Top cars for larger families

It wasn't long ago that large families needing a seven-seater vehicle had very little choice and typically ended up with something that resembled a bus! Nowadays however the competition in the MPV category is fiercer than ever with top-name manufacturers competing to provide the most amount of space in the most sleek and stylish looking car. If you're looking for a used seven-seater vehicle, here are our top recommendations.

Ford S-Max - prices start from around £10,721

A pretty but practical car, the Ford S-Max is a popular choice for large families. The middle row of seats can comfortably fit three adults, although the third row of seats is a tighter squeeze and more suited to children. There's a good-sized boot even when the third row of seats are up, enough to fit a buggy or a few bags of shopping, and when not in use the third row of seats can be dropped to provide a much bigger space.

There's also loads of storage in the front of the car with huge side door bins, a large central cubby and a generous-sized glove box. The driver's seat sits a little lower than some other MPVs meaning it feels more like a car then a larger vehicle, however there is good adjustment control to ensure great visibility. For a large car, the Ford S-Max handles fantastically and is quiet, allowing the kids (or grown-ups) to take a nap on a long journey.

VW Touran - prices start from around £9,119

Billed as VW's compact MPV, the VW Touran still offers a great amount of space for large families. Offering a versatile seating layout, the middle row can fold, slide or come out completely depending on the space you require. The third row is a little cramped, not a problem for children but adults might find long journeys a little uncomfortable.

Not only does it have all the space you might be looking for, it's also great to drive with responsive handling making the steering feel light despite the size of the car. With a great safety record and excellent build quality, this is a car you'll be able to use for a long time.

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso - prices start from around £8,226

Citroen's ever popular Picasso has been extended to provide seven seats in the Grand Picasso, making it ideal for a larger family. There is a good amount of space, although the third row of seats is more suited to children rather than adults. When all the seats are up the boot is not huge, but it's enough to fit in a couple of bags if you are heading for a weekend away.

If you do put kids in the back, you'll be able to keep an eye on them thanks to the surveillance mirror which you can see from the driver's rear-view mirror. There are six airbags and a panoramic roof fitted as standard with some trim levels, and if you go for the automatic version you'll also get a small fridge where the gearstick would have been. The up-market interior makes this feel like a luxury car, with a comfortable, quiet and refined drive.

Renault Grand Scenic - prices start from around £8,777

Renault pretty much invented the MPV and continue to be popular with those looking for a larger vehicle. In the Renault Grand Scenic you'll find a moveable middle row allowing you to increase boot space if the third row of seats is down. There's an adjustable driver's seat so even smaller drivers will benefit from great visibility, which is also aided by the large curved windscreen. In certain models you'll find sat nav, keycard entry and cruise control as standard along with front, side and curtain airbags - which is why the car scored so highly on the NCAP Euro safety tests. This car is also great value for money with the diesel producing 57 mpg.

VW Sharan - prices start from around £14,299

A big version of the T-Roc, the Volkswagen Tiguan is made for people-carrying. The Tiguan boasts three rows of seats, with two at the front, three in the middle, and two at the rear. Despite being full-sized seats, the third row can fold flat to the boot floor, creating an enormous boot space- and what's more, the Tiguan can be made into a van by simply folding down all five rear seats.
 
The practical and versatile interior provides an abundance of space for seven people and everything that comes along with them. Offering great visibility, light steering and armchair comfort, the Tiguan guarantees superb ride quality with a real premium feel.

This is just a small selection of MPV's that we have for sale. If you're looking for a seven-seater suitable for your whole family then get in touch with us today or visit one of our showrooms to find out more.