Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer MPV review (2013-2022)
Top 10 best used MPVs
Looking for a family car that’s big on space? We run down 10 of the best used MPVs on sale
Sometimes, a family hatchback simply isn’t big enough. Maybe you have a large family or frequently transport a lot of people. Either way, the best option may be a Multi-Purpose Vehicle or MPV for short.
These cars have higher rooflines than standard hatchbacks to offer greater headroom for passengers in the back. Their longer wheelbases (the distance between the front and rear wheels) allow for the addition of a third row of seats too. Some MPVs have sliding doors to allow easy access to the back rows while others have features like folding tray tables and reconfigurable seating.
Top 3 used premium MPVs for £18,000
Despite their advantages, MPVs are a dying breed. With the current demand for SUVs, many manufacturers are reshaping their old MPV models into fashionable SUVs and crossovers. These cars typically benefit from a higher driving position and a more stylish design and image. However, SUVs aren’t always as spacious as their MPV counterparts and given there are now only a select few MPVs available new, it’s worth buyers taking a look at the used market.
We’ve selected some of the best used MPV models out there from the last few years. These cars all offer a great combination of practicality and everyday usability. Read on to see our favourites. If SUVs do appeal to you, why not check out our list of the top 10 used SUVs?
The Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer tops our list because it ticks every box required for an excellent MPV. The styling contradicts the notion that MPVs are ugly and boring, while the C4 boasts a flexible three-row setup with the ability to carry up to seven people. The back two rows of seats can be folded away to transform the family car into a cargo van.
Despite being a relatively large vehicle, the Citroen excels when it comes to fuel economy. Facelifted models with the 128bhp 1.5-litre BlueHDi engine can expect impressive figures of up to 62.4mpg with the manual gearbox. The mid-range Feel model is our pick of the C4 lineup, with standard features such as an upgraded infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof to make the spacious cabin even airier.
See the latest prices for used Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer models on our sister site Buyacar
The Volkswagen Sharan is built on a modified platform of the Volkswagen Passat and boasts the VW’s robust build quality, as well as driving refinement and image. The Sharan features sliding rear doors that make entry and exit for rear passengers easy, even in tight spaces. On the inside, the Sharan shares the same intuitive layout as the rest of the Volkswagen range.
The Sharan has recently been replaced by the van-based Volkswagen Multivan, so there are plenty of deals for this MPV on the used market. Look for cars with the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel with 148bhp. This engine is fine for everyday driving and returns up to 44.8mpg.
See the latest prices for used Volkswagen Sharan models on our sister site Buyacar
If you like the idea of the Volkswagen Sharan but rarely require a third row of seats, the smaller Volkswagen Touran may just be the car for you. Just like the Sharan, the Touran is based on one of VW’s mainstream models; this time, the popular Volkswagen Golf hatchback. However, the Touran’s high roofline means that passengers that are over six-foot will be perfectly comfortable sitting in the second row. While there is also a third row, space here is rather tight and boot space is greatly reduced with the sixth and seventh seats in place.
The Touran shares its engine range with its larger sibling, the Touran. Once again, we suggest opting for the economical 2.0-litre diesel with 148bhp. Due to the Touran’s smaller size, this can return over 50mpg. Unlike the Sharan, the Touran is, in fact, still on sale. For best value for money, used buyers should look at the SE Family trim, which has all the standard kit you may need such as sat-nav and rear parking sensors.
See the latest prices for used Volkswagen Touran models on our sister site Buyacar
Just like the 13th century palace in Spain that it's named after, the SEAT Alhambra has all the space that you’ll ever need. However, it differs from many of the SUVs on this list because it’s good to drive. Based on the Volkswagen Sharan, SEAT has tuned the Alhambra’s suspension to make it better to drive than its German counterpart. Plus, being from a ‘less-desirable’ brand, the Alhambra should be less expensive too.
While the SEAT does improve on the Volkswagen behind the wheel, the VW does feel slightly better quality inside. If you do choose to go Spanish over German, however, we recommend looking at the higher-powered 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine. This is available as a manual or with an automatic gearbox. As for trim levels, the entry-level SE spec should be fine as it packs features like aeroplane-style folding tables and tri-zone climate control.
See the latest prices for used SEAT Alhambra models on our sister site Buyacar
If you’re looking for a dependable (and quirky) family workhorse, the Citroen Berlingo is a great choice. Despite being based on the Citroen Berlingo panel van, the interior is surprisingly stylish and high quality. An eight-inch touchscreen now comes as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Berlingo can be optioned with up to 19 different safety features for peace of mind.
Be aware that while it doesn’t feel like a van on the inside, it does still drive like one. Wind noise can be a bit of an issue and the range of low-powered engines does mean that you’ll be revving them quite high to get the rather large Berlingo moving. Here, we suggest going for the larger 1.5-litre diesel with 128bhp. Finally, for the eco-conscious, there’s also the option of the electrified e-Berlingo with its maximum range of 174 miles.
See the latest prices for used Citroen Berlingo models on our sister site Buyacar
The Ford Galaxy has been around for years as one of the top choices for family buyers and minicab drivers alike. All three rows of the Galaxy are suitable for adult passengers and while the Galaxy is relatively good to drive, this doesn’t affect ride comfort.
Entry-level Zetec models have all the standard equipment you could need, including Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus comfort features like climate control. Top-spec Titanium models get sat-nav, cruise control and lane-keeping assistance butwe would rather save some money by going with the Zetec. We recommend the powerful 187bhp 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine as this will still offer plenty of punch when the Galaxy is fully loaded.
See the latest prices for used Ford Galaxy models on our sister site Buyacar
If you’re only planning to put children in the back seats, the smaller Ford S-Max may be the right option for you. Sharing its platform with the Ford Galaxy and the Ford Mondeo, the Ford S-Max is surprisingly sporty for an MPV and can act as a practical compromise for any keen driver with a large family. Plus, the rear two rows of seats can be easily folded down if you ever need to transport large items.
The S-Max has the same range of engines as the Ford Galaxy and while the 187bhp diesel engine is tempting, we recommend saving some money with the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel. This still offers decent performance thanks to the S-Max’s smaller size and can return a frugal 47.1mpg. Unless you can get a good deal, steer clear of expensive range-topping Vignale models and go for either Titanium or Titanium Sport trim, as they still have plenty of kit.
See the latest prices for used Ford S-Max models on our sister site Buyacar
If sheer space is all that matters to you, look no further than the Volkswagen Caravelle. While old-school Volkswagen vans are now expensive for their iconic appeal, the Caravelle demands a premium for its high-quality and versatile interior. The rear rows of seats can swivel into different positions and a sliding centre console can be used as a table.
When on the used market, look for models in the Executive trim. These come with electronic sliding doors as well as a plusher interior and features like sat-nav and heated front seats. Another option to look out for is the rear-view camera as this can be really handy with a vehicle of this size. As for engines, we recommend opting for the higher-powered 2.0-litre BiTDI diesel engine with 201bhp. This does 0-62mph in around 10 seconds and doesn’t affect fuel economy too much.
See the latest prices for used Volkswagen Caravelle models on our sister site Buyacar
The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer offers an upmarket experience in a family-friendly package. The Gran Tourer’s interior feels suitably classy and well built, while the steering feels as sharp as a BMW should. All models come with BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system, which is slick and easy to use with the control wheel on the centre console.
The Gran Tourer’s engine lineup is strong but we recommend the 2.0-litre diesel found in the 218d model. This offers a good balance of speed and economy, plus it’s relatively refined and quiet for a diesel. Luxury trim models come with sumptuous leather and model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, making it our pick of the range. Steer clear of sporty M-Sport models though as the suspension is too firm for a car of this class.
See the latest prices for used BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer models on our sister site Buyacar
Renault founded the classic Eurovan with the Espace, and its larger sibling, the Grand Scenic, is just as stylish and even more practical. The interior is spacious and packed with features like aeroplane-style tray tables and window blinds. Top-trim Signature models also get an 8.7-inch tablet-style central touchscreen, similar to that found in a first-generation Tesla Model S.
We don’t recommend opting for a car with one of the petrol powertrains as these are very expensive to run in such a big car. Instead we would choose the slightly more expensive Blue dCi diesel, as its 118bhp should be fine for everyday driving around town. Plus, it can also return a fuel economy figure of up to 57.7mpg.
Looking to treat yourself to something brand new? Check out our list of the top 10 seven-seaters
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