Which MPV would you recommend for us?
Hi, we're looking for a family car that will fit three child seats, not necessarily in the one row. We're considering a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. How would you rate this in comparison to other family MPVs? Other options we've considered are a Mazda5 or Ford S-Max. Motor tax costs are fairly important to us. We had a loan of a Toyota Corolla Verso and preferred our current Ford C-Max, so it's out of the running for us.
Thanks for your help, Susan, Dublin
Susan Kirwan (Co Dublin)Sep 2013 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Susan,
Well, strictly speaking the Santa Fe isn't an MPV, it's an SUV (I know; Captain Pedant strikes again...) and that does have a pretty unpleasant effect on its CO2 rating. A 2008 2.2 CRDi diesel Santa Fe emits 190g/km of CO2 - enough to land you with a €750 annual bill. That aside it's a very fine car, with reliability, looks and practicality all on its side.
If it's lower CO2 you're looking for though, you may well have to consider an MPV. The Ford C-Max is only capable of taking three child seats once you get into the current model, and that may still be too pricey for you. Likewise, the Mazda5 needs to be a recent model if it's to have the current 1.6 diesel that brings with it lower tax bills. So, try and track down a 2009 Citroen C4 Picasso with the 1.6 HDi diesel and the EGS automatic gearbox. That has a 140g/km CO2 emissions figure, so you'll just scrape into the top end of Band B with a €280 tax bill.
How does that sound?
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser@neilmbriscoe