I and A Mag Oct19

The Best Seven Seaters
ON SALE TODAY
Need plenty of space, both for luggage and
occupants too? You’ll want a seven-seater then.
Fortunately there are plenty of options currently
on the market, offering a choice of body styles
from a variety of brands.
But which are best? That’s what we’ve been investigating – and
here are the results.
Land Rover Discovery
This list was always destined to feature Land Rover’s goanywhere
Discovery. As well as seven comfortable seats, it’s
packed with off-road technology to make it just as capable
at scaling steep inclines as it is making the weekly run to the
shops.
Expensive it may be, but the Discovery comes loaded with
equipment and is available with a range of engine choices, too.
Volvo XC90
When the first-generation XC90 was released, it stormed the
market thanks to its rock-solid build quality and efficiency. The
latest edition continues the legacy, albeit with a whole lot more
technology and equipment.
It’s also one of the safest cars on the market thanks to a raft of
assistance systems. For families, there are few better options
than the XC90.
Seat Alhambra
If you’re after the best possible passenger space, then look
no further than the Seat Alhambra. It may be a little outdated
inside, but the Alhambra makes up for it with a huge amount
of interior room. It’s also surprisingly good to drive, and frugal,
too.
As the Alhambra has been around for a little while now, you’re
likely to find good deals at the forecourt – bolstering its appeal.
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda hit the nail on the seven-seater head when it released
the Kodiaq. Rock-solid build quality and incredible value
for money meant that this Czech SUV enjoyed immediate
popularity and has continued to do so.
It’s available with a range of efficient engines too, while a new
performance-orientated model – the Kodiaq vRS – means
there’s something for those with the need for speed as well.
Audi Q7
Audi’s big Q7 flies the flag for premium manufacturers here,
offering that top-notch driving experience you’d expect from
a car with four rings on the front. A high-quality interior and
silky-smooth petrol and diesel engines seal the deal.
There’s the all-conquering SQ7 available too – which puts
many ‘normal’ performance cars to shame.
Tesla Model X
Representing the electric contingent is Tesla’s Model X.
Spaceship-like in design, it’s a real looker out on the road but,
fortunately for this list, it’s available with seven seats. A realistic
300-mile all-electric range means it’s usable for long-distance
drivers, too.
Though it may be expensive to buy outright, the Model X
justifies its high price tag with minimal running costs and
plenty of performance.
Mercedes GLS
The Mercedes GLS takes the fight to the Audi Q7, and having
recently been updated, packs more technology and features
than ever before. A longer wheelbase than the car it replaces
means there’s more space than before, and improved legroom
for all occupants.
The interior of the car has been vastly overhauled, with a full
widescreen infotainment system helping to give the cabin a
particularly high-tech feel.
Ford S-Max
Though Ford’s S-Max has been around a little while now, it’s
still one of the best-driving seven-seaters around, and offers
genuine practicality as well. A range of frugal engines help to
keep trips to the pump to a minimum, while solid build quality
should mean it holds up to family duties too.
A range-topping Vignale is now available, though even lower
trims get a vast amount of standard equipment.
by James Baggot
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