3 child seats *occasionally* not an MPV :)

[j44esd]

Hello PH land!

In 2 weeks, 2 small J44ESD's will be arriving to complement our 4 year old son.

Of course, we need an MPV, and of course PH wisdom says the right one is the S Max...in our case, Mrs J44ESD preferred the post '15 Touran, so we're the proud owners of a 2018 1.6 Touran TDI SE Family.

However, I'd like to change my car as well...currently have the very un-PH friendly 2017 A4 2.0tdi Ultra (not exactly sure what's ultra...) purchased due to needing a car PDQ (after a spot of bad luck with a great looking, but rusty subframed C Class).

So, whilst mine won't be the *only* car, it might be nice to occasionally fit all three children in, not averse to an SUV (had an X5 in the past), no I don't want a multimac.

Any thoughts / experience from the collective?

Budget is £25k max, but would prefer to spend £20k. Do about 10k per year, would expect to want to use it 'fully loaded' with family maybe once a month when I simply don't want to drive the Touran.

I'm thinking Discovery Sport / Gen 1 Q7 / Seat Tarraco but welcome informed commentary, especially if it comes from experience!

Edited by j44esd on Sunday 13th March 16:12

Edited by j44esd on Sunday 13th March 16:49

[anonymous-user]

Brand new top spec Dacia Jogger Extreme SE

[j44esd]

Vidarr said:

Brand new top spec Dacia Jogger Extreme SE

Would be a great suggestion l, if we hadn't bought the Touran.

For me I want a car that is *capable* of fitting 3 children in occasionally, not everyday (that's the Tourans job). The A4 can only do it with two in the rear and one in the front...leaving a VERY small gap for my wife in the back...

I'd just like something slightly more interesting than the A4, that on occasion could seat all 5 of us, but if nothing is available that fits, I'll stick with the A4 for a few years.

[Rob8980]

Peugeot 5008 has 3 full size seats in the back and is ideal for 3 child seats (3 isofix across the back) also the bonus of 2 extra seats in the boot. Also I think the Q7 has the same but would be an older example.

I have a 5008 now and it’s really great
For fitting kids in. I’ve had a Kodiaq aswell and that can fit 3 kids in to but it’s tighter in the middle seat.

Edited by Rob8980 on Sunday 13th March 20:09

[ZX10R NIN]

The 5008 is a very good option that I'd say is well worth a test drive:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202192...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203033...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201261...

Kia Sorento KX-4:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203113...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203093...

Hyundai SantaFe:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201261...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203043...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112020...

[j44esd]

Rob8980 said:

Peugeot 5008 has 3 full size seats in the back and is ideal for 3 child seats (3 isofix across the back) also the bonus of 2 extra seats in the boot. Also I think the Q7 has the same but would be an older example.

I have a 5008 now and it’s really great
For fitting kids in. I’ve had a Kodiaq aswell and that can fit 3 kids in to but it’s tighter in the middle seat.

Edited by Rob8980 on Sunday 13th March 20:09

Thanks - how did you find the Kodiaq if you don't mind me asking? And was that 3 kids in child seats that were a squeeze?

As it's not for everyday full occupation, I'd prefer a Kodiaq (as I actually like them!), And was happy to have the option of using the 6/7th seat for the rare occasion - but I read somewhere you can't put a high back booster in the third row of a Kodiaq (but you can in a Tarraco / Allspace, which makes no sense as they're basically the same car...)

[j44esd]

ZX10R NIN said:

The 5008 is a very good option that I'd say is well worth a test drive:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202192...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203033...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201261...

Kia Sorento KX-4:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203113...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203093...

Hyundai SantaFe:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201261...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203043...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112020...

Thanks for your input, always love the suggestions you bring for a 'What car?'

Do you have any thoughts on the Kodiaq/Tarraco/Allspace and the Disco Sport?

[j44esd]

Things I'd seen that looked appealing:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021110592...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022030231...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022031134...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022021525...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022022529...

[ZX10R NIN]

j44esd said:

Thanks for your input, always love the suggestions you bring for a 'What car?'

Do you have any thoughts on the Kodiaq/Tarraco/Allspace and the Disco Sport?

Out of the three VAG options I think the Tarraco is the best combo out of those when spec price etc but also one of the harder ones to find as they're not as popular, the Disco Sport is a very good car but I feel the others listed above just edge the Disco out as an overall for me but it's a good car.

[j44esd]

ZX10R NIN said:

j44esd said:

Thanks for your input, always love the suggestions you bring for a 'What car?'

Do you have any thoughts on the Kodiaq/Tarraco/Allspace and the Disco Sport?

Out of the three VAG options I think the Tarraco is the best combo out of those when spec price etc but also one of the harder ones to find as they're not as popular, the Disco Sport is a very good car but I feel the others listed above just edge the Disco out as an overall for me but it's a good car.

Thanks, of your recommendations, I like the Sorrento (was on my short list), not so keen on the Santa Fe (I like the design language of the next model more, but they're not <£25k) and the 5008 just doesn't appeal (not to say it's not a great shout, but I'm not a fan, even though I've tried to be!).

Honestly, if some one came on and said 'Well, it's a bit of a pain, but you can get 3 car seats in a Cayenne/7 Series/S6' id be all over that (and not an SUV), but it seems 3 child seats restricts the choice somewhat...

Edited by j44esd on Sunday 13th March 21:12

[Rob8980]

The kodiaq could accommodate high back seats in the 3rd row of seats but if I remember correct you had to remove the headrests to do so. It also wasn’t obvious how to do this and I think I watched a you tube video on how to do it &#128514;. I had the 190 diesel sportline automatic Kodiaq and now have the 1.2 GT line 5008 with the automatic. Here are a few thoughts after having owned both

Comfort - 5008 is a bit better
Infotainment - Kodiaq is a lot better
Interior - 5008 looks nicer inside but Skoda felt more solid but again only by a little.
Practicality - 5008 edges it but both where great.

Both only had minor niggles and ultimately fine.

Gearbox - 5008 feels smoother and more responsive

[j44esd]

Rob8980 said:

The kodiaq could accommodate high back seats in the 3rd row of seats but if I remember correct you had to remove the headrests to do so. It also wasn’t obvious how to do this and I think I watched a you tube video on how to do it ??. I had the 190 diesel sportline automatic Kodiaq and now have the 1.2 GT line 5008 with the automatic. Here are a few thoughts after having owned both

Comfort - 5008 is a bit better
Infotainment - Kodiaq is a lot better
Interior - 5008 looks nicer inside but Skoda felt more solid but again only by a little.
Practicality - 5008 edges it but both where great.

Both only had minor niggles and ultimately fine.

Gearbox - 5008 feels smoother and more responsive

Thanks! I appreciate the direct comparison.

As stated above, I'm not a huge fan of the looks of the 5008, but maybe I need to get a test drive...

[ZX10R NIN]

j44esd said:

Thanks, of your recommendations, I like the Sorrento (was on my short list), not so keen on the Santa Fe (I like the design language of the next model more, but they're not <£25k) and the 5008 just doesn't appeal (not to say it's not a great shout, but I'm not a fan, even though I've tried to be!).

Honestly, if some one came on and said 'Well, it's a bit of a pain, but you can get 3 car seats in a Cayenne/7 Series/S6' id be all over that (and not an SUV), but it seems 3 child seats restricts the choice somewhat...

Edited by j44esd on Sunday 13th March 21:12

I have to say the Sorento in KX-4 spec would be the one I'd be buying.

[Rob8980]

Another example of 3 full size seats is the Citroen C5 air cross. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea but an option.

[Winny42]

Just been through this exact thing essentially. Currently run a 5 series saloon as my work vehicle, had it for almost 4 years and its due for replacement in June. We have been spoiled as for some unknown reason its by far the widest car we have found in the rear, with one exception. We didn't know this until we went around measuring the distance between the isofix points which is essentially the middle seat width. The work scheme now demands I run an EV or a PHEV and so we started the hunt, here's what I've found so far, some of them are surprising.

Benchmark BMW 5 series: 46cm between isofix points.
Audi q4 etron: 39cm
Audi etron: 39cm (surprisingly narrow)
Bmw x3: 44cm
Bmw 3 series touring (my personal car): 34cm
Merc EQV: 39cm
Landrover Disco Sport: 45cm (this was front runner for a while)
Hyudai santa fe: 44cm
Kia sorrento: 43cm
Volvo xc40: 36cm
Volvo xc60: 43cm
Volvo v90: 44cm
Volvo xc90: 55cm and the option of an integrated booster seat in the centre.... winner.

As you can see there's a lot of variation and the width of the rear in general doesn't mean space available in the middle once you have two car seats fitted. The volvo absolutely walks it however if you can get your hands on a g30 or g31 5 series then its by far the best option for a "normal" car that I've found.

Hope this helps.

[j44esd]

Rob8980 said:

Another example of 3 full size seats is the Citroen C5 air cross. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea but an option.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[j44esd]

Winny42 said:

Just been through this exact thing essentially. Currently run a 5 series saloon as my work vehicle, had it for almost 4 years and its due for replacement in June. We have been spoiled as for some unknown reason its by far the widest car we have found in the rear, with one exception. We didn't know this until we went around measuring the distance between the isofix points which is essentially the middle seat width. The work scheme now demands I run an EV or a PHEV and so we started the hunt, here's what I've found so far, some of them are surprising.

Benchmark BMW 5 series: 46cm between isofix points.
Audi q4 etron: 39cm
Audi etron: 39cm (surprisingly narrow)
Bmw x3: 44cm
Bmw 3 series touring (my personal car): 34cm
Merc EQV: 39cm
Landrover Disco Sport: 45cm (this was front runner for a while)
Hyudai santa fe: 44cm
Kia sorrento: 43cm
Volvo xc40: 36cm
Volvo xc60: 43cm
Volvo v90: 44cm
Volvo xc90: 55cm and the option of an integrated booster seat in the centre.... winner.

As you can see there's a lot of variation and the width of the rear in general doesn't mean space available in the middle once you have two car seats fitted. The volvo absolutely walks it however if you can get your hands on a g30 or g31 5 series then its by far the best option for a "normal" car that I've found.

Hope this helps.

This is super insightful, and exactly the kind of in depth analysis I was hoping for!

Did you find you could fit 3 seats (2 iso, 1 belt) ok in the 5 series?

[j44esd]

ZX10R NIN said:

I have to say the Sorento in KX-4 spec would be the one I'd be buying.

Thank you!

[Winny42]

j44esd said:

Winny42 said:

Just been through this exact thing essentially. Currently run a 5 series saloon as my work vehicle, had it for almost 4 years and its due for replacement in June. We have been spoiled as for some unknown reason its by far the widest car we have found in the rear, with one exception. We didn't know this until we went around measuring the distance between the isofix points which is essentially the middle seat width. The work scheme now demands I run an EV or a PHEV and so we started the hunt, here's what I've found so far, some of them are surprising.

Benchmark BMW 5 series: 46cm between isofix points.
Audi q4 etron: 39cm
Audi etron: 39cm (surprisingly narrow)
Bmw x3: 44cm
Bmw 3 series touring (my personal car): 34cm
Merc EQV: 39cm
Landrover Disco Sport: 45cm (this was front runner for a while)
Hyudai santa fe: 44cm
Kia sorrento: 43cm
Volvo xc40: 36cm
Volvo xc60: 43cm
Volvo v90: 44cm
Volvo xc90: 55cm and the option of an integrated booster seat in the centre.... winner.

As you can see there's a lot of variation and the width of the rear in general doesn't mean space available in the middle once you have two car seats fitted. The volvo absolutely walks it however if you can get your hands on a g30 or g31 5 series then its by far the best option for a "normal" car that I've found.

Hope this helps.

This is super insightful, and exactly the kind of in depth analysis I was hoping for!

Did you find you could fit 3 seats (2 iso, 1 belt) ok in the 5 series?

No but even if we had this wouldnt be super helpful. I've found the seats are so variable in their width also. Our two main isofix ones we have in the 5 are very bulky items, we tried getting our booster in the middle of the two bulky isofix when we tried the landrover to no avail however if your isofix sears are slimline and the booster is slim then it might be doable. Unfortunately too many variables to say which will work and which won't.

[SpanishTony]

Winny42 said:

Just been through this exact thing essentially. Currently run a 5 series saloon as my work vehicle, had it for almost 4 years and its due for replacement in June. We have been spoiled as for some unknown reason its by far the widest car we have found in the rear, with one exception. We didn't know this until we went around measuring the distance between the isofix points which is essentially the middle seat width. The work scheme now demands I run an EV or a PHEV and so we started the hunt, here's what I've found so far, some of them are surprising.

Benchmark BMW 5 series: 46cm between isofix points.
Audi q4 etron: 39cm
Audi etron: 39cm (surprisingly narrow)
Bmw x3: 44cm
Bmw 3 series touring (my personal car): 34cm
Merc EQV: 39cm
Landrover Disco Sport: 45cm (this was front runner for a while)
Hyudai santa fe: 44cm
Kia sorrento: 43cm
Volvo xc40: 36cm
Volvo xc60: 43cm
Volvo v90: 44cm
Volvo xc90: 55cm and the option of an integrated booster seat in the centre.... winner.

As you can see there's a lot of variation and the width of the rear in general doesn't mean space available in the middle once you have two car seats fitted. The volvo absolutely walks it however if you can get your hands on a g30 or g31 5 series then its by far the best option for a "normal" car that I've found.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, this is really useful, my wife is looking at the moment and one of her bugbears is that the back row of seats isn't really for 3 people.