Dispelling the myth of the boring family MPV
07 Dec 2020Viewed : 12,978 times
DISPELLING THE MYTH OF THE BORING FAMILY MPV
Text | Desmond Chan
Photos | Low Fai Ming
Photos | Low Fai Ming
7 DECEMBER 2020
In the past, family focused MPVs have gained a poor reputation for being boring and unexciting. Nowadays, that's hardly the case.
In this day and age of SUVs, it's easy to forget that less than 10 years ago, MPVs were all the rage, at least among buyers who needed a vehicle that was highly practical and functional, serving the needs of a family.
Over the years, though, MPVs have gained something of a bad reputation. With their traditionally boxy design, hardy interiors and generally unexciting personality, MPVs tend to be thought of as somewhat 'boring'.
However, that's not quite true anymore.
In this day and age of SUVs, it's easy to forget that less than 10 years ago, MPVs were all the rage, at least among buyers who needed a vehicle that was highly practical and functional, serving the needs of a family.
Over the years, though, MPVs have gained something of a bad reputation. With their traditionally boxy design, hardy interiors and generally unexciting personality, MPVs tend to be thought of as somewhat 'boring'.
However, that's not quite true anymore.
1. Sporty design
These days, automotive design is definitely much more interesting and expressive than before. Even for MPVs, you nowadays find more sporty exterior designs that draw from hatchbacks and SUVs. The sleeker designs have generallty moved away from the boxy designs of the past.
Additionally, chic detailing is also available, such as the new R-Line package available on the Volkswagen Touran. The bespoke R-Line body kit, 18-inch Marseille alloy wheels and black radiator grille creates a look that definitely echoes the Volkswagen Golf.
These days, automotive design is definitely much more interesting and expressive than before. Even for MPVs, you nowadays find more sporty exterior designs that draw from hatchbacks and SUVs. The sleeker designs have generallty moved away from the boxy designs of the past.
Additionally, chic detailing is also available, such as the new R-Line package available on the Volkswagen Touran. The bespoke R-Line body kit, 18-inch Marseille alloy wheels and black radiator grille creates a look that definitely echoes the Volkswagen Golf.
2. Family friendly
Of course, all MPVs have to be family friendly. MPVs standout out for their overall functionality and adaptability to all situations, with seven seats for passengers, a large, configurable cabin with plenty of space, as well as a certain level of ruggedness to make the car 'kid-proof'.
The Touran has plenty of family friendly features. The cabin can fit seven, or can be maximised for storage by folding both rear rows of seats down to create 1,857 litres of cargo space. The easy open tailgate function also allows handsfree access to the boot.
The Touran also features foldable tables with an integrated cupholders on the backrest of the front seats, rear air-con controls, as well as individually adjustable second row seats, with a total travel of 200mm.
Of course, all MPVs have to be family friendly. MPVs standout out for their overall functionality and adaptability to all situations, with seven seats for passengers, a large, configurable cabin with plenty of space, as well as a certain level of ruggedness to make the car 'kid-proof'.
The Touran has plenty of family friendly features. The cabin can fit seven, or can be maximised for storage by folding both rear rows of seats down to create 1,857 litres of cargo space. The easy open tailgate function also allows handsfree access to the boot.
The Touran also features foldable tables with an integrated cupholders on the backrest of the front seats, rear air-con controls, as well as individually adjustable second row seats, with a total travel of 200mm.
3. Safety first
Safety is also paramount. As you'd expect from a modern car, any MPV today will come packed with safety features. In the Touran, you will find Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.
In addition, you will find an integrated child seat in the Touran R-Line. The outer seats have a seat cushion that folds upwards, which reveals a non-slip step for the child's feet. Fold-out side bolsters and side head restraints also provide additional side support for the child. As a result, you don't have to spend additional money on a slew of kid-friendly accessories for your car (and add to the clutter) - safety comes built in!
Safety is also paramount. As you'd expect from a modern car, any MPV today will come packed with safety features. In the Touran, you will find Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.
In addition, you will find an integrated child seat in the Touran R-Line. The outer seats have a seat cushion that folds upwards, which reveals a non-slip step for the child's feet. Fold-out side bolsters and side head restraints also provide additional side support for the child. As a result, you don't have to spend additional money on a slew of kid-friendly accessories for your car (and add to the clutter) - safety comes built in!
As the new Volkswagen Touran R-Line proves, MPVs don't have to be dull, people carriers. Loaded with modern amenities and equipment, sporting a fresh and sharp design, while still delivering ample the practicality and functionality, the Touran easily dispels the myth that all MPVs are boring.
In the past, family focused MPVs have gained a poor reputation for being boring and unexciting. Nowadays, that's hardly the case.
In this day and age of SUVs, it's easy to forget that less than 10 years ago, MPVs were all the rage, at least among buyers who needed a vehicle that was highly practical and functional, serving the needs of a family.
Over the years, though, MPVs have gained something of a bad reputation. With their traditionally boxy design, hardy interiors and generally unexciting personality, MPVs tend to be thought of as somewhat 'boring'.
However, that's not quite true anymore.
In this day and age of SUVs, it's easy to forget that less than 10 years ago, MPVs were all the rage, at least among buyers who needed a vehicle that was highly practical and functional, serving the needs of a family.
Over the years, though, MPVs have gained something of a bad reputation. With their traditionally boxy design, hardy interiors and generally unexciting personality, MPVs tend to be thought of as somewhat 'boring'.
However, that's not quite true anymore.
1. Sporty design
These days, automotive design is definitely much more interesting and expressive than before. Even for MPVs, you nowadays find more sporty exterior designs that draw from hatchbacks and SUVs. The sleeker designs have generallty moved away from the boxy designs of the past.
Additionally, chic detailing is also available, such as the new R-Line package available on the Volkswagen Touran. The bespoke R-Line body kit, 18-inch Marseille alloy wheels and black radiator grille creates a look that definitely echoes the Volkswagen Golf.
These days, automotive design is definitely much more interesting and expressive than before. Even for MPVs, you nowadays find more sporty exterior designs that draw from hatchbacks and SUVs. The sleeker designs have generallty moved away from the boxy designs of the past.
Additionally, chic detailing is also available, such as the new R-Line package available on the Volkswagen Touran. The bespoke R-Line body kit, 18-inch Marseille alloy wheels and black radiator grille creates a look that definitely echoes the Volkswagen Golf.
2. Family friendly
Of course, all MPVs have to be family friendly. MPVs standout out for their overall functionality and adaptability to all situations, with seven seats for passengers, a large, configurable cabin with plenty of space, as well as a certain level of ruggedness to make the car 'kid-proof'.
The Touran has plenty of family friendly features. The cabin can fit seven, or can be maximised for storage by folding both rear rows of seats down to create 1,857 litres of cargo space. The easy open tailgate function also allows handsfree access to the boot.
The Touran also features foldable tables with an integrated cupholders on the backrest of the front seats, rear air-con controls, as well as individually adjustable second row seats, with a total travel of 200mm.
Of course, all MPVs have to be family friendly. MPVs standout out for their overall functionality and adaptability to all situations, with seven seats for passengers, a large, configurable cabin with plenty of space, as well as a certain level of ruggedness to make the car 'kid-proof'.
The Touran has plenty of family friendly features. The cabin can fit seven, or can be maximised for storage by folding both rear rows of seats down to create 1,857 litres of cargo space. The easy open tailgate function also allows handsfree access to the boot.
The Touran also features foldable tables with an integrated cupholders on the backrest of the front seats, rear air-con controls, as well as individually adjustable second row seats, with a total travel of 200mm.
3. Safety first
Safety is also paramount. As you'd expect from a modern car, any MPV today will come packed with safety features. In the Touran, you will find Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.
In addition, you will find an integrated child seat in the Touran R-Line. The outer seats have a seat cushion that folds upwards, which reveals a non-slip step for the child's feet. Fold-out side bolsters and side head restraints also provide additional side support for the child. As a result, you don't have to spend additional money on a slew of kid-friendly accessories for your car (and add to the clutter) - safety comes built in!
Safety is also paramount. As you'd expect from a modern car, any MPV today will come packed with safety features. In the Touran, you will find Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.
In addition, you will find an integrated child seat in the Touran R-Line. The outer seats have a seat cushion that folds upwards, which reveals a non-slip step for the child's feet. Fold-out side bolsters and side head restraints also provide additional side support for the child. As a result, you don't have to spend additional money on a slew of kid-friendly accessories for your car (and add to the clutter) - safety comes built in!
As the new Volkswagen Touran R-Line proves, MPVs don't have to be dull, people carriers. Loaded with modern amenities and equipment, sporting a fresh and sharp design, while still delivering ample the practicality and functionality, the Touran easily dispels the myth that all MPVs are boring.
