Honda FR-V verses anything else

[Sym7]

I currently have a Mercedes R-Class which is great for the two children we have (one at 3 yrs & the other at 18 mnths). However, we now have a 3rd on the way and we realise that the R-Class, despite its size, isn't actually that practical. The car does have a third row of seats but they are inaccessible when you have child seats connected in the second row.

Therefore we're looking for another car and the FR-V looks like it could be ideal. However, I know nothing about this car. I went to a dealership today and what I saw I was quite impressed with (confused why there are only two engine choices and no sat nav as an option though). So, if anyone has any knowledge of this car (good or bad) your feedback would be really appreciated. I'm not sure if there are many alternatives that are good for 3 children (except the Multipla which just looks 'orrible!).

Thanks to anyone who can help me.

[Deva Link]

Don't know if it would help, or you maybe already know, but R Class has been re-organised so there's now a choice of with 5 or 7 seats - perhaps the 5 seater would be OK?

I have a diesel FRV for a weekend and it did the job I borrowed it for (getting 6 people to a restaurant 50 miles away) but it was bit truck like. I thought it badly needed an auto (n/a on any Honda diesel, not sure about FRV petrol). The dash mounted gear lever is easy to use, but seems to make the driving seem much frenetic.

It would be a hell of a come down in refinement terms over the R Class (but then they are half the price). Generally, though, most people that have Hondas love them - we have a Jazz which I think is marvellous and I use it around town in preference to my C270 Estate.

ETA: Some basic info on FRV here:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=...

Edited by Deva Link on Saturday 24th November 17:19

[vino 187]

dont do it. just get an estate.

[MrMoonyMan]

vino 187 said:

dont do it. just get an estate.

+1

[blowy84]

+2

they have deleted leather option on interior, now only granny cloth available in grim blue and some other vile cloth option. nice looking but feels cheap even in comparison to other hondas in range, anyone find the rear wiper an annoyance when driving behind? looks like it has failed midway through a wipe? guessing that would be an irratation when driving?

[Swoxy]

I know someone that has one.
All leathered up and she uses it for she school run and shopping.
She adores it and finds it very practical.

[jackal]

i think the looks and interiors are fantastic
i love teh whole 3 a breast thing as well
the extra height is a worthy reason to get one over a standard estate as well

interesting, funky cars and its hard to knock hondas.... if i had teh budget id be really tempted to get one as a family car

[Ferg]

Without going into the personal taste issues that surround the Multipla ......

I'm amazed that it took so long for anyone to copy it's 3x3 seating and now that Honda have I'm amazed no-one else has either. Quite what's so special about 7 seats I don't know, but if you can manage with 6 you can shorten the car considerably whilst still getting plenty of luggage in. Our Multipla is shorter than the Scenic it replaced, but has one more seat and more luggage space.....no brainer??? Sure it's slightly wider, but that really isn't a big deal.

I've sat in an FR-V, but not driven one. Gotta be tempting though.

[zax]

I found headroom in the FRV to be pretty poor in front (especially if you have the sunroof) and even worse in the rear. Maybe not an issue if you're of average height but for me it was a showstopper. No idea why this should be the case in what is supposed to be a family car, I fit just fine in my Civic Type R and could probably wear a top hat in the CRV (previous generation).

[Festive Ferg]

zax said:

......could probably wear a top hat in the CRV.

Well I hope you did on every possible ocassion, it would be only right.

[CommanderJameson]

M5 Touring/RS6 Avant/AMG E63 Estate.

Practical and fast.