MPV Anyone??

[Tom_5073611]

Hi All

Before I start Merry Christmas to all,(Got that one out of the way)

Does anyone tow with a diesel mpv and if so what are you towing and what sort of mpg are you returning solo and towing.

I am looking for an mpv to tow a 1500kg all up van and also double up for pleasure and work vehicle for carrying a few tools around so any ideas guys

Tom

 

[Lol1]

Have heard good reports about the Kia Sedona. Certainly heavy and powerful enough, with good standard spec too. I won't mention the price, you may not believe me.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Tom,

I am sure you will find that many happy caravanners tow with diesel MPV's.

I personally use a Renault Espace Grande, which is without doubt the best tow car I have ever owned. It is a little difficult to quote MPG's as they are specific to my type of usage and not general, but I find it handles a Abbey Stafford with absolute aplomb, and it even copes with a well loaded 2tonne twin axle trailer very well.

The extra weight of an MPV is always welcome in stamping its authority on the outfit, and in many cases the rear overhang is shorter than on equivalent length saloon or estate cars.

I really do not think you will be disappointed. I have heard good reports about the high output diesel from the VAG stable (Volkeswagon/Seat/Ford)

Talk to your dealer and see if you can try before you buy

Good luck

 

[MONKEY1]

When purchased our main tow car just over 2.5 years ago we looked at every make and model, in the end we selected the VW Sharan Carat 1,9 TDI 110 chipped to 140 bhp 270 lb torque. Does 50 + mpg on the Motorway, 35 mpg round town 25-27 when towing. Weighs 1775 kg unladen with full tank and so easily pulls our van safely.

We did look @ the Renault Grand Espace (previous) version but they are quite rare second hand, they are a well built car with a good engine. Kia Sedona is thirstier and the layout isn't so clever as the Sharan/Galaxy type of vehicle. Others the Peugeot 806/Citroen C8, Chrysler Voyager in CDI guise come to mind.

Regards Monkeys Husband

 

[Icemaker]

we have commented loads of times on our tow car, we had a ford galaxy tdi 115 bhp which was a superb car in all respect, we now have a seat alhambra tdi, its just 3month old and is truly superb. the car is the 130 bhp version of the vw tdi engine but i have had the car re- mapped to produce 172 bhp and 294 pound of torque, this is more power than anyone should ever need and the car tows our ace celebration 590 twin axle with absolute ease even fully laden at 1650 kgs. i recently wrote on this forum that i had seen 3 galaxy tdi 130 ghia's for sale brand new at a ford garage in ashton under lyne for only 18000 and only today i have seen a seat alhambra stylance 130 tdi for the same money at lookers seat in stockport. We also looked at the renault espace 2.2 dci but we would have had to wait twelve weeks for delivery so we decided against it. shame really as i like the espace, it does seem to be the norm with renault though as my wife has just ordered the new clio 3 and we have been adviced it will be delivered in january, again a twelve week plus wait.

Nearly forgot, the alhambra in modified state does round about 12% better mpg if driven normally, we are getting 55 mpg solo and round about 35 mpg towing.

 

[Tina3]

Hi Monkey

Of course its each to their own but i decided on the Kia over the galaxy,I think the layout is "better" , sliding doors for kids or as Tom stated tools and equipment is an absolute godsend and with the middle row of seats out gives a HUGE space that is easy to access, Way more competitavely priced also. My van is only 1300kg though so don't notice any "thirst" but I appreciate this would change the heavier the van! All I could say is go to a car supermarket where they are all lined up and you can then compare !!

Good luck !

 

[MONKEY1]

Hi Monkey

Of course its each to their own but i decided on the Kia over the galaxy,I think the layout is "better" , sliding doors for kids or as Tom stated tools and equipment is an absolute godsend and with the middle row of seats out gives a HUGE space that is easy to access, Way more competitavely priced also. My van is only 1300kg though so don't notice any "thirst" but I appreciate this would change the heavier the van! All I could say is go to a car supermarket where they are all lined up and you can then compare !!

Good luck !

Tina,

When we looking the removable seats option wasn't available only a large bench seat type arrangement something Tom might want to bare in mind if he's looking at the second-hand market also the same goes engine wise I've heard good reports of the CRDI engine but it's previous fitment was from another era.

Kindest Regards and safe motoring Monkeys Husband

 

[Tom_5073611]

Hi all

Thanks for your commnets, I was looking to spend around the 6 grand mark so a new one is not an option and also if the centre row of seats are removable then thats a bonus, My main criteria are being able to tow a 1500kg van and diesel so the Seat and Galaxy are now on my shortlist

Thanks again guys