Grand C Max, Mazda5 or Touran?

[Carshopper2021]

Hi,

I've narrowed my search down to these 3 cars, but wondered if anyone could offer any opinions please?

We're a family of 4, but need to also be able to accommodate an additional adult in the car only occasionally (so either in the middle seat if big enough or in a boot seat).

Also need a large boot for a pram with a bit of space left over as I need to be able to stand or lie my daughter to change her when needed (she has a disability).

So far I've narrowed it down to these 3 cars but I'm not sure which I prefer! I like the idea of sliding doors but obviously a Touran offers more boot space. So just wondered if anyone had any thoughts, good or bad(!) on any of these cars?

My budget is £6-£6.5k.

Thank you in advance!

[SlowV6]

Regarding the Ford, I would consider the standard CMax as this will fit 3 in the back comfortably, has a massive boot and conventional doors. Imho it also looks better proportioned that the Grand CMax but that is just an opinion!

You haven't mentioned how many miles per annum you do or if ULEZ is relevant. If ULEZ is not a factor and you do some long journeys then I would recommend the 2.0TDCi. Otherwise the 1.6 turbo petrol if you can find one.

Titanium X spec is the nicest and includes the panoramic sunroof. Try and seek one of those out.

I don't know anything about the other two I am afraid sorry.

Our mk1 CMax has been an excellent family car. They are much much better than they look and good to drive. I imagine the mark2 would be even better.

[ZX10R NIN]

The Mazda5 is the pick but make sure you go for the 2.0/2.0d the 1.6d's don't have enough go & you end up using the same amount of fuel as the other two.

Sport Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104131...

Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104231...

Rather than the Grand C Max wouldn't an S Max be a better fit?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103260...

[Carshopper2021]

SlowV6 said:

Regarding the Ford, I would consider the standard CMax as this will fit 3 in the back comfortably, has a massive boot and conventional doors. Imho it also looks better proportioned that the Grand CMax but that is just an opinion!

You haven't mentioned how many miles per annum you do or if ULEZ is relevant. If ULEZ is not a factor and you do some long journeys then I would recommend the 2.0TDCi. Otherwise the 1.6 turbo petrol if you can find one.

Titanium X spec is the nicest and includes the panoramic sunroof. Try and seek one of those out.

I don't know anything about the other two I am afraid sorry.

Our mk1 CMax has been an excellent family car. They are much much better than they look and good to drive. I imagine the mark2 would be even better.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. My current car is actually actually a mk1 cmax and it has been great for us. It is quite a squeeze though to get an adult between the two child seats though, so I assumed the newer models would be the same but will look into it, thanks!

ULEZ isn't an issue for me. And annual mileage is about 8-10k. There's the daily school run and short journeys, then longer journeys about 3, maybe 4 times a week.

Thanks for your help

[Carshopper2021]

ZX10R NIN said:

The Mazda5 is the pick but make sure you go for the 2.0/2.0d the 1.6d's don't have enough go & you end up using the same amount of fuel as the other two.

Sport Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104131...

Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104231...

Rather than the Grand C Max wouldn't an S Max be a better fit?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103260...

That's really helpful, thanks! I did look at an smax but it felt absolutely massive compared to the Touran. I dont think I'd feel comfortable driving it and although we need a big car, I don't think we need that much space

[wiliferus]

You sound keen on the Touran. Drive one first. I know we all come in different shapes and sizes, but in the 3 years I had one I never got comfortable driving it. It’s quite van like in the seating position - over the pedals rather than sitting with your legs forward in a car. It drive nicely, and I quite liked the engine (2.0tdi 138bhp) but the seating position spoilt it for me.
Like I say, might be fine for you, but it didn’t work for me.

[ZX10R NIN]

Carshopper2021 said:

That's really helpful, thanks! I did look at an smax but it felt absolutely massive compared to the Touran. I dont think I'd feel comfortable driving it and although we need a big car, I don't think we need that much space

The funny thing is the S Max is only 25cm longer than a Grand C Max/Touran.

[Summit_Detailing]

Mazda 5 has what I class as a 'jump seat' for the middle row, middle chair - ok for short journeys but probably not any bigger in terms of seat space than what you have at the moment.

My sister is expecting her 2nd child in a few months and is planning ahead in terms of a change of car from a Skoda Superb estate. She has the same criteria as you in terms of 2 kids seats + occasional adult sat between them.

She has poked around a C-max, Zafira, Touran, Verso, Mazda5, Carens and all have been discounted.

Narrowed it down to a S-max or more likely a Seat Alhambra c.2012, both of which have 3 proper width seats in the middle row.

Cheers,

Chris