Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) started out decades ago as vans converted to fit extra seats with nicer interior upholstery.
Now, MPVs and their sports utility vehicle (SUV) cousins are designed from the ground up with style, creature comforts and safety features to rival other classes. Here is CarSifu‘s take on the models to consider.
Plan the journey
Drive safe
PEUGEOT 5008
The multiple award-winning Peugeot 5008 seven-seater MPV offers sporty handling and at the same time, high levels of refinement.
It is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine with 165ps and 240Nm of torque, mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox with tiptronic and sport mode.
It has heaps of safety features and driver assistance systems like six airbags, electronic stability programme, a reverse camera and front and rear parking sensors.
The equipoment level here is impressively high – the entertainment set-up includes a multimedia system with dual seven-inch LCD screens built in the front seat headrests, two bluetooth headphones and two separate video RCA connectors.
There is also a World In Peugeot Sound six-speaker system, a seven-inch retractable colour screen, GPS navigation, colour HUD (head-up display) for the driver, and a panoramic glass roof.
All four front windows have a one-touch automatic powered up/down function.
Price: RM159,888; five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
INFINITI QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a behemoth of an SUV, and billed as an eight-seater.
It is almost 2 metres in height, and drivers need to be wary when entering covered car parks.
There is nothing subtle about it, as Nissan created it to convey power and strength.
To move its massive 2,829kg kerb weight, there is 405hp and 560Nm from a 5.6-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine which is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.
It is filled to the brim with high-tech occupant safety and comfort features, such as a Bose Cabin Surround sound system with 15 speakers, and Infiniti’s All-Mode 4 wheel drive system with Auto, 4-High and 4-Low modes.
One highlight is its Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) technology, where in reverse gear, the QX80 will help the driver detect crossing vehicles and objects behind the SUV, and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.
Driving the QX80 is fun, as it is nimble and offers a silky-smooth ride quality.
Price: RM797,837; three-year or 100,000km warranty – whichever is earlier.
LEXUS LX 570
The Lexus LX 570 is another gigantic SUV measuring 5 metres in length and almost 2 metres in width, aimed at those with extremely deep pockets.
It is powered by a 5.7-litre V8, the largest engine in the Lexus range, which generates 362hp with 530Nm of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
It can accelerate from standstill to 100kph in 7.7 seconds.
The LX 570 gets goodies like a triple-linkage multimedia system, and an ArmRest Control Panel in the second row which allows control of the ventilated seats and fully-automatic air conditioning system with 4-zone independent temperature control.
There is also full-time 4-wheel drive, and a TORSEN limited-slip locking centre differential to distribute power 40:60 front-to-rear, as well as a Multi-Terrain Monitor which displays images of areas around the vehicle when traveling at low speeds.
There’s even an underfloor view, helpful for avoiding holes and rocks.
Price: RM923,960; three-year or 100,000km warranty – whichever is earlier, and five-year or 100,000km free service package.
HYUNDAI GRAND STAREX ROYALE
You can really fit a full soccer team into this 11-seat MPV, which has an impressively long 3,200mm wheelbase and four seat rows.
There is plenty of grunt from its 2.5-litre VGT diesel engine with 170ps and 392Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that delivers power smoothly.
Also, the seats can be configured in various ways; for example, there are 180-degree swivel seats for the second row, and the bench for the fourth row can be adjusted for more luggage space.
For more comfort, there are six large ceiling mounted air-conditioning vents.
Safety features include dual airbags, electronic stability programme, brake assist, traction control, front and rear parking cameras, as well as front and rear parking assist, and a Safe Drive Recorder, which records video in the event of a mishap.
For entertainment, there is a six-speaker audio system, a DVD player with 7-inch LCD screen, and an audio visual navigator with touchscreen display.
There are three variants, priced at RM157,228 (Standard); RM167,925 (Premium): RM177,677 (Deluxe).
The Standard variant also gets leather upholstery, while the Premium and Deluxe variants have Nappa leather seats and cruise control.
The Premium variant has a powered sliding door (left side only), while the Deluxe has this feature on both sides.
Price: RM157,228 to RM177,677; five-year or 300,000km warranty.
MERCEDES-BENZ V 220 D
The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class provides optimum flexibility in the cabin.
With two equipment lines; V-Class and V-Class Avantgarde, an Exterior Sports package and an Interior Design package for each line, two wheelbases, three body lengths from 4,895 – 5,370mm, and also many optional extras, the new V-Class can be individualised to suit most needs.
The V 220 D has a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with two-stage turbocharging, that generates 163hp and 380Nm with a fuel consumption of just 5.7 litres per 100km.
It offers optional 4-way lumbar support and active seat ventilation, and all lighting functions in LED technology.
Fine nappa leather is available for the seats, steering wheel and shift lever.
As standard, the V-Class has four individual luxury seats with armrests in two seat rows.
As an option, a folding table can be installed between the single seats.
There are 11 driver assistance systems based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and ultrasound sensors.
Standard equipment includes Crosswind Assist, which helps the driver to stabilise the V-Class in strong, gusting crosswinds, and Attention Assist, which can warn of inattention and drowsiness.
Price: starts from RM434,888.
MAZDA BIANTE
As part of Mazda’s design philosophy, KODO (soul of motion), a vehicle is much more than just a mass of metal and the Japanese carmaker has gone to great lengths to portray such a philosophy with its Biante MPV.
With a boxy disposition, the Biante seems a little on the compact side for its segment, but thanks to the high roof line, all eight passengers within the cabin get copious amounts of headroom and plenty of window real estate for an exceptionally good all-round visibility.
The Biante is recognised as an Energy Efficient Vehicle and gets it drivability and pulling power from a high-compression 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine producing 147bhp at 6,000rpm and 190Nm of torque at 4,100rpm.
A six-speed SkyActiv Drive gearbox manages the power before sending it to the front wheels and its list of amenities include electric sliding doors on each side, paddle shifters, 7.0-inch LCD touchscreen with navigation, DVD headrest monitors, keyless entry, reverse camera, and iStop idling stop system to name a few.
It also comes equipped with two airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, dynamic stability control and traction control for safety.
Price: RM150,057; warranty is three-years or 100,000km (which ever comes first).
MAZDA5
Within Mazda’s line-up of MPVs is its smallest contender that’s more of a station wagon that has the ability to fit seven individuals within its cabin.
A SkyActiv 2.0-litre engine powers the front wheels, while mated to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive gearbox, with 146bhp at 6,000rpm and 190Nm of torque at 4,100rpm.
The Japanese carmaker has brought appeal to its Mazda5 by endowing it with versatility and functionality thanks to the Karakuri (hidden) utility box located under the second row seats and Karakuri seventh seat that gets folded away from sight.
Passenger access to the cabin is made easy by including electric sliding doors on both sides and passengers can access the third row seats via the walk-through layout – through the middle of the second row seats, or the one-touch walk-in mechanism that pushes the second row seats to the side.
Cup holders are aplenty – all the way from the front to the third row seats and the door pockets are more than accommodating with other storage pockets littering the front compartment.
With the inclusion of dual headrest mounted monitors, rear seated passengers can be easily entertained for that long haul journey thanks to the seven-inch LCD screen DVD player with a navigation system and a reverse camera.
Safety equipment includes two airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, dynamic stability control and traction control.
Price: RM157,280; warranty is three-years or 100,000km (whichever comes first).
HONDA ODYSSEY
This Honda MPV is available in a single variant – a powerful 2.4- litre DOHC i-VTEC engine which pushes out 175PS at 6,200rpm and 225Nm of torque at 4,000rpm – mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Odyssey is spacious inside and has a wheelbase of 2,900mm and convenient with power sliding doors on both sides along with Smart Entry and Push Start Button, front and rear auto air-conditioning, second row captain cradle seats and retractable third row seats.
For safety, it comes with a multi-view camera system with multi-angle rear view camera, blind spot information with cross traffic monitor, front, side and curtain airbags, smart parking assist, vehicle stability assist (VSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist (BA) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
Price: RM255,500 (on-the-road price with insurance) and comes with five-year warranty with unlimited mileage (terms and conditions apply).
KIA SORENTO
This SUV from KIA features three rows of seats which makes it a very attractive people mover.
It comes with a 2.4 liter DOHC Theta II engine which pushes out 176PS at 6,000rpm, 227Nm of torque at 3,750rpm and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive (AWD).
It comes with HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights with a wide panoramic sunroof and roof rack.
It also features a 4.3in touch screen with CD /MP3/AUX/USB with six speakers, rear view camera, smart entry and push start button with 1,047 litres of boot space with the third row folded down.
Safety-wise, it comes with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill-Assit Control.
Price: Starts at RM159,888 inclusive of 6% GST with a five year warranty – terms and conditions apply.
PERODUA ALZA
From Malaysia’s preferred national carmaker, Perodua, comes an affordable compact MPV that’s visually similar in shape to the Myvi, but offering enough space to fit seven persons on-board.
The Alza is available in three trim levels starting with the S variant, followed by the SE and ending with the range-topping Advanced.
Except for the Advanced, both S and SE variants can be had with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.
All variants get a 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE engine that powers the front wheels with a maximum of 102bhp at 6,000rpm and 136Nm of torque at 4,400rpm.
Price: From RM52,332 to RM65,432 (depending on variant); warranty is five years or 150,000km (whichever comes first).
PROTON EXORA
Proton, the country’s pioneer national carmaker, has a seven-seater mid-sized MPV that comes in three variants starting with the standard Executive, followed by the mid-range Premium and the range-topping Super Premium.
Regardless of variant, it is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, mated to a CVT gearbox, developing 136bhp at 5,000rpm and 205Nm from 2,000 to 4,000rpm,
Standard fitment impresses with items such as keyless entry, reverse camera, third-row air vents, front fog lights, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and even follow-me home light.
Depending on variant, the number of airbags increases from two to four over the standard E variant while adding electronic stability control, leather seats, automatic cruise control, daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, electric folding mirrors with integrated LED signal, DVD player and Bluetooth connectivity to name a few.
Price: RM65,623 to RM80,989; warranty is three years or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).
Optional accessories: 16-inch Wheel Assy by R3 (RM1,900) in either Full Silver or Full Gun Metal.
CITROEN GRAND C4 PICASSO
Conventionally shaped with five doors, Citroen’s Grand C4 Picasso is anything but conventional when it comes to its styling that’s seen as more futuristic than contemporary.
This large people mover is equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox and the French carmaker has provided its award winning MPV with two engine choices of a 146bhp/370Nm diesel or 163bhp/240Nm petrol engine.
This particular MPV should appeal highly to the style-conscious who prefers something more posh than powerful – but Citroen was able to combine the two and make it even more ‘versa-style’.
This seven-seater has been packed with ‘créative technologie’ within its loft-inspired cabin that’s seen as comfortably enjoyable by most and related to travelling in “business class” by many.
Such ‘technologie’ include a seven-inch touch screen driver interface, 12-inch HD panoramic screen with navigation, park assist, active cruise control, 360-degree view and massage function for the both driver and front passenger seats.
Safety is more than bolstered with the inclusion of collision risk alert, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, electronic stability programme, which has been added over the usual anti-lock braking system, electronic brake assist, dynamic stability control and traction control.
Price: RM195,888 (diesel) and RM185,888 (petrol); five year warranty with unlimited mileage.
ISUZU MU-X
The seven-seater comes in two versions – the entry-level 4X2 and top-of-the-range 4X4 – and both is powered by the 2.5-litre VGS four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
It produces 136PS at 3,400rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,800rpm mated to a five-speed automatic with manual mode.
This Thai-assembled vehicle comes standard with projector headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, a large multi-info display, an integrated head unit with Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers and air-conditioning vents on all three rows.
This vehicle comes with a little extra such as LED daytime running lights, 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, a Blaupunkt Android-based touchscreen navigation system with DVD playback, a factory-fitted drop-down rear LCD display, a tonneau cover and a boot storage organiser box.
Price: MU-X 4X2 (RM165,552) and the 4X4 RM178,578.
All prices are on-the-road with insurance as well as a three-year or 100,000km warranty whichever comes first.
BMW 220i GRAND TOURER
The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is a premium seven-seater MPV which was launched last year and is available in only one variant, the 220i Luxury.
Powered by a 2.0 litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 192hp at 4,700rpm and 280Nm of torque from 1,250 to 4,600rpm, it is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
It comes with powered seats with driver’s side memory function, “Fineline” stream fine-wood trim with Pearl Chrome finishers, a 6.5-inch iDrive display with navigation as well as a seven-speaker sound system.
There is also the push-button start with automatic start-stop, auto lights and wipers, Park Assistant with front and rear sensors and reverse camera.
Safety-wise, it features six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with ABS and Dynamic Braking Control (DBC) as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors for the outer second-row seats.
Price: RM279,800 on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty with a five-year/100,000km free service package.
TOYOTA AVANZA
The 2016 7-seater Toyota Avanza was launched recently, with new 1.3- and 1.5-litre dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engines for better fuel efficiency.
There are four variants priced at RM72,280 (1.3E manual); RM78,970 (1.5E automatic); RM81,670 (1.5G automatic) and RM83,980 (1.5S automatic) on-the-road.
The new engines provide more power and better fuel efficiency.
All 1.5-litre variants come standard with a Bluetooth-capable audio system, that features a 2-DIN unit with CD-player and tuner, USB, MP3-playback and AUX connectivity.
Also offered are optional DVD-AVX or DVD-AVN audio systems, with large touchscreens and reverse cameras.
The new Avanza has nine possible seat layouts, and the second row can be easily folded with a one-touch tumble operation.
Safety features include two airbags, front disc brakes, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution).
Also, there are childproof locking systems on the rear side doors and two ISOFIX points on the second row.
Price: RM72,280 to RM83,980; three-year or 100,000km warranty – whichever is earlier.
INOKOM SANTA FE
This seven-seater SUV is offered in four variants, with 2.4-litre petrol units priced at RM167,735 (Elegance grade) and RM189,429 (Premium grade), while 2.2-litre diesel units are priced at RM181,385 (Elegance grade) and RM201,134 (Premium grade).
In terms of equipment level, the Santa Fe really impresses as all variants have six-speed automatic gearboxes and active-on-demand 4WD, all-round disc brakes, electric parking brake, automatic headlamps, leather upholstery, a 12-Way powered driver’s seat, rear air vents, and smart key with push start button.
Also standard is a Safe Drive Recorder, which records video in the event of a mishap as well as Flex Steer, which allows drivers to choose from three steering assistance levels – Normal, Sport and Comfort.
Safety is another area where the Santa Fe excels, as all variants have electronic stability and downhill brake control, hill-start assist, and traction control as well as vehicle stability management.
The Premium variants come with extra goodies like six airbags, 19-inch wheels, HID xenon head lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, wipers with rain sensors, powered tailgate, first-in-class Audio Visual Navigator infotainment system, and reverse camera.
The Santa Fe offers very compelling packaging and SUV buyers will be hard-pressed in making their final decisions.
Price: RM167,735 to RM201,134; five-year or 300,000km warranty.
CHERY MAXIME
The seven-seater Maxime is the successor to the Chery Eastar, which sold several thousand units in the last few years as many saw it as a decent choice in the below RM90,000 MPV segment.
Malaysia was the first country to get the right-hand-drive Maxime, which has a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder DVVT (dual variable valve timing) engine that delivers 136hp and 182Nm of torque to propel its 1,590kg kerb weight.
A seven-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual mode, provides smooth and linear power delivery.
The Maxime offers value-for-money, with features like two airbags, ABS, EBD, all-round disc brakes, cruise control, and an MP3 and USB-capable audio system with six speakers.
Its fabric seats are firm and comfortable, and rear seats can be folded to create a flat rear loading area.
With both the rear two rows folded, the MPV’s rear cargo area is an impressive 2,240 litres.
Price: RM86,800; five-year or 150,000km warranty – whichever is earlier.
VOLKSWAGEN CROSS TOURAN
This seven-seater MPV offers multiple seating configurations and an array of safety features that gave it a top Euro NCAP 5-Star rating for adult occupant protection.
The safety kit includes curtain airbags for front and rear passengers including front side airbags, ABS, EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), anti-slip regulator, electronic differential lock and electronic stabilisation programme.
It is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI twincharged direct petrol injection engine with 140PS and 220Nm, mated to a lightning-quick seven-speed direct shift gearbox.
Volkswagen also generously packed the Cross Touran with features like automatic headlight activation, bi-xenon headlamps, Climatronic air-conditioning with dual-zone temperature control, park distance control, cruise control, and a height and reach adjustable steering wheel.
There are also rain sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels and a electronic panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof.
Price: RM169,888; five-year warranty with unlimited mileage and mobility guarantee.
NISSAN GRAND LIVINA
This seven-seater is among the top picks in the country’s best-selling non-national MPV since its debut in 2007.
In late 2013, it was updated with more than 50 enhancements while retaining its core concept of “Drives like a sedan, fits like an MPV”.
There are three variants, priced at RM83,534 (1.6L Manual); RM86,584 (1.6L Auto) and RM95,945 (1.8L Auto).
Optional accessories and Impul packages are available for all variants.
Its electric power steering helps in reducing fuel consumption.
Aside from dual front SRS airbags, Nissan’s Zone Body Construction, collapsible steering wheel, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist system, the driver and front passenger also get seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters.
Standard features in the top 1.8L variant include LED indicators on wing mirrors, as well as Nissan’s Intelligent Key (i-Key) system which allows for keyless entry and start.
By pulling lock-release straps, rear seats can be folded flat for more cargo space.
Price: RM83,534 to RM95,945; three-year or 100,000km warranty – whichever is earlier.
NISSAN SERENA S-HYBRID (Facelift)
This is the country’s first locally-assembled hybrid MPV, which offers the largest and most flexible interior space in its class.
It can accommodate up to eight people while offering 14 different seating and cargo configurations.
The Serena S-Hybrid, also Japan’s best-selling MPV, is powered by Nissan’s 2.0L, 4-cylinder DOHC direct-injection petrol engine.
Mated with a XTRONIC CVT gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), it delivers 147PS of power, with a maximum torque of 210Nm at 4,400rpm.
Fuel consumption is rated at 15.2km per litre on the Japan JC08 test cycle.
The S-Hybrid system features an Idling Start-Stop System which automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop in traffic, and starts again when the brake pedal is released.
Safety features include dual airbags, ABS, EBD with brake assist, hill start assist, vehicle dynamic control and traction control.
The Premium Highway Star package costs about RM10,000 extra and includes a 10.1-inch roof-mounted LCD panel, a 6.5-inch multimedia navigator with rear view camera, DVD player, iPod connectivity, USB and Bluetooth, roof spoiler, V-Kool Elite security film, leather seats and door visors.
Price: RM132,978 (Highway Star) and RM143,063 (Premium); three-year or 100,000km warranty – whichever is earlier. — Story by THOMAS HUONG, JAY WONG and RIZAL JOHAN
Keyword: MPVs and SUVs: Top people movers for different budgets