Although the average occupancy rate in Germany has remained at 1,5 people for decades, seven-seaters are still in demand. Here are five new varieties of this popular genre.
Vans are actually considered to be an extinct species, but the seven-seater car is by no means a thing of the past. On the contrary: The segment is more colorful and multifaceted than ever, as shown by the example of five new seven-seaters, with which complete volleyball youth teams can be shuttled in hybrid, electric, pragmatic or particularly luxurious ways.
VW Caddy
A new classic among the space-saving cars is the fifth-generation VW Caddy launched at the end of 2020. The high-roof station wagon, which is based on the MQB passenger car platform, will continue to be offered in a standard version as well as a 4,85-meter-long Maxi. In both cases, the caddy is available with a third row of seats. In the short version, it is optionally available for an additional charge of around 870 euros, in the maxi version it is part of the standard scope of equipment from the “Caddy Maxi” equipment upwards. In both body variants there is a swivel, foldable and removable 3-seater bench in the middle as well as a third row of seats in the trunk with two individual seats. The trunk of the short seven-seater is 191 liters when fully seated, and the Maxi even has space for 446 liters of luggage. Here the trunk can be expanded to 1.720 or 3.105 liters, while the short Caddy has a further 1.213 to 2.556 liters. Anyone traveling with children will be delighted with the practical sliding doors for accessing the rear. For most of the equipment, there is one on the left side as standard, while the right sliding door costs around 137 euros extra. With a 1,5-liter petrol engine (84 kW / 114 PS), the Caddy is available for around 26.700 euros, the maxi version with standard seven-seater seating starts at 29.500 euros.
Kia Sorento
A new van like the Caddy has almost become an exception, because new seven-seater vehicles are usually SUVs. This is also the case with the new edition of the Kia Sorento, which has just started and has grown to 4,81 meters. The fourth generation of the Korean is recommended for drivers with high demands on comfort, equipment, space and off-road competence. No matter which engine variant: The Sorento always comes with a real and robust all-wheel drive. If you want the Sorento as a seven-seater, you have to pay 965 euros extra for the two seats in the trunk. Seven people - whether children or adults - can then travel with you. Or, alternatively, a lot of luggage. With the rear seat backs folded down, the seven-seater can hold over two cubic meters of cargo. We particularly recommend the Sorento in combination with the 148 kW / 202 PS 2,2-liter diesel, which is available from 42.490 euros in the basic Edition 7 version. This offers 17-inch wheels, digital instrument cluster, reversing camera, heated leather steering wheel, parking beeper and various assistants such as a cruise control.
Mercedes GLB
With a length of 4,63 meters, the SUV model GLB introduced by Mercedes around a year ago is a lot more compact. Actually, this is based on a compact segment platform, which has been slightly stretched in the case of the fluffed GLB. In terms of length, it comes close to the 4,66 meter long GLC. However, the GLB benefits from the transversely installed engine, which ensures comparatively good space. Five seats are standard, but Mercedes also offers two additional seats that can be lowered into the vehicle floor for an additional charge of around 1.300 euros. With the rear seat backs folded down, the trunk volume is up to 1.805 liters, in the standard position it is 570 liters. Large purchases can be stowed away with ease; if you have ordered the folding passenger seat, you can confidently drive to the take-away furniture store of your choice. In addition, the middle rear seat can be moved lengthways, making the GLB, which costs at least 38.600 euros and is available in 11 drive versions, a particularly flexible everyday hero for families.
Opel Combo
The same applies to the Opel Combo, which has been available since 2018, and which will even be available with a purely electric drive in a few months' time. In this version, the family electric car is powered by a 100 kW / 136 PS electric motor, which a 50 kWh battery supplies with energy for a range of up to 280 kilometers. With a sprint time of 11,2 seconds to 100 km / h, the van is strong, but the maximum is no more than 130 km / h. A single-phase 7,4 kW on-board charger is standard for charging; a three-phase device with 11 kW on-board is available for an additional charge. Up to 100 kW are possible on the fast charger. With the electric combo, the customer can also choose between a 4,40-meter-long standard version and an XL version with a 4,75-meter-long body. Both are available with five or seven seats. Depending on the length and seating, the trunk can vary between 597 and 2.693 liters. Opel has not yet announced prices for the electric combo. The conventionally powered Combo Life starts at 22.650 euros.
Toyota Highlander
The new Toyota Highlander is only available as a seven-seater and exclusively with a hybrid drive. The almost five-meter-long four-wheel drive giant offers a mix of 53.250-liter petrol and two electric motors, which together have a system output of 2,5 kW / 182 PS, at a price of 248 euros. Thanks to the mighty body of the Highlander, the space available is beyond any doubt. Even in the third row you are still reasonably comfortable, especially when the middle seats are pushed forward. When occupied by seven people, 332 liters of luggage volume can still be used in the trunk. If all five rear seats are folded up and sunk flush into the floor, a luggage compartment is created that can hold a maximum of 1.909 liters. Its equipment is also lavish, and the basic "Business Edition" version already impresses with numerous amenities.