7-Seater MPV

[Apple-Tree]

Erh ....... At the end of the day, a van is a van.

 

The comfort is sure going to be different one ........

 

 

And why a VW these days ?

 

 

At $127,900, really cheap for the amount of metal. I am very tempted because it is much longer than standard panel van length. It is actually as roomy as Sharan on paper, much bigger than the Touran which is mid-size MPV.

 

Dimension wise, it is also comparable to the minivans from Japan such as binate, the triplets, stepwagn, serena, etc. I would expect it to be very roomy.

 

Features wise really can't complain, the list is damn long:

 

Interior  

• 'Climatronic' air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control
• Alcantara' leather upholstery
• Height adjustable front seats
• Lumbar support adjustment for front seats
• Front centre armrest with storage box
• Cruise control system
• Multi-function display 'Plus'
• Leather-covered 3-spoke steering wheel
• Multi function controls on steering wheel
• Leather gearshift knob
• 'Composition Media' radio with 6.33” touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, CD player and SD memory card slot, 6 speakers
• AUX-IN multimedia socket
• 2 reading lights in front and rear
• Folding tables on back of front seats
• Folding tables on back of front seats
• Glove compartment with lockable lid
• Removable individual second and third row seats
• Overhead storage compartments
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
• Removable luggage compartment cover
• 12-volt sockets in centre console, front centre armrest and luggage compartment

Exterior  

• Alloy wheels, 6.0J x 17", tyres 205/50 R17
• Automatic headlight activation, with 'Leaving Home' and 'Coming Home' functions
• Side and rear windows in heat-insulating glass
• Electrically foldable, adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
• Silver anodised roof rails
• LED licence plate lighting
• Bi-xenon headlamps cornering lights, separate LED daytime running lights

Safety  

• Airbags for driver and front passenger with front passenger airbag deactivation, driver's knee airbag
• Curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers including side airbags at the front
• Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
• ISOFIX child seat mounting points
• 3-point seat belts for all occupants, with height adjustment in front
• Removable front and second row seats
• Front seat belt reminder warning signal and light
• Remote controlled central locking with two folding keys
• Front and rear disc brakes, ventilated in front
• Electronic vehicle immobiliser
• Rear view camera
• Electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering
• Rain sensor
• Reverse sensors
• Automatic dimming interior mirror
• Front fog lamps

 

 

It has support of AD, but its 7-speed DSG would be its weakest link. Too bad.

 

[inlinesix]

For MPV, nothing beats Jap.

 

I had driven Estima with 7 passenger for 2 wks in NZ.  Even last row is comfortable for 2 ladies.

[Nzy]

At $127,900, really cheap for the amount of metal. I am very tempted because it is much longer than standard panel van length. It is actually as roomy as Sharan on paper, much bigger than the Touran which is mid-size MPV.

 

Dimension wise, it is also comparable to the minivans from Japan such as binate, the triplets, stepwagn, serena, etc. I would expect it to be very roomy.

 

Features wise really can't complain, the list is damn long:

 

Interior  

• 'Climatronic' air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control
• Alcantara' leather upholstery
• Height adjustable front seats
• Lumbar support adjustment for front seats
• Front centre armrest with storage box
• Cruise control system
• Multi-function display 'Plus'
• Leather-covered 3-spoke steering wheel
• Multi function controls on steering wheel
• Leather gearshift knob
• 'Composition Media' radio with 6.33” touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, CD player and SD memory card slot, 6 speakers
• AUX-IN multimedia socket
• 2 reading lights in front and rear
• Folding tables on back of front seats
• Folding tables on back of front seats
• Glove compartment with lockable lid
• Removable individual second and third row seats
• Overhead storage compartments
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
• Removable luggage compartment cover
• 12-volt sockets in centre console, front centre armrest and luggage compartment

Exterior  

• Alloy wheels, 6.0J x 17", tyres 205/50 R17
• Automatic headlight activation, with 'Leaving Home' and 'Coming Home' functions
• Side and rear windows in heat-insulating glass
• Electrically foldable, adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
• Silver anodised roof rails
• LED licence plate lighting
• Bi-xenon headlamps cornering lights, separate LED daytime running lights

Safety  

• Airbags for driver and front passenger with front passenger airbag deactivation, driver's knee airbag
• Curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers including side airbags at the front
• Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
• ISOFIX child seat mounting points
• 3-point seat belts for all occupants, with height adjustment in front
• Removable front and second row seats
• Front seat belt reminder warning signal and light
• Remote controlled central locking with two folding keys
• Front and rear disc brakes, ventilated in front
• Electronic vehicle immobiliser
• Rear view camera
• Electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering
• Rain sensor
• Reverse sensors
• Automatic dimming interior mirror
• Front fog lamps

 

 

It has support of AD, but its 7-speed DSG would be its weakest link. Too bad.

 

It will still feel like a Van. Driven one before. If I am not wrong, the commercial verhicles they share some parts with other brands also. That is why all their vans look the same. The boot also not as practical as compared to MPV, cuz all these vans their rear seats cannot fold down flat like most MPVs.

[Heartlander]

It will still feel like a Van. Driven one before. If I am not wrong, the commercial verhicles they share some parts with other brands also. That is why all their vans look the same. The boot also not as practical as compared to MPV, cuz all these vans their rear seats cannot fold down flat like most MPVs.

Agree very much that the ride will still feel like a van. Read that it was based on Golf, subsequently Touran that is why the front is almost identical. Anyway it is just another option for some. Surely those keen will test drive since it is so much cheaper, yet with such impressive feature list. The dashboard design also very quality, not reminding people of a van. Something got to give.

 

And for those who could park their ride beside their houses, the 2nd and 3rd row seats could be removed if necessary to provide flat cargo space.

[Atrecord]

Didn't see this thread for few weeks, and only just chanced upon it again.

 

Looks like VW joined the gang with the van-like MPVs.

 

Think apart from Honda Stepwagon and Mazda Biante, the current van-like MPVs were all based on existing van chassis? The Noah was based on Noah Liteace if i'm not wrong, and Serena looks like it's based on Nissan NV200?

 

So if consumers can accept the triplets, serena, etc., maybe this Caddy Maxi still got chance? It does look spacious, esp. for the boot space, but the height is also in the category of the van-like MPVs, at >1.8 m.

 

If it's not a 1.4-litre 7-speed DSG from VW, i'll definitely go and check it out immediately. (heard from my bro-in-law over the weekend that his 5 yo 2.0 Tiguan also one day dashboard all lit up and had to change the gearbox before when it was under warranty...)

[Nzy]

Didn't see this thread for few weeks, and only just chanced upon it again.

 

Looks like VW joined the gang with the van-like MPVs.

 

Think apart from Honda Stepwagon and Mazda Biante, the current van-like MPVs were all based on existing van chassis? The Noah was based on Noah Liteace if i'm not wrong, and Serena looks like it's based on Nissan NV200?

 

So if consumers can accept the triplets, serena, etc., maybe this Caddy Maxi still got chance? It does look spacious, esp. for the boot space, but the height is also in the category of the van-like MPVs, at >1.8 m.

 

If it's not a 1.4-litre 7-speed DSG from VW, i'll definitely go and check it out immediately. (heard from my bro-in-law over the weekend that his 5 yo 2.0 Tiguan also one day dashboard all lit up and had to change the gearbox before when it was under warranty...)

 

I think the main difference is that the rear seats fold flat in those popular models. For this VW, The rear seats do not fold flat. So not really useful for carrying loads unless you want to remove the seats and put them somewhere. In Singapore, where most people live in HDBs or condos, not really convenient to remove the seats and store them somewhere whenever they need to carry something large.

 

I think for all those you mentioned, only the mazda third row cannot fold flat?

Edited August 10, 2016 by Nzy

[Atrecord]

I think the main difference is that the rear seats fold flat in those popular models. For this VW, The rear seats do not fold flat. So not really useful for carrying loads unless you want to remove the seats and put them somewhere. In Singapore, where most people live in HDBs or condos, not really convenient to remove the seats and store them somewhere whenever they need to carry something large.

 

I think for all those you mentioned, only the mazda third row cannot fold flat?

 

Oh, so the 2nd and 3rd rows seats can only be removed and not folded away? Then it's quite restrictive indeed... Good for ferrying people but not flexible when need to ferry bulky items.

 

Not really, Mazda cannot fold flat on the floorboard. It can fold flat to lean against the 2nd row seats only.

 

Step wagon can fold flat onto floorboard.

 

Serena and triplets can fold but the seats will be latched/locked onto the 2 side walls, but not flat onto the floorboard.

[yokechye]

I think the main difference is that the rear seats fold flat in those popular models. For this VW, The rear seats do not fold flat. So not really useful for carrying loads unless you want to remove the seats and put them somewhere. In Singapore, where most people live in HDBs or condos, not really convenient to remove the seats and store them somewhere whenever they need to carry something large.

 

I think for all those you mentioned, only the mazda third row cannot fold flat?

For Mazda biante, the 2nd and 3rd row cannot fold flat.

[Nzy]

Oh, so the 2nd and 3rd rows seats can only be removed and not folded away? Then it's quite restrictive indeed... Good for ferrying people but not flexible when need to ferry bulky items.

 

Not really, Mazda cannot fold flat on the floorboard. It can fold flat to lean against the 2nd row seats only.

 

Step wagon can fold flat onto floorboard.

 

Serena and triplets can fold but the seats will be latched/locked onto the 2 side walls, but not flat onto the floorboard.

 

Yeah. Toyota design always third row fold sideways. But at least floor still flat. For the Mazda, if I remember correctly, even though cannot fold flat, the third row can push all the way forward and fold to lean on the front seats so the boot still becomes bigger with a flat floor.

[Lala81]

You own a Biante right, which is just 1 year + old. How come talking about temptation? 

 

At $127,900, really cheap for the amount of metal. I am very tempted because it is much longer than standard panel van length. It is actually as roomy as Sharan on paper, much bigger than the Touran which is mid-size MPV.

 

Dimension wise, it is also comparable to the minivans from Japan such as binate, the triplets, stepwagn, serena, etc. I would expect it to be very roomy.

 

Features wise really can't complain, the list is damn long:

 

Interior  

• 'Climatronic' air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control
• Alcantara' leather upholstery
• Height adjustable front seats
• Lumbar support adjustment for front seats
• Front centre armrest with storage box
• Cruise control system
• Multi-function display 'Plus'
• Leather-covered 3-spoke steering wheel
• Multi function controls on steering wheel
• Leather gearshift knob
• 'Composition Media' radio with 6.33” touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, CD player and SD memory card slot, 6 speakers
• AUX-IN multimedia socket
• 2 reading lights in front and rear
• Folding tables on back of front seats
• Folding tables on back of front seats
• Glove compartment with lockable lid
• Removable individual second and third row seats
• Overhead storage compartments
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
• Removable luggage compartment cover
• 12-volt sockets in centre console, front centre armrest and luggage compartment

Exterior  

• Alloy wheels, 6.0J x 17", tyres 205/50 R17
• Automatic headlight activation, with 'Leaving Home' and 'Coming Home' functions
• Side and rear windows in heat-insulating glass
• Electrically foldable, adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
• Silver anodised roof rails
• LED licence plate lighting
• Bi-xenon headlamps cornering lights, separate LED daytime running lights

Safety  

• Airbags for driver and front passenger with front passenger airbag deactivation, driver's knee airbag
• Curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers including side airbags at the front
• Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
• ISOFIX child seat mounting points
• 3-point seat belts for all occupants, with height adjustment in front
• Removable front and second row seats
• Front seat belt reminder warning signal and light
• Remote controlled central locking with two folding keys
• Front and rear disc brakes, ventilated in front
• Electronic vehicle immobiliser
• Rear view camera
• Electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering
• Rain sensor
• Reverse sensors
• Automatic dimming interior mirror
• Front fog lamps

 

 

It has support of AD, but its 7-speed DSG would be its weakest link. Too bad.

 

[Atrecord]

Yeah. Toyota design always third row fold sideways. But at least floor still flat. For the Mazda, if I remember correctly, even though cannot fold flat, the third row can push all the way forward and fold to lean on the front seats so the boot still becomes bigger with a flat floor.

 

Also not always i should say.

Previa is like Biante, can fold but lean against 2nd row instead of hides under floorboard.

Estima, wish, ISIS, picnic all fold flat.

Alphard folds sideways.

 

Yup, push all the forward also can still give decent luggage space. But if want to have both 2nd and 3rd rows folded down to put in a long bulky item, then dunno can work or not?

[MercutioV]

Didn't see this thread for few weeks, and only just chanced upon it again.

 

Looks like VW joined the gang with the van-like MPVs.

 

Think apart from Honda Stepwagon and Mazda Biante, the current van-like MPVs were all based on existing van chassis? The Noah was based on Noah Liteace if i'm not wrong, and Serena looks like it's based on Nissan NV200?

 

So if consumers can accept the triplets, serena, etc., maybe this Caddy Maxi still got chance? It does look spacious, esp. for the boot space, but the height is also in the category of the van-like MPVs, at >1.8 m.

 

If it's not a 1.4-litre 7-speed DSG from VW, i'll definitely go and check it out immediately. (heard from my bro-in-law over the weekend that his 5 yo 2.0 Tiguan also one day dashboard all lit up and had to change the gearbox before when it was under warranty...)

 

It is a 1.4l 7-speed DGS, but that shouldn't be a problem. The old generation 1.4litre engines notoriously had timing chain problems, but the new generation doesn't have timing chains (so, that problem is resolved). I also don't think that the 7-speed DSG is facing the same problems as they did a couple of years back. The new DSG gearboxes come with mineral and not synthetic oil, and that solved the main problem.

 

(Was your bro-in law's Tiguan gearbox issue pre 2014? If so, then his gb was probably still running on synthetic oil...)

[Spring]

It is a 1.4l 7-speed DGS, but that shouldn't be a problem. The old generation 1.4litre engines notoriously had timing chain problems, but the new generation doesn't have timing chains (so, that problem is resolved). I also don't think that the 7-speed DSG is facing the same problems as they did a couple of years back. The new DSG gearboxes come with mineral and not synthetic oil, and that solved the main problem.

 

(Was your bro-in law's Tiguan gearbox issue pre 2014? If so, then his gb was probably still running on synthetic oil...)

 

Just to clarify, how does the Mineral Oil used for EO change affect the GB?

[Heartlander]

You own a Biante right, which is just 1 year + old. How come talking about temptation? 

Time flies! 2.5 years already. Biante is very hardy and sure look like can last 20 years if maintain properly. But don't think could resist temptation that long lah.

[Heartlander]

It will still feel like a Van. Driven one before. If I am not wrong, the commercial verhicles they share some parts with other brands also. That is why all their vans look the same. The boot also not as practical as compared to MPV, cuz all these vans their rear seats cannot fold down flat like most MPVs.

I cannot recall any van having alcantera leather seats, 17" wheels, and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. Not so bad lah. The seats cannot fold flat but still very spacious for carrying things round with its wheel base of 3.008m and 4.878m overall length.

[Atrecord]

It is a 1.4l 7-speed DGS, but that shouldn't be a problem. The old generation 1.4litre engines notoriously had timing chain problems, but the new generation doesn't have timing chains (so, that problem is resolved). I also don't think that the 7-speed DSG is facing the same problems as they did a couple of years back. The new DSG gearboxes come with mineral and not synthetic oil, and that solved the main problem.

 

(Was your bro-in law's Tiguan gearbox issue pre 2014? If so, then his gb was probably still running on synthetic oil...)

 

I actually didn't ask the specific date, but hit Tiguan is about 5 yo now, and it was during first 3 yr i suppose...

[MercutioV]

Just to clarify, how does the Mineral Oil used for EO change affect the GB?

Synthetic oil has sulphur additives which, under extreme driving conditions of stop&go traffic in hot and humid environments, heated up and corroded the Mechatronic Unit of the gb. VW ultimately identified the problem and realized that using mineral oil would provide a solution because it doesn't have those sulphur additives. They did a global recall of sorts to swap the oil in existing 7-DSG gbs. What's more, since 2014 all 7-speed DSGs already leave the factory with mineral oil and, hence, should not be affected by this problem.

[Spring]

Synthetic oil has sulphur additives which, under extreme driving conditions of stop&go traffic in hot and humid environments, heated up and corroded the Mechatronic Unit of the gb. VW ultimately identified the problem and realized that using mineral oil would provide a solution because it doesn't have those sulphur additives. They did a global recall of sorts to swap the oil in existing 7-DSG gbs. What's more, since 2014 all 7-speed DSGs already leave the factory with mineral oil and, hence, should not be affected by this problem.

Ok tks for info! Nvr knew EO can affect and corrode the GB.