School parking lots are no longer dominated by small hatchbacks and station wagons. Modern families demand space, safety and technology and these five models are perfect for moms, with growing families, each in their own unique way.
Volkswagen Kombi
The Volkswagen Kombi is the original family car and has been available since the fifties. Now in its sixth generation the VW Kombi is thoroughly modern and fitted with the latest safety features and driver assistance features. The T6 is also easier than ever to drive thanks to a high seating position, good visibility and modern engines coupled to VWs renowned DSG gearbox, making it the ultimate mom’s taxi.
The VW Kombi features three rows of seats so there is always room for more along with plenty of luggage space. Sliding doors make getting in and out easier, when parked in tight spaces.
Its commercial vehicle roots mean that the VW Kombi is made to work and hard wearing, ensuring that it is more than capable of standing up to the demands of family use.
The modern iteration of this automotive icon has been refined resulting in a vehicle that is great to use on a daily basis and the ultimate holiday companion too.
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is the Koreans take on the kombi recipe with a modern twist, especially in terms of styling. Kia’s designers have managed to make the boxy proportions as stylish as one of their SUVs. Kia’s modernised tiger nose grille affords substantial width to the face and artfully integrates with the high-tech LED headlamps. Dramatic bonnet lines enhance the vehicles eye-catching character while brawny wheel arches give a sense of volume to the body in profile.
Inside, the three-row seven or eight-passenger vehicle delivers a premium level of refinement, savvy technology and flexibility. Sleek design elements and quality materials come together to create a refined, harmonious and sophisticated space.
Expanded dimensions ensure that there is enough space to accommodate people, playthings or plywood, depending on that day’s adventures. With all the seats erected, the Carnival offers a useful 1 139 litres of luggage space. When the second row is removed and the third row is stowed flush with the floor, loading space increases to a massive 4 110 litres.
Under the bonnet is a 2.2-litre Smartsream CRDi turbodiesel engine that boasts 148kW at 3 800rpm and 440Nm from 1 750rpm. This engine is well matched to Kia’s eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The Kia Carnival is a unique proposition as it morphs the styling, engine and interior quality and technology with the size of an MPV, resulting in an excellent vehicle for the adventures of mothers and families.
Isuzu mu-X
The Isuzu mu-X is a large seven-seat SUV and the brands answer to the popular Toyota Fortuner. The mu-X is a well-designed, thoroughly modern vehicle that outshines the Fortuner in many areas.
The Isuzu mu-X features sleek modern styling, exceptional comfort, superb performance, advanced technologies and impressive safety features which make it a fantastic family-orientated vehicle.
The mu-X is aimed at growing families looking for a seven-seater to fit their lifestyle needs, the new mu-X offers comfort and convenience features for up to seven adults with a cabin that is said to be the largest in the segment. A number of new safety and driver assistance features make driving long distances a breeze.
The cabin features an opulent and elegant cabin atmosphere where gentle elegant lines are finished with layered soft touch materials. A sense of luxury is achieved by mixing a variety of materials including piano black surfaces, chrome highlights, aluminium and soft leather.
The mu-X is available in South Africa with a variety of diesel engines including a 1.9 litre that is famed for its fuel economy and the latest version of the company’s 3.0 litre engine, mated to a quick shifting six-speed gearbox. The engine now boasts 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm from 1600rpm. Engineers have paid particular attention to improving fuel consumption, power and engine noise.
A new six-speed automatic transmission ensures that the mu-X is easy to drive in the city, off-road and out on the open road.
The Isuzu mu-X is a real jack of all trades, combining real 4x4 off-road ability, with generous space in a well-appointed cabin and delivering excellent ride quality resulting in a comfortable experience for the whole family.
Suzuki XL6
The Suzuki XL6 is a recent addition to the Suzuki offering in the form of an extra-large SUV with space for six people.
The interior length of XL6 comprises two individual front and two individual middle seats, with a bench seat placed in the third row. This cabin layout and captain seats offer a new level of comfort for an SUV of this size, while also adding easy access to the rearmost seats. The third row can tilt forward and fold down for additional luggage space if needed.
A bold and imposing presence has been created by large headlamps and a large Suzuki hexagonal grille S logo which is flanked by a broad chrome garnish that flows into the daytime running lights in the headlamp clusters.
Inside the XL6 is fitted with a seven-inch touch screen infotainment system as part of its comprehensive standard specification offering.
The XL6 is fitted with a 1.5 litre petrol engine which delivers 77kW and 138Nm and offers an excellent combination between performance and fuel economy. Manual transmission models use only 6,0 litres per 100km while models fitted with the four-speed automatic will use 6,1 litres per 100kms.
A wide variety of safety systems includes dual Isofix child seat-mounts, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and ESP.
Competitive pricing in relation to its size and people carrying ability as well as low running costs make the Suzuki XL6 perfect for moms looking for a modern vehicle that ticks all the boxes for families at an affordable price point.
Volkswagen Caddy
The Volkswagen Caddy is based on Volkswagen’s mid-sized van and offers five- or seven-seater capability in a vehicle that drives like a Golf.
The latest, fifth generation, Caddy features increased space, new technologies and a new interior and exterior design that includes LED headlights and taillights, painted body-coloured bumpers and black roof rails.
Being based on Volkswagen’s passenger car MQB platform allows for the inclusion of the latest high-end technology, including safety systems and driver assistance features.
The Volkswagen Caddy is available in a variety of derivatives, including short and long wheelbase versions as well as five and seven seat configurations.
Engine options in the latest generation include the 1.6 MPI engine that develops 81kW and 152Nm or the four-cylinder diesel that develops 81kW and 300Nm.
With the DNA of the original Kombi under its skin the Caddy ticks many of those same boxes in a vehicle that is easy to drive, extremely practical and which offers exceptional value for money. This makes the Caddy the ideal vehicle for moms who require space for extra passengers along with the quality that Volkswagen is renowned for.
Credit: Reuben van Niekerk
