Two seater sportscars and plush saloons might be desirable for some drivers, but for family motorists it is space and flexibility that are the ultimate luxury. You need a car which can handle a commute, take six kids to a party at the local karting track, be loaded up with furniture and then take the family – including the dog – off to the coast.
For this reason, seven seaters are among the most sought-after cars in Britain and at Eden we have a great selection of new and used family-sized seven-seater cars which offer fantastic practicality and value.
Here are our favourites:
When it comes to getting the maximum space in the smallest dimensions, boxy is best. And the packaging of the new Vauxhall Combo-e Life is nothing short of brilliant, managing to pack seven seats in a car which is no longer than a family hatch.
The SE model has two individual split-folding and removable third-row seats, while the SE XL’s rearmost seats even slide so you can choose the perfect combination of space for luggage and passengers.
Like all Vauxhall’s electric models, it could save you a fortune in running costs too, with £0 road tax and congestion charge, 2% Benefit in Kind for company car drivers and 30% lower maintenance costs.
Hyundai’s flagship is a brilliantly versatile car, and having seven seats is just one of the reasons we think you’ll love it. The Santa Fe offers the luxury, quality and technology of a prestige saloon, the load space of a large estate and the all-weather security of four-wheel drive on most models too.
A choice of strong turbodiesels or a frugal plug-in hybrid means you’ll have plenty of power even if the Santa Fe is fully loaded or even pulling a caravan, and your passengers won’t complain about the space on offer or the creature comforts either. The price will leave you smiling too, as the big Hyundai is remarkably good value.
The Combo’s big brother offers the same innovative packaging and low running costs but in an even bigger package. There is space to spare with only seven on board too, as the Vivaro-e Life is available with a choice of eight or nine seats across three rows.
The fully electric powertrain means all your passengers will get to experience the smoother, quieter and more luxurious driving dynamics and you will all be able to travel up to 143 miles before needing to recharge.
The Combi version is well specified and perfect for business users, while the more stylish and refined Elite is perfect for the growing family.
The 5008 has all the style and quality of a premium SUV, both inside and out, but has a neat trick – it’s also as spacious and practical as a people carrier. The biggest Peugeot has seven spacious seats of course, but there’s more to it than just the number of people it can carry.
All three of the middle-row seats are individual and separate, meaning they can be folded or tilted to carry odd-shaped loads or even create a table for games. They all have Isofix connections too, so will fit three child seats side by side – essential if you have a really big, but young, family.
As you’d expect from a modern Peugeot it’s also fun to drive and frugal.