7 seater estate cars ?

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Sun 31 Mar 2002 10:46
7 seater estate cars ? - Peter Stone
I had a Renault Savannah. Does anyone make a seven seater now (all seats facing forward)? Yes , I have an MPV but prefer the estate style.
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Sun 31 Mar 2002 11:45
Re: 7 seater estate cars ? - RogerL
There's little point in any manufacturer making a 3 row estate when there is so much strong competition from 3 row MPV's, from Zafira to Galaxy. In fact, as there is also competition from 2 row MPV's like Picasso, it's unlikely that any manufacturer will even offer a conventional estate with future new models, but extend the roof line of hatchbacks, eg Golf, to blur the distinction between hatch and estate. If you bear in mind that hatchback popularity is a UK phenomenom, other countries prefering saloons, future line-ups of saloon, hatch, coupe and MPV is all we are likely to get for any one range.
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Wed 3 Apr 2002 17:19
Re: 7 seater estate cars ? - kerlmann
Are you implying that the traditional estate's days are numbered? If so, I would have to disagree - the big benefits of estates over MPVs are low loading sills and better handling which for me far outweigh the perks of a MPV's flexibility and high driving position.

I do concur that small estates tend to be less in vogue these days, but if you don't need to carry more than 5 people with any regularity, an estate offers better looks, handling and potential load space (depending on what shape items you are trying to lug around).

Look at Mercedes' efforts with its large MPV (near the bottom of JD Power survey), compared to its sleek new E-Class SW - need I say more?
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Sun 31 Mar 2002 11:59
Re: 7 seater estate cars ? - Phil T
Peter,

The Peugeot 406 Estate is available in 7 seater variant, *but* the two extra seats in the boot area are rear facing - not what you're looking for. I'm unaware of any estate class vehicle with all front facing seating.

Cheers

Phil T
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Sun 31 Mar 2002 13:10
Re: 7 seater estate cars ? - Honest John
The new Peugeot 307 SW can be ordered with three rows of forward facing seats and the additional benefit of seven three point belts. See entry in car by car breakdown.

HJ
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Mon 1 Apr 2002 08:01
Re: 7 seater estate cars ? - Trevor Potter
The Vauxhall Zafira is a 7-seater.

With the added bonus that the rear 2 disappear into the floor.

Estate or MPV? You label it.
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