Although driving enthusiasts consider them boring, MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) are probably the most practical automobiles motorists can buy. Designed to accommodate entire families and their shopping, these so-called “boxes on wheels” are what many couples plan to buy soon after they have children. In fact, people ferrying is such an important segment to carmakers that almost every marque – with the exception of the exotic brands – makes MPVs.
Every manufacturer, of course, follows a different formula when it comes to creating people-movers. The second-generation Toyota Wish, for instance, stays true to its roots as an “extended” estate rather than an outright MPV. Key to the Wish’s enduring appeal is its reputation for reliability and being easy to drive – the latter is especially appealing to typical single-car households here with more than one driver.
Offering a more traditional take (with a sporty twist) on the MPV idea is the Volkswagen Touran. This mature MPV might look boxy, but it boasts a surprisingly zippy powertrain that has won over a fair number of drivers. The Touran, however, will have to display its practical worth if it is to prove itself in this shootout.
Also keen on demonstrating the effectiveness of its ways is the all-new Chevrolet Orlando. Looking more like an SUV (sports utility vehicle) than an MPV, this just-launched contender aims to impress with its generous dimensions, modern features and bold styling.
Which of these MPVs will prove the most effective in its role as a people-mover? Read on to find out.
If the winning criteria in this shootout were limited to easy handling and driveability, the Wish would undoubtedly have emerged ahead. This MPV’s friendly manners make it easy to manoeuvre in the confines of our concrete jungle, but its limited space essentially hinders it from being utilised as a load-hauler, which is a task that MPVs (as their name suggests) must be equally adept at performing. That said, the Wish would nevertheless be a good choice for families in need of more room without the added exterior bulk.
Buyers who want a certain degree of road presence might consider the Chevrolet Orlando. Its bold approach to this segment, with regards to design and modern equipment, is truly refreshing. The only component it really lacks is, again, a convincing powertrain. Had the Orlando’s performance been on a par with the Wish’s, this Chevy could have been the one to beat.
It is the Volkswagen Touran’s people-moving method, then, that ultimately trumps its rivals. It may not be as well-equipped as the Orlando, nor as easygoing as the Wish, but its hugely practical cabin, sporty drive and attractive pricing (nearly $16k less than the Wish at press time) are the elements that have combined to create this vehicle’s winning formula.
SPECIFICATIONS
Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1796cc
BORE X STROKE 80.5mm x 88.2mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 141bhp at 6200rpm
MAX TORQUE 176Nm at 3800rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 87bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 11.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 183km/h
CONSUMPTION 13.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Torsion beam,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Falken Ziex ZE912
SIZE 225/50 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 4
TRACTION AIDS ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4652mm
WIDTH 1836mm
HEIGHT 1633mm
WHEELBASE 2760mm
KERB WEIGHT 1621kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.3m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $146,999 incl. COE
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Easy to fold seats, great infotainment system, sporty cockpit
– Somewhat placid drive, low headroom, rear visibility could be better
SPECIFICATIONS
Toyota Wish 1.8 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1798cc
BORE X STROKE 80.5mm x 88.3mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 144bhp at 6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 176Nm at 4400rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 105.9bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT
with 7-speed override
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 11 seconds
TOP SPEED 180km/h
CONSUMPTION 14.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Torsion beam,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
TYPE Goodyear
Excellence
SIZE 195/65 R15
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4590mm
WIDTH 1695mm
HEIGHT 1590mm
WHEELBASE 2750mm
KERB WEIGHT 1360kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $149,988 incl. COE
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ User-friendly controls, linear motor, smooth gearbox
– Lack of storage points, no cruise control, some ergonomics issues
SPECIFICATIONS
Volkswagen Touran 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves,
Twincharged
CAPACITY 1390cc
BORE X STROKE 77mm x 85.44mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 140bhp at 5600rpm
MAX TORQUE 220Nm at
1250-4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 96.5bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 202km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental
PremiumContact
SIZE 205/55 R16
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4397mm
WIDTH 1794mm
HEIGHT 1674mm
WHEELBASE 2678mm
KERB WEIGHT 1450kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $133,800
WARRANTY 5 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Dynamic performance, great build quality, voluminous luggage capacity
– Compact third row, complicated folding seats, air-con could be colder
