Expert answer

Hi Caoimhe,

You've not told us your budget, as that will be the limiting factor given how few cars there are that can hold three baby seats in one row. The previous-generation Peugeot 5008 could manage it, for example, while the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 can as well and so can people carriers such as the SEAT Alhambra or Volkswagen Touran. Unfortunately, all of those are cars that usually happen to have three rows of seating as well so they may not appeal to you at all.

If you can get by without ISOFIX in the middle seat then you may find some wider cars can accept your three child seats, but it'll be a case of going to try them out for size with your seats in tow, as there's such variety between baby seats and the space between the buckles in the middle of the back seat of a car.

Ones that come to mind include the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Tiguan, along with the new Cupra Terramar, for example.

If you want to come back to us with your budget and whether you're going new or used, we can try to come up with a few other potential candidates.

Expert answer

Hi John,

In my experience (I test a few hundred cars a year and I have three kids myself), your only proper options are people carriers, MPVs and larger SUVs. We ended up buying a Volkswagen Touran, which was absolutely excellent, but there are plenty of other cars with the same kind of space. The Tiguan Allspace, Skoda Kodiaq and SEAT Tarraco all are virtually the same as that inside and ideal for the job. Watch out for smaller SUVs, such as the Qashqai etc, as their rear seats are no wider or more accommodating than an average estate. 

Now, depending on whether you're using ISOFIX and how wide the child seats are, you might find an estate that will accommodate the three, so don't give up just yet. The only way to know for certain is to bring the seats with you to try out in the backs of a few cars at a dealer or wherever. The Skoda Superb Combi and VW Passat Combi would be worth a try for sure.

Please do let us know in the comments below how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Well, Ford still has the Galaxy and S-Max on sale, and both of those are very strong bets, with the Galaxy obviously being a better bet if you really need maximum possible space in the rear seats. Other than that… Erm… Yeah, it’s suddenly looking very thin on the ground for full-size MPVs. You could consider importing a new-shape Renault Espace from France, but then you’d be stuck with left-hand drive. Or you could have a ring-round SEAT and Volkswagen dealers to see if they still have any Sharans or Alhambras in stock. There is bound to be a a few still lurking around the back of someone’s forecourt. 

Expert answer

Hi David,

Well, the issue is actually that all those people going and buying in the UK are pushing down the values of second hand cars here. Cheaper imports, which have been flooding into Ireland since the decimation of Sterling following the Brexit vote, have been putting major pressure on second hand car prices in Ireland, and I’d say your VW’s value is something of a victim of this. It also, to be honest, doesn’t help that it’s the 2.0-litre version, as most second hand buyers are more likely to want the cheaper-to-run 1.6 TDI instead. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the market is, to put it lightly, in turmoil right now.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Well, there are lots of good options. If you still like MPVs and like Renaults then the new Scenic is a bit of a cracker. Very comfy, and you can get it with an impressive 115hp 1.2 petrol turbocharged engine that should be rather more economical than what you’ve been used to. And it comes with cruise control as standard now.

Other, similar models worth considering are the Citroen C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, VW Touran, Kia Carens or the Toyota Verso. Here are our relevant reviews:

Renault Scenic review

Citroen C4 Picasso review

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso review

Volkswagen Touran review

Toyota Verso review

Kia Carens review

Expert answer

Hi Rosalind,

If you go for the current Touran (which launched two years ago) then no, it's not boxy to drive at all. Rather good in fact. The new Renault Scenic is also quite nice to drive, and if you go up a size, the Ford S-Max is actually slightly nicer to drive than the Mondeo that it's based on. Here are a few reviews for your interest:

Volkswagen Touran review

Renault Scenic review

Ford S-Max review

Expert answer

Hi Ryan,

Your Carens is going to be worth in the region of €16,000 to €18,000 as a trade in, and the cheapest new Carens is €28,000, so you’re looking at finding or financing €10-12k to trade up.

Generally speaking, all seven-seaters hold their value pretty well, not least because we’re still going through something of a baby boom at the moment and families are keen to trade-up to cars that can handle multiple child car seats. The best for resale are the Volkswagen Touran, Toyota Verso, Citroen C4 Picasso and your Carens.

If you like it, I’d stick with it for your new car — the Carens is one of the best compact seven-seaters around.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

It depends on what size you need. If it's a mid-size seven seater, then the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens, Toyota Verso and the new Renault Scenic. If you need something larger go for a Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. Here are our reviews:

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

Toyota Verso review

Renault Scenic review

Ford S-Max review

SEAT Alhambra review

Expert answer

Hi Luke,

We certainly have done a few reviews... The closest cars to your Galaxy in terms of size and space are the Ford S-Max (a little smaller,  but still very roomy) and the SEAT Alhambra (not as swish to drive as the Galaxy, but very spacious and with sliding side doors). There's also the Volkswagen Sharan, which is basically identical to the Alhambra, but a little more expensive. It wasn't on sale in Ireland for a while but it's back now and there are a few second hand ones knocking about.

If you fancy something a little smaller, then try the Opel Zafira Tourer. It's a really underrated car - nice to drive, well made and with decent cabin space.

After that, you're into the smaller MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens and so on. Good cars,  but much smaller than your Galaxy so you'd be trading down in size terms.

With our practical hats on, we'd go for the SEAT - it's big and useful and those sliding side doors are great.

Here are the reviews themselves if you'd like more detail:

Ford S-Max review

Ford Galaxy review

SEAT Alhambra review

Volkswagen Sharan review

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

A few others worth considering as well:

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

Toyota Verso review

Renault Grand Scenic review

Expert answer

Hi Jinesh,

It depends on what kind of size you need. If it’s a compact seven seater, then the best on the market are the Volkswagen Touran, the Toyota Verso and the Kia Carens, but it’s worth looking at the Citroen C4 Picasso too, and maybe even the new Renault Scenic, which goes on sale in the New Year.

If it’s a larger car you need, then the two best choices, by far, are the Ford S-Max and the SEAT Alhambra.

Here are our reviews to help you decide:

Volkswagen Touran review

Toyota Verso review

Kia Carens review

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso review

Renault Grand Scenic review

SEAT Alhambra review

Ford S-Max review

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

I think you’ll probably need to upgrade to an MPV with all those kids and all the kit you’ll need to carry around with you. If you don’t fancy a seven-seater then there’s always five-seat versions such as the Volkswagen Golf SV or Citroen C4 Picasso. Have a look at the likes of a Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens or Toyota Verso too.

Our reviews to help you decide:

Volkswagen Golf SV review

Citroen C4 Picasso review

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

Toyota Verso review

Expert answer

Hi Des,

It depends on just how big a car you need, and if you need a full seven-seater. The Volkswagen Golf SV, for instance, has the space for three seats across the back, but doesn't have the folding seats in the boot of the bigger Touran. Both are excellent cars, but you'll save a considerable amount of money by going for the SV. Others worth considering are the Toyota Verso (available in both five- and seven-seat forms), Citroen C4 Picasso (ditto) and the Kia Carens (only a seven-seater).

Peugeot's 5008 and Ford's C-Max are also worth a look, but if you need something bigger, if basically boils down to two choices - Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. 

Expert answer

Hi Olga,

The best two to choose from are the Ford S-Max and the Opel Zafira Tourer. Both should be big enough inside for your needs, and they certainly hit the remaining criteria pretty well. Cars like the Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso are also good, but they tend to be too small in the third row of seats for regular use.

Expert answer

Hi Christine,

The Kia Sorento should fit three seats across the back, but you should always take along your seats (and preferably your kids too) on the test drive to make sure everything and everyone fits in nicely. Cracking car that Sorento - other good options are the Hyundai Santa Fe or Land Rover Discovery Sport. If you need to go for an MPV the Ford S-Max, SEAT Alhambra or Opel Zafira Tourer are your best bets, but it's worth considering the Volkswagen Touran too - not quite so roomy, but cheaper to run and very pleasant to drive. 

Here are our relevant reviews:

Kia Sorento review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Land Rover Discovery Sport review

Volkswagen Touran review

SEAT Alhambra review

Ford S-Max review

Opel Zafira Tourer review

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

This is a question we get asked so often and there's no easy answer. Well, actually there is, but it's an answer that many people don't like - an MPV such as the Volkswagen Touran, Toyota Verso, Citroen C4 Picasso or similar.

There are very, very few (if any) conventional hatchbacks or saloons that will these days take three child car seats across the back. There are some conversion kits available that will allow as many as four child seats to be fitted to a 'normal' saloon, but these tend to be designed around the big rear-facing infant seats and won't take your own seats.

The best I can suggest, if you don't fancy an MPV, is to test drive the biggest, widest saloons you can find and make sure you bring the kids with you to actually try the seating properly so that you know for definite before you buy.

Expert answer

Hi Oonagh,

Not many; you really need to be looking at MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso, or the Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhmabra if you fancy something bigger. That said, the recently introduced Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are just about wide enough, but it depends on what seats you're using. Also, larger seven-seat 4x4s such as the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery will take three-abreast, but they're expensive to buy.

Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

I don't think the Fusion is going to be much good to you if you reckon you need an MPV - it's basically a slightly taller Fiesta and not all that roomy. Have a try and see if it'll fit your needs.

As for another Scenic, sad to say they're just not the most reliable things around. Have a look instead for a Toyota Corolla Verso, a Volkswagen Touran, a Kia Carens or a Mazda5. You'll have to look hard to find one within budget but they are out there.

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

Best to stick with a Toyota Verso (neé Corolla Verso) or a Volkswagen Touran so - both have space for seven, and big boots if you leave the rear seats folded down. Both should be endlessly reliable too. Honda's FR-V also worth a look if six seats (in two rows of three) would work for you.

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

I'd tread carefully here. If you don't like the semi-auto box on the Citroen then just let it go - it's not going to get any better and it'll bug you for the rest of your time with the car. 

As for the Renault, I'm just not confident predicting reliability. Generally, Renaults are now a lot better built than they used to be, but long-term they can still be a bit shaky. Also, the reason it's a high-spec 2010 model for such a small price is because Renaults depreciate faster than snow in summer. 

So, I think you might need to shop around a bit and buy something on the basis of reliability and condition rather than year. Have a look at the likes of a Ford S-Max, Toyota Verso, Volkswagen Touran or, if six seats rather than seven will do the trick, a Honda FR-V. You might need to go back to a 2008 or 2009 model to get one within budget, but buy with a full service history and keep the maintenance up and any of those should give you long and hopefully reliable service.

Last, but not least, Shane, our Editor, is in the same position as you right now and he has homed in on the Mazda5, which has an exceptional reliability record.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

There should be either a zip-off seat cover or a pull-out panel on the upholstery that will allow you to get into the body of the seat and get at the cushion. It might mean unbolting the seat from its mounts to do it though, so you may need to seek some professional help.

Expert answer

Hi Reg,

Well, there are a couple of good options around although few of them offer quite as much space as the S-Max. The Citroen C4 Picasso, Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso are all smaller than the Ford, but offer plenty of space for five, with room for seven at a pinch. Or you could try the always-excellent SEAT Alhambra (sliding doors are handy in tight car parks) or even the (not very common) Mazda5.

If none of those tickle your fancy, and if you’re looking more for a proper five-seater with jump seats for another two, allow me to pull out of the hat my always-ready answer to seven-seater conundrums - a Mercedes E-Class Estate with those clever folding seats in the boot.

Expert answer

Hi Darlene,

Realistically, you're going to have to go down the MPV route to get three seats across the back. There are few, if any, conventional saloons and hatchbacks around now that can accommodate three full-size child safety seats next to each other. 

The obvious choices are the three French MPVs: the Citroen C4 Picasso, Peugeot 5008 and Renault Scenic, all of which have three individually adjustable rear seats and all of which will easily swallow three car seats in the back. The seven-seat versions of each (the 5008 comes only as a seven seater) will also give you some extra seating flexibility for when you need it. Ditto for the Volkswagen Touran, but not for the Ford C-Max or Mazda5, both of which use a narrow central-rear 'jump seat' layout, which isn't wide enough for what you need.

You could also, if you're looking for something a little more affordable, go the van-derived car route and the Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo and Volkswagen Caddy will all swallow three side-by-side car seats.

But actually, the best two tips of all are the Toyota Corolla Verso (or latterly, just plain old Verso) and the Honda FR-V. The Toyota is a car we keep coming back to for recommendations here, as it's massively spacious, massively reliable and actually pretty nice to drive. There are also plenty of them around. That's sadly not the case with the Honda, but it's worth seeking one out if you fancy something a little more left-field and the six seats (in two rows of three) give you lots of options for loading people and/or luggage. Like the Toyota, the FR-V is hugely reliable and it's a bit more engaging to drive than its Japanese rival.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

The Toyota Previa, which is close to indestructible, but good luck finding one. Failing that, go for a (smaller) Toyota Verso, or a Volkswagen Touran, or a Kia Carens. 

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Yes, they should, but it's worth bearing in mind that the Alhambra and Touran are very different vehicles. The Alhambra we'd refer to as a 'full-size' MPV, with proper space inside for seven adults. The Touran is a more compact vehicle, based on the same architecture as the Volkswagen Golf, and the third row seats are much smaller, more suitable for kids than adults. Of the two, we'd go for the SEAT - it's one of the most impressive family cars around and SEAT has a terrific reputation for reliability.

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

No, it's not really. There's only a marginal increase in cabin space over the standard Golf and a major drop-off in both styling and dynamics. You'd be much better off just buying a new Golf (which is also lighter and more fuel efficient) or if you need the space, go for a Skoda Octavia (a little more space) or a Volkswagen Touran (a lot more space).

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Generally Tourans are pretty well made and the cabin in particular is very rugged indeed, a major consideration if you're going to be hauling kids around in the back of it. There are some reports swirling around on t'internet of gearbox issues, with some owners reporting that the DSG gearbox has failed when driving at speed, with literally explosive results. Other than that, it's the usual electrical niggles and some issues with the fuel injectors and pumps on the diesel engines.  As for value, if it's a petrol version, you might pick a 2008 model up for around €7,000-8,000, but if it's a diesel, expect to pay more like €11,000-12,000.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Breon,

First of all, congratulations on the incoming arrival. As for finding the right car seat, we're really not the experts in terms of advice on specific seats, but we know some people who are. Pop in to your local branch of Mothercare or Halfords (or Tony Kealy's if you live in the Dublin area) and you should be able to get some very helpful advice on which is the correct kind of seat for your kids. As a rule of thumb, the longer you can keep them in a rear-facing seat, and then the longer you can keep them in a full-backed seat, with integral harness, the better. It's down to the size and weight of the individual child though. 

As for cars, you have several choices but they're all MPVs, I'm afraid. Sorry about that... Still, all is not lost, as the Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 5008 are both pleasantly comfy, economical and easy on the eye. Kick up a price and size band and you'll find the Ford S-Max, which is one of our favourite cars, whether or not space is your priority. Handsome and good to drive, that one.

If you're in the second hand market, you could do worse than track down a good used Fiat Multipla (if you can live with the looks, it's got one of the best cabins of any car, ever) or there's always the evergreen Renault Scenic or the (slightly dour) Volkswagen Touran. Finally, there's the Toyota Verso, which isn't the most exciting choice but is solidly built and spacious. Finally, the six-seat Honda FR-V is a left-field choice that's one of those classic "try it and you'll never have anything else" cars.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Bridget,

Do you mean medium or large seven-seater? If it’s a medium one, then the best ones are the VW Touran, Kia Carens, Toyota Verso, Citroen C4 Picasso, or Renault Grand Scenic. If you mean a bigger one, then the best ones are the Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. Here are our reviews of them all:

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

Toyota Verso review

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso review

Renault Grand Scenic review

Ford S-Max review

SEAT Alhambra review

Expert answer

Hi Yvonne,

The Qashqai+2 is actually a very nice car, but a proper seven-seater it's not. Those two seats in the boot are really for occasional use only and frankly I think you're going to have trouble wrestling a bulky, heavy infant car seat back there.

Of the other two, there are lots of Zafiras around to choose from so I'd be very, very fussy in choosing one with the colour and spec you like as well as a full service history. You can always walk away and find another one if you need to. But actually, of the three, we'd go for the Corolla Verso. It's not exciting to drive or look at but Toyotas tend to be indestructible and the space inside is simply cavernous.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Derek,

We're assuming you mean large boot space when the rear-most seats are folded down when it comes to the seven-seat models, but come back to us if not. Seven-seat cars are your best/easiest option for fitting three car seats in.

The first car we found in the classifieds that might suit you is Citroen's C4 Picasso. It's a brilliant MPV and with a little negotiation you should be able to afford a 2008 model with the economical 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine. We're not big fans of the 'EGS' automatic gearbox, but give it a go and make that decision for yourself. The five-seat version (not called 'Grand') is good too if you can live with that many seats.

Ford's C-Max and S-Max are worth a look too. The latter is a good deal bigger, but the former is economical and well priced.

Personally I'm not a huge fan of the Opel Zafira, though we have readers who swear by them. There are loads on the market too so shop around for one that suits.

Others to look into might be the Toyota Corolla Verso and Volkswagen Sharan and Touran.

Let us know if you need help narrowing down the search.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

Have you tried the new Peugeot 3008? Great-looking, good to drive and comes with an (optional) six-speed auto. The 1.2-litre 130hp petrol turbo engine is the one to go for. Alternatively, you could try and grab a run-out Skoda Yeti (always one of our favourites and built like a tank), or have a look at the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which is striking to look at and really good to drive. Here are our relevant reviews:

Peugeot 3008 review

Skoda Yeti review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

The hard bit here is having buggy space in the boot in a seven-seater — seven-seaters keep their extra seats in the boot, so you can have extra seats, or luggage space, but normally not both. Our favourite ones are generally the VW Touran, the Ford S-Max, the Kia Carens, the SEAT Alhambra and the Toyota Verso, but all of those will have the seats/space issue. If they need something bigger, do let us know. In the meantime, our relevant reviews:

Volkswagen Touran review

Ford S-Max review

Kia Carens review

SEAT Alhambra review

Toyota Verso review

Expert answer

Hi Natash,

Your best bets are the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, the VW Touran, the Peugeot 5008, or the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi (the current-shape model). All of those slot into Band A for motor tax, as long as you get the 1.6 or 1.7 diesel models.

Expert answer

Hi Eric,

Yes, very decent indeed. Check the engine carefully for turbo issues (watch for excessive smoke or sluggish power delivery), but with a full service history, that sounds like a good bet to us.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It depends where you’re doing most of your driving. The Toyota Prius+ has CO₂ emissions of just 106g/km, and can get 60mpg if driven very, very gently, but it’ll be way too thirsty if you’re doing lots of motorway miles. The best diesel-engined MPVs are probably the 1.6 TDI VW Touran, the 1.6 HDi Citroen C3 Picasso, or the 1.5 dCi Renault Scenic.

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

We spoke by e-mail and now I have a better idea of your budgets there are a few good ideas. I think the Ford S-Max is probably my favourite car of this bunch. I quite like this one. It is diesel, looks great and has low mileage. We reckon you could get them down in price a little too. 

In relation to the choice between manual and auto in the C4 Picasso, that really is down to personal choice. It isn't the greatest auto ever but it isn't the worst either. You really should try it and see. The EGS box is a little jerky. Personally I wouldn't really fancy it but you should be the judge. This one is quite nice and has really low mileage. 

I wouldn't say not to consider Renaults, but they weren't a good vintage at the time, so personally I don't think I would be spending money on a 2007/2008 Scenic. They have got a lot better since then though. 

Lastly, you could try a VW Touran. It isn't that exciting but they hold their value really well and are nicely built. 

Anyway Niamh, if it were my money, I'd have the Ford S-Max.

I hope this helps.

Expert answer

Hi Linda,

I can totally understand your concerns. Anyway, to start, here are all the EuroNCAP reports on the cars you were looking at so you can have a good look at them.

Ford S Max / VW Touran / Citroen C4 Picasso 

The placement of ISOFIX seats often dictates where child seats should go and in a lot of MPVs there is still only two and these are usually in the outer two seats of the second row. We answered a question on this recently. 

This article by JD Power and Associates is good. As regards the rear row, the information is a little unclear on whether there is a greater danger to be in the rear seats in a rear impact, but it is something that we will investigate further. The strength of the modern MPV at the rear is pretty impressive though and as long as the child is front facing they are well protected.