Not all cars are made equal. When it comes to buying the right family car, many often gravitate towards larger makes such as seven seater vehicles, which we know as a family minivan. So, if you are looking to upgrade to a larger ride, we have something special just for this Mother’s Day.
In a family, mothers are often one of the pillars that hold us together. This is why this Mother’s Day, we are celebrating mommies everywhere with a special promotion from 9 to 13 May where you can stand a chance to be rewarded when you test drive one of our Carsome Certified cars.
Test Drive a Carsome Certified Car & Enjoy RM100 Touch ‘n Go Credit
We have the widest selection of quality pre-owned cars for you to find the family car you have been looking for. Our selection of Carsome Certified cars come with a one-year warranty, five-day money-back guarantee, and fixed prices, while each has also been professionally assessed with our stringent 175-point inspection and refurbished at our Carsome Certified Lab.
Test driving a car is a crucial part in your car buying journey, which is why we want to reward you for taking this important step before you make your final decision.
To stand a chance to grab Touch ‘n go eWallet credit, all you need to do is test drive any Carsome Certified car. Here are the steps.
- Complete a test drive at any of our Carsome Experience Center or kiosk. From any date between 9 to 13 May.
- Take a photo of the test drive experience and upload to Facebook or Instagram. Tag @CarsomeMalaysia.
- Fill in the Google form shared via SMS or WhatsApp.
It’s that easy! The first 500 customers to complete a test drive and submit their details via the Google form during the campaign period will receive RM100 Touch ‘n Go Reload PIN credit.
Please note that this is only applicable for mobile numbers that are registered with Touch ’n Go eWallet account. Check out the full terms and conditions here.
Which is the Best 7-Seater Car for Your Family?
Seven seater cars are convenient for families as they offer space and storage to fit their growing family – in car terms this will generally refer to a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). We may know MPVs as “minivans” as well.
Of course, every family is different. So, with a wide choice of seven-seater MPVs and SUVs available in the automotive market, which one suits you? But before we move on further, here are the most obvious differences between MPVs and SUVs to note.
MPVs versus SUVs
An MPV is designed to fit larger groups of people. MPV can seat between five and seven passengers comfortably, while also having ample space for their luggage. Basically, it’s a minivan that is perfect for growing families as it is great in terms of practicality, safety, and everyday commutes.
An SUV, on the other hand, is designed for rough terrains and surfaces. They usually host great storage space compared to regular cars but with a much stronger, sporty look with an easy driving engine. The SUV is perfect for families who often adventure on rough terrains or off-road situations as this car is equipped with features that ensure comfort and safety through your adventure.
So, which is for you? Here are some questions you should answer before you make your decision.
- How big is my family and can they fit in this vehicle?
- What is this vehicle for and what would my daily driving activities be like?
- What are the safety features I need in this vehicle?
- How many things can I carry in this vehicle?
The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your choices based on your needs and wants.
Here’s a quick fun fact: The average size of a Malaysian family is usually between three to five people which consists of a mom, dad, and two or three kids, plus a helper in many cases. So, a seven- or eight-seater car would be the perfect choice.
Here’s are 7 “Minivans” You Can Upgrade to Fit Growing Families
To help you with your decision-making process, we’ve narrowed down seven five to seven seater cars that are perfect for your family.
Nissan Serena
One of the best-selling points of the Nissan Serena is the powered sliding doors that make it easier to get in and out of the car without having to worry about your little’s one hand getting caught in between the doors. Apart from that, this seven seater car seats are spaced in two by two rows, as well as a comfortable three-seater in the third row This allows a walkway in between the middle row seats, so even if your baby is strapped in his or her child seat, your other kids can still easily usher in and out of their seats.
There are some of the best safety features that make the Nissan Serena special.
- 6 SRS airbags to reduce injury by cushioning the occupants from hitting the interior of the car.
- Traction control system (TCS) that helps you maintain your steered path by reducing engine output while applying brake pressure to specific wheels when slip is detected.
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) can help you maintain control of the car to prevent understeer or oversteer.
- ISOFIX System that provides a more secure and safe way to attach child seats.
- Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) that uses four cameras to give you a 360-degree bird-eye view of the car for easier navigation. It also detects and alerts you of any moving objects around the car.
Toyota Innova
The Toyota Innova is one of Malaysia’s favorite family cars mainly due to its spacious interior. This car is able to seat seven people comfortably and because of its body-on-frame chassis and its large body frame, third-row passengers do not have to compromise on their leg space as other MPVs are known for their tight third-row seating space.
To top it off, there are 13 cup and bottle holders. – perfect for families with kids! You can say goodbye to accidental and messy spills thanks to these holders which are perfectly located all around.
Here are some of the best safety features of the Toyota Innova.
- 7 SRS Airbags to reduce injury by cushioning the occupants from hitting the interior of the car.
- Emergency Stop Signals which will be activated when sudden braking is detected to warn vehicles behind.
- Impact Absorbing Body and Frame Structure made of high-tensile steel sheets and supplementary materials.
- ISOFIX System that provides a more secure and safe way to attach child seats.
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V is one of the most practical five-seater SUVs and is called “The Best Family Car’ by Honda for a reason. This car has a roomy interior, spacious boot, and clever storage solutions. It’s so spacious that you can easily navigate your child’s booster seat into the car without bumping into anything. If you need to fit a stroller into the boot, this CR-V can squeeze in two large ones.
Additionally, the Honda CR-V features a new technology that uses next-generation sensing to detect imminent danger and reduce the likelihood of a collision. Other safety features in the Honda CRV include:
- 6 SRS Airbags that provide multi-directional protection from impact.
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) which will be activated when sudden braking is detected to warn vehicles behind.
- Agile Handling Assist that allows you to drive with full control at every turn by automatically applying brake pressure to individual wheels.
- ISOFIX System that provides a more secure and safe way to attach child seats.
Land Rover Discovery
This seven-seater SUV is a luxurious choice without compromising on comfort and versatility. Its pleasingly aesthetic exterior and interior designs are bound to make any mom’s heart skip a beat. One best thing about the Land Rover Discovery is the capability to configure the second and third-row seating using cargo space switches or the main touchscreen. You can even configure the seats remotely via a smartphone app when you are not even in the car.
Some of the safety features that can are in the Land Rover Discovery include:
- Driver Condition Monitor that monitors steering, acceleration, and brake inputs to sense driver fatigue and alerts you to take a break if needed.
- Traffic Sign Recognition that detects speed limits, road works, and other key signs and then alerts the driver via the driver display.
- 360-degree Surround Camera System that gives you an unparalleled view of their surroundings, assisting when exiting blind junctions and during low-speed maneuvers.
- ISOFIX System that provides a more secure and safe way to attach child seats.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
This car is perfect for families who like to go out of the city for weekend adventures as it is Built for both on and off-road driving. This compact SUV was created to stand poised like a racehorse with its luxurious exterior styling. On the inside, it’s all about comfort and convenience.
A family of seven will be able to sit comfortably thanks to the blended design of the leather seats, metal, and the rest of the trim that comes together perfectly. As for convenience, there is little movement needed when everything is at the driver’s fingertips; gear, wipers, scrolling through the infotainment system, and even changing the ambient lighting color.
Here are some of the best safety features of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
- Active Brake Assist that help to avoid rear-end collisions with vehicles in front or stationary vehicles as well as accidents with moving pedestrians and cyclists.
- Blind Spot Assist that uses a set of sensors mounted on the side mirrors or rear bumper to detect vehicles in the adjacent lanes.
- Adaptive Braking Technology that adjusts its braking according to the driving situation.
- ISOFIX System that provides a more secure and safe way to attach child seats.
Toyota Avanza
Toyota Avanza is a mini seven seater MPV that does not look anything like a mommyvan, as its redesigned exterior comes with a sportier look with 15-inch alloy rims and BI-LED headlamps. Though it was initially made to be a basic mover that carries people or cargo from point A to point B without any fuzz, that did not stop it from becoming a family favorite in Malaysia. A family of five to seven people would be able to sit comfortably as this MPV is built with comfort and convenience in mind.
Some of the safety features that can be found in the Toyota Avanza include:
- Traction control system (TCS) that helps you maintain your steered path by reducing engine output while applying brake pressure to specific wheels when slip is detected.
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) that can help you maintain control of the car to prevent understeer or oversteer.
- ISOFIX System that provides a more secure and safe way to attach child seats.
- Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) that uses four cameras to give you a 360-degree birds-eye view of the car for easier navigation. It also detects and alerts you of any moving objects around the car.
Perodua Alza
Perodua Alza is a locally-made seven seater MPV and it’s a perfect car for big families in Malaysia. This car has everything an MPV needs and comes with an affordable price tag, which is a total steal. With its 6 flexible seating arrangements which include Front Semi-flat mode and 4-passenger mode, this MPV gives you the freedom to fold up any seats to to suit the needs and comfort of your family.
Some of the safety features that can be found in the Perodua Alza include:
- Dual SRS Airbags that provide protection from any impact.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) that automatically adjusts the brake force depending on conditions to make sure that the front and rear axles produce the best braking force possible without the wheel locking up.
- ISOFIX System that provides a more secure and safe way to attach child seats.
We hope this little guide will be able to help you navigate through your decision-making choices before you decide because in the end, what matters the most is the happiness and the safety of your family.
Also Read: Best Used SUVs in Malaysia
