7 or 8 seater where the middle seats can be reversed?

[QBEE]

I think that the grand espace does this? Can you drive around with them in this position?
What other cars can have the middle row facing the back row please?
Also if you have this set up what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Thanks

We've got a Toyota Estima (imported diesel version of the Previa) that can have the middle row facing backwards.

We don't use them rear facing when the kdis are using those seats as they only have lap belts when rear facing.

We're not sure if rear facing with a lap belt is safer than forward facing with a 3 point belt, so just use the seats facing forwards.

We have used them rear facing for adults in the car - boys weekend trip away and they had a great time playing cards in the back on the journey! It's also fantastic for creating a big space for moving stuff, like the 2 and 3 seater sofas I cought on eBay (both fitted in at once into the back!)

VW Caravelle - and we did used to drive with them reversed then read somewhere that you shouldn't. THink the Grand Espace does too (at least it used to) but last time I looked at it it definitely stated that you should not drive with teh seats reversed.

Oh Im disappointed as was looking at getting purely ecause you could have the seats reversed like in a taxi

I have a couple of lap belt only option rear facing car seats but they wont be in those past age 6 and then the idea of rf when older and no longer needing a car seat appealed to me.

Some models of the Kia Sedona and the Chrylser Grand Voyager do this, I don't think there's any reason you aren't supposed to drive like it, either.

I would excpect that the reason they advise not driving with the seats reversed is that they have not tested them in that way and want to cover themselves. We did it for a while before I read somewhere (and can't remember where) that they should only be rear facing when stationary. Mind you, having sat in the back while rear facing you do get terribly car sick!

Two of mine rf still anyway but would like to continue it once past car seat age if possible. Hopefully they would be too used to it to be car sick from it but you never know.

Thanks to all for the ideas, am off to ebay to check some out

We had a Grand Espace and drove it with the middle row reversed.....had never heard that it shouldn't be driven that way? What's the point of being able to reverse them if you can't DRIVE the thing that way? They are heavy & cumbersome, are you just meant to have an in-car picnic or summat, then put them back the other way?!

We have a Mercedes Viano and are driving it with the middle row reversed. But maybe shouldn't be doing so??

we qre getting a caravelle where the middle seats reverse
kids cant wait!!!
VW good on safety - they would not make cars and take people on test drives with the seats rear facing if it was ill advised