision Warning with City Braking Function and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. In addition to the standard SE version, the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is available in Sport, Luxury and M Sport.
If you’re moving  to an MPV from something more sporty, then this could be the car that makes the switch just a little bit easier. The Gran Tourer is stylish inside and out and good to drive but is pricey compared to rivals.

Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran

Longer, wider and lighter than the model it replaces, the Touran has always been a sensible choice amongst growing families. The new model brings a much needed boost to the styling and gone is the very boxy utilitarian look from before and now offers sharper looks and better quality.

Inside the extra space is put to very good use. The front two rows of seats are particularly spacious and all three seats in the middle row have an Isofix anchor point plus there are also two more isofix anchor points on the back row so in total you can fit five child seats.  While the third row is only really suitable for small children the seating arrangement is particularly good and all the rear seats can be folded completely flat with ease.

On the road it feels just like a large Golf with good driving dynamics and excellent refinement. Engine-wise there are a choice of a 1.2 TSI petrol with 110bhp or in diesel a 1.6 TDI 110bhp or 2.0 TDI 150bhp and three trim levels to choose from Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

Volkswagen Touran

Prices for the Touran start at €29,725 for 1.2 TSI petrol. The base Trendline model comes with Air Conditioning, a 5” touchscreen infotainment system, start/stop technology, daytime running lights, active engine hood, connectivity package including Bluetooth and forward collision warning system while Comfortline adds 16ins alloys, front fogs, park distance control, 6.5ins Composition audio system with CD player and cruise control. The Top of the range Highline models come with velour seats, adaptive cruise control, 3 zone climate control, sports suspension and 17” alloys.  For 161 models there’s a special offer upgrade pack for €161 on Comfortline and Highline models which includes a panoramic sunroof, Parallel Park Assistant and auto-dimming headlight.
The new Touran is very practical, good to drive and feels really well built and is probably the best compromise of the three, it feels more solid inside than the C-Max but is not as good to drive as the Gran Tourer. The Touran is however, well priced and equipped and  the most spacious of the group.

For more information on the new Ford Grand C-Max check out Ford.ie, the Ford Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here

For more information on the Gran Tourer check out BMW.ie ,the BMW Ireland Facebook page or follow BMW Ireland on twitter

For more information on the Touran check out the Volkswagen Ireland website , their Facebook page   follow them on twitter here

Geraldine Herbert

9th February, 2016