Fiat Multiplas - can you put a child in the front middle seat in a booster or is that unsafe?

[earthtomummy]

I'm looking for a 2nd hand MPV for us and our 3 kids - want a 4th soon! I liked the Multipla because it seems to have boot space with the 4th seat being in the front. But like other cars, I suspect that the middle front seat would not be suitable for our 5/6 yo son because of airbags etc. Anyone got one? Any recommendations for 2nd hand MPVs? I know nothing about cars, so buying 2nd hand is tricky!!

AFAIK multiplas also have a middle airbag, which i assume like the others can be de activated..try the fiat website?but i would say at that age(even my dd at 3) would be fine, so long as airbag can be switched off

Can def switch the airbag off, that is what we did when we had one. Found it really useful, as could have toddle in the front with us, and feed them snacks, pick up toys etc., without getting a crick in the neck from turning round. I hate driving, but really liked the high driving position of the Multipla, really good view for lane changing. HTH

toddler

We have a ds in the front. Only prob is if they fall asleep and keep leaning on you or keep getting their knees in the way of the gearstick - it's up on the dash.

Thanks - sounds like you'd recommend it. It seems pointless going for a seven seater with no boot. Are they expensive to insure and run? Diesel or petrol? Also, is the boot roomy - we go camping a lot and are running out of space!

Thanks - sounds like you'd recommend it. It seems pointless going for a seven seater with no boot. Are they expensive to insure and run? Diesel or petrol? Also, is the boot roomy - we go camping a lot and are running out of space!

Would def recommend it for the bigger family. Boot space not bad, is deep. YOu can put the back row or seats in 2 different positions, if you only have children in the back so don't need as much leg room you can put it in the forward position and gain a bit more boot. Quite economical for a larger car, ours was a petrol, don't know about insurance as was a company car. Can ask DH about MPG later if you are interested.

I reckon for camping you might need a roofbox - our pushchair and travel cot practically fill the boot so tent etc goes up top.

look at the fiat doblo with the extra seats too but only the diesel turbo version

Never heard of the doblo - will look into it. I've read that the multipla is wide - is it a nightmare on narrow streets (I seem to be incapable of backing up in a straight line!). What kind of mileage is ok in a used car? Is the multipla really ugly?? Not that I care or am in a position to - need as good a car for 6 with as little money as poss.

the extra seats are quite recent in the doblo so not sure if you would get a secondh and one but it is cheaper than the multipla..I think it is just about the cheapest mpv built like a van so robust too

Multipla only about 10cm wider than our previous car - Fiat Brava, so not that much wifer really. Is also shorter than tghe Brava too, so can be easier to park than some standard cars. DH says it was about 33 MPG, so not great, but not dreadful. that was a petrol engine, 1.3l engine.

If you get a diesel fuel economy is great, and it is a great, practical and roomy car to drive. All of the back seats come out too. So if you have an 'empty' seat, you can take it out and it doubles the boot/storage space available.