Modern MPVs Make for Happier Moms

And it is no surprise that the French – who have given us some of the very best when it comes to aesthetic appeal – are at the forefront with both Citroen and Peugeot recently introducing seven-seat people-carriers that add a new dimension to the genre. At the same time, there’s new technology to enhance the driving experience and make travelling safer.

For example, the brand-new Peugeot 5008 features a head-up display which presents the car’s road speed digitally in a pop-up display atop the dashboard. This means the most vital piece of information is just below your line of sight. A second surprize and delight feature of the high-tech kind is a cruise control system which not only enables you to set your speed, but also allows for a time gap to the vehicle ahead to be set, and then coaxes you to maintain it.

And so that the rest of the occupants aren’t left out of the technology loop, the flagship Allure model comes with a multimedia package extending to a DVD player and video screens in the headrests. This package can be ordered as on option on lower-spec models.

All three 5008 derivatives come with the Cielo roof however, a glass panel which extends all the way back to the second row of seats and can be covered or uncovered at the touch of the button. The 5008 has one of the largest windscreens in the motoring world and when you add in a glass roof of similar size, you’re in for a motoring experience which isn’t dissimilar to being in a convertible – except that your hair doesn’t get messed up.

The Citroen Grand Picasso is closely related to the 5008, and both feature seven seats, the rearmost pair rising from the boot floor when needed. Individual seats in the middle row fold flat, creating a long and low floor and allows that giant flat screen telly that Dad has been eyeing for months to be loaded when the weekend comes round.

Of course, Peugeot and Citroen haven’t got an empty playing field to run out onto.  Rivals include the likes of Toyota Verso and Mazda5 and both are well-established, with extensive dealer networks. Toyota’s aftersales support is legendary and things like parts supply and insurance costs certainly add appeal for those after a ‘low-maintenance’ ownership experience. Both Japanese brands and their French rivals come standard with a five-year/90 000 km service plan, so there should be few additional ownership costs.

The French are also adamant that their parts pricing and availability – long stumbling blocks in providing a truly holistic ownership experience – are no longer issues.

If you’re after something which looks a little more rugged, then the Nissan Qashqai+2 is a good bet, its generous ground clearance moving it into pseudo-SUV territory, while the rugged Diahatsu Terios in long wheelbase 4x2 is definitely a viable alternative- as long as you don’t need to spend too much time on the freeway.

While the likes of the Verso, Mazda5 and Grand Picasso  start at around the R255 000 mark, there are other people carriers such as the Nissan Grand Lavina which will manage most of a soccer team for under R200 000. But that will inevitable mean making some sacrifices in terms of space and comfort, and, more importantly, safety features.