Estate, MPV or SUV…?

[ChocolateTruffleAssortment]

We need to replace our knackered Renault Grand Scenic. It’s been useful having a 7 seater on occasion but those moments become less frequent as the children grow older.

we need a car to carry 5 adults/teens in comfort, with a boot for the dog. Quite like the idea of an estate car, but do they have 3 full seats across the back for comfort on long journeys?

In days gone by I also had a 7 seater, and the best in terms of reliability, value for money, and features, in my opinion, is the Seat Ateca. I am on my second. Easily and comfotably fits 5 people and a dog in the back - the back also has a "rise and fall" feature (as an add on) that means the floor can be adjusted up (great for the dog to jump in and out) or down (fits masses of luggage!). I also had a Sportage before this which I did like a lot, but I think they have got very pricey. Oh, and the Seat heated front windscreen is to die for!

If you can live with the snobbery, try looking at the Citroën Berlingo and its cousins the Vauxhall Combo Life, Peugeot Rifter, and Toyota Proace City. Three full size seats across the back row, and low floor on massive boot. You can get them as 7 seaters too, but only in electric form.

We've got a Dacia Jogger (7 seater) and although it has three proper seats in the middle row it's narrower. I'd still recommend one though.