Modern automakers are able to produce vehicles in various body types. Most of all, there are passenger modifications on the market, such as a station wagon, roadster or liftback. At the same time, for motorists with a large family, such options are not very practical, therefore, a special type of body was developed specifically for them - a minivan.
First of all, family minivans are distinguished by their increased capacity. This transport has from four to eight seats (not counting the driver's) and has a spacious luggage compartment, not to mention an extremely spacious cabin. Depending on the cost, the car in question will have a certain level of comfort, but as for the domestic market, budget models are very popular on it.
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If we start from the literal translation of this term from English, then its direct meaning will be “small van”. However, situations often arise in which minivans are confused with minibuses, based only on the etymology of the term.
The main characteristics of mini-vans can be called:
The classic variants of small vans are always shaped without a hood.This is due to the fact that the engine compartment in the car is located as close as possible to the passenger compartment. That is why the automaker allows himself to compensate for the rather decent dimensions of the car.
The management of the category of cars in question does not differ much from a conventional passenger car, in addition, a minivan itself is considered a passenger vehicle (as evidenced by the need to have category “B” rights). As a rule, in most models, the hood visually looks like an extension of the windshield and rises vertically. This design is to the taste of many beginners, because in this case the driver can see the road much better than in samples with a long hood.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the excellent transformation parameters of mini-vans. Many models allow you to move the rear rows of seats as close to the front row as possible in order to increase the space for the luggage compartment.
If we draw parallels with station wagons, hatchbacks or sedans, then the body of a minivan can rightfully be called the most comfortable. Seats for passengers can be combined in one row, or they can have a separate design option with personal armrests.
Minivan models are very popular among people with a large family or among entrepreneurs in the sphere of medium and small businesses engaged in the field of passenger transportation. At the same time, large companies often purchase such vehicles for corporate transportation. Also, a minivan is perfect for tourist trips and trips with an overnight stay in nature.
At the very initial stage of their production, all mini-vans had only rear-wheel drive.With the development of technology, their transmission has become both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It is worth mentioning that some Western auto giants have been focused only on the production of cars of this type for a long time and are now considered veterans of this market. These include the Chrysler company - the release of mini-vans at one time saved it from ruin.
The name "van" appeared in the name due to the fact that the first minivans really looked like the mobile vans of the American colonists. In the future, samples began to be produced with original body options with “pointed noses” and a “teardrop” body shape, however, the old name remained with this class of cars. Today they can have both commercial and family purposes.
Unlike other classes, minivans do not imply a strict classification, but are only divided into “mid-size” and “full-size”, “compact” class and “mini” and “micro” classes.
This group includes machines with the largest dimensions. In length, they can start from 4.6 meters and reach 5 meters or more. As a rule, such samples are produced by North American manufacturers, however, European auto giants can also present worthy options in this group. Such cars are distinguished by impressive dimensions and a spacious passenger compartment, which allows you to use the car for long trips as part of a large family.
The body length of such models starts from 4.2 meters and cannot be more than 4.6 meters. Usually they are based on the platform of a car from the "golf" category.Such models are especially popular in Europe and the Middle East. Among American users or in the expanses of the former USSR, they are much less common.
The category "mini" includes cars whose length does not exceed 4.1 meters. The “micro” category has its own standards - the length of their body cannot exceed 3.4 meters. Their most important advantage is considered to be economy, small size and maneuverability. Most of all, they are common in countries with a large population and the presence of a small area (South East, Japan, India, China). Despite its small size, there is still enough space in the cabin for both passenger and cargo transportation. In turn, models from this group can be modified, which makes it difficult to classify the resulting car.
When it comes to small vans, most motorists first of all call their unusual appearance the main difference. Indeed, a semi-hooded or cabover form looks rather unusual (in comparison with standard two- or three-volume machines). However, most models of minivans are able to successfully undergo a qualitative modification, which, for example, will increase their aerodynamic properties, and at the same time give a fancy appearance. A striking example of this is the Japanese modernization of the Toyota Previa MK1, which has a non-standard design - the engine is located under the cabin floor.
It is always worth considering that a mini-van is more of a compromise between a commercial vehicle and a passenger car.Thus, considering it as a separate body category, it is necessary to take into account all its advantages and disadvantages. Their indisputable advantages include:
Nevertheless, despite the abundance of specific advantages, minivans also have their own disadvantages, which are not present, for example, neither minibuses nor station wagons:
Separately, it is necessary to mention rather rare models with 7 seats (including the driver). They will be distinguished:
Unlike a station wagon, it is quite possible to transport any household item on a mini-van. However, both the minivan and the station wagon, although they have much in common, also have cardinal differences, the main of which will be their own dimensions and the specifics of the body. Here are some of the features:
A minivan is considered a direct competitor to a minibus, therefore, when choosing between these two body options, first of all, you should decide on the number of passenger seats required. A minibus can contain up to 16 seats, while a minivan has only 8. To drive a minibus, you will need an additional category in your driver's license, and to drive a minivan, category "B" is enough. Well, the purpose itself - a minibus is more suitable for commercial passenger transportation, while a minivan is considered a family car.
You can often hear that functionally a crossover and a mini-van are in many ways similar. And it really could be. Both have good interior ergonomics and high ground clearance. But the crossover has better handling, and the minivan is able to transform its seats, due to which the luggage space will be increased.
In the process of selecting a family car in the back of a minivan, you should pay close attention to such defining points:
Separately, it is worth taking care of individual security systems, namely, strong seat belts for each seat, the presence of airbags, all seats must be provided with head restraints.The remaining automatic functions are subject to random checks for serviceability. It is worth remembering that the last word in the selection process should always remain with the future driver. At the same time, you need to check the transformation procedure: it is important that the seats fold in such a way that not only the trunk increases, but also a small table can be conveniently and firmly installed in the vacated space. The final stage will be the verification of all documents, by analyzing which you need to find out whether this modification of the minivan is allowed to operate on the territory of the country. Also, if the car is bought in the “used” status, then whether it is pledged to financial / leasing organizations, whether there are other encumbrances on the car.
IMPORTANT! In this section, special emphasis will be placed on the design characteristics of the car in the body model under consideration. Its technical data (engine power, gearbox, security systems, interior filling) are selected individually!
Quite a popular machine in the Russian market. It features a spacious interior and a large luggage compartment. There is no third row of seats, thanks to which a family car can turn into a freight transport in a couple of minutes. The rear seats are equipped with a reliable Isofix child seat fixation system. It has window-type windows, doors are made in a sliding form. Differs in general unpretentiousness.
Name | Index |
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Producing country | France |
Number of seats | 7 |
Additionally | Trunk volume - up to 3000 liters |
Price, rubles | 820000 |
This compact minivan is the third generation in its lineup. Most of the modifications were made to the appearance of the car - the car began to look stylish and expensive. The cosmetics of the salon were also affected. The model is distinguished by the variability of installing powerful diesel engines, and it is also possible to integrate an automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox. The owners note the ergonomics of the cabin and good driving performance.
Name | Index |
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Producing country | Germany |
Number of seats | 6 |
Additionally | Ability for those modifications |
Price, rubles | 1 390 000 |
In terms of its level of comfort, it is not much different from family station wagons and is perfect for a large family. The owners note the functionality, spaciousness and convenience of the cabin. The rear door is located only on the side of the curb, which allows you to control the exit of children. In terms of maintenance, it is not characterized by any whimsicality - every three years only routine replacements and work will be required.
Name | Index |
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Producing country | Germany |
Number of seats | 5 |
Additionally | curb side door |
Price, rubles | 1 500 000 |
The manufacturer positions this car as the best option for long-distance trips with the whole family.The car is very roomy, the seats have tilt adjustment and the possibility of various installations - it is possible to turn against the direction of travel. Even the most budgetary equipment of this car provides for glass lifts, heated mirrors, climate control. The procedure for freeing up space under the luggage carriers is carried out quickly and easily.
Name | Index |
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Producing country | Germany |
Number of seats | 9 |
Additionally | Good basic equipment |
Price, rubles | 2 400 000 |
This example of a family car is distinguished by its versatility and excellent handling. The vehicle performs well both in the city and on the country road. Despite its length of 5.2 meters, it can turn around in a tight radius. 7 seats can be easily transformed into two standard ones, freeing up space for the luggage compartment. The machine is equipped with a powerful diesel engine, the gearbox can be either manual or automatic.
Name | Index |
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Producing country | South Korea |
Number of seats | 7 |
Additionally | manual transmission / automatic transmission |
Price, rubles | 2 500 000 |
This car is equipped by default with many electronic systems - from safety elements to media installations, which will not let you get bored on a long journey. All available 8 seats (including the driver). Despite its rather large dimensions, the car has good maneuverability.However, the manufacturer does not recommend using it on a daily basis. The interior is distinguished by a decent level of finish and will provide passengers with the best degree of comfort. The best combination of "price-quality".
Name | Index |
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Producing country | France |
Number of seats | 8 |
Additionally | Media electronics |
Price, rubles | 2 600 000 |
This is already the 6th representative of its line, its first generation was released already 65 years ago! During its upgrades, the car has probably acquired the most thoughtful and ergonomic interior among all minivans. Perfect for both family use and commercial transport. The trunk, after the transformation of the seats, reaches a capacious 5800 liters! The engine is reinforced with a turbine in any configuration and at the same time has a very economical fuel consumption. The owners indicate the fact that with careful use of the car, it will require only routine maintenance.
Name | Index |
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Producing country | Germany |
Number of seats | 7 |
Additionally | 2 years manufacturer's warranty |
Price, rubles | 3 500 000 |
Although this car belongs to the “compact” category, it meets all the standards of a status vehicle. It has many positive parameters that can only be inherent in sedans and SUVs.The interior is trimmed with luxurious and expensive materials, mainly natural leather and wood inserts. It looks very stylish and solid, it is characterized by sufficient capacity.
Name | Index |
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Producing country | Japan |
Number of seats | 6 |
Additionally | Powerful engine |
Price, rubles | 5 100 000 |
Such a car, thanks to its stylish design, is perfect for small group business trips, for example, to a neighboring city. All components are made of high quality materials, the ergonomics of the cabin is at the level. The variability of the choice of the installed engine is available. Automatic transmission can be either 6 or 7 steps (exclusive development of Mercedes). Owners note the reliability of the gearbox, relatively long wear of rubber, and a long roomy interior.
Name | Index |
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Producing country | Germany |
Number of seats | 7 |
Additionally | Exclusive checkpoint "Mercedes" |
Price, rubles | 5 500 000 |
Indeed, a minivan may be the best solution for the whole family, especially when the family spends a lot of time on joint country trips. At the same time, it will go for corporate use for small companies of colleagues when going on picnics. The main advantage of a minivan is that it is a budget and high-quality alternative to a minibus.
Today's market for these vehicles can offer a wide range of designs for every taste and budget. At the same time, do not neglect the secondary segment, where it is quite possible to find a good car that meets all needs and at a reasonable price. However, the choice should be made primarily based on performance and not on the visual appeal of the vehicle.