Living Large

Which of these ginormous, multi-purpose seven-seater “living rooms” has the best blend of roominess and refinement?

WHEN it comes to ferrying seven people in comfort, no other car can do the job as well as a big seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle. One might say that a sevenseater sports utility vehicle accomplishes the same task, but it’s hard to argue against the greater space and easier access off ered by the large MPVs we’ve gathered here.The Nissan Elgrand might be the oldest car in our story, but it definitely doesn’t look its age. Apart from boasting the most road presence, the Elgrand is also claimed to deliver a keener drive, which could attract family men still in touch with their inner boyracer.

Throwing its hat into this shootout is the Honda Odyssey. Unlike its predecessor, which has conventional doors, this new model comes with the convenience of powered sliding ones. The Odyssey will also be keen to prove that it hasn’t lost its saloon-like dynamics, despite its larger size. The newest contender in this story is the Toyota Vellfire, a model previously only available from parallel importers. Mechanically identical to its Alphard sibling (save for a diff erent exterior design), the Vellfire promises a cushier and even roomier cabin than before. Which of these MPVs does the best job of pampering seven occupants? Continue reading to discover what we think. 

Toyota’s 2.5-litre with 179bhp and 235Nm is the quietest and most muscular engine here.

Nissan’s 2.5-litre with 170bhp and 245Nm feels the most effortless when moving off, as it has the strongest lowend torque.

Honda’s 2.4-litre with 174bhp and 225Nm feels the most eager, yet it’s also the most economical of the trio.

CVT with 7-speed override is the smoothest transmission of the three.

CVT with 6-speed override has the fewest forward “ratios”, but is nonetheless relatively creamy.

CVT with 7-speed override has the most responsive semi-auto control.

COCKPIT: Feels even more upmarket than those of its two rivals, thanks to its classy instrument cluster, electronic parking brake and auto stop-start. SECOND ROW: Captain’s chairs are the most like an airliner’s and have the softest headrests to boot. Unique mood lighting caters to both gloomy and happy moods.

COCKPIT: Suits the keener driver with its supportive front seats and weightier steering feel. Infotainment display is also the most attractive of the group. SECOND ROW: Easily accommodates “prosperous” passengers with big feet, thanks to the broad seatbacks and greater footwell space compared to the Odyssey.

COCKPIT: The most modern cockpit offers the most connectivity and is the only one with a Blind Spot Monitor and touch-operated air-con controls. SECOND ROW: Offers the easiest entry/ exit, while the lower seat height “increases” headroom as well. Seats are the most shiok of the bunch.

THIRD ROW: Provides the most room for three adults, but the gap between the seats could make the middle occupant feel rather awkward.

THIRD ROW: The most practical third row, as the cupholders and storage points are the largest of the group. Centre armrest is the cushiest, too

THIRD ROW Ideal for gadget-toting passengers, as it’s the only one with a 12-volt outlet for charging devices. Access to this rear space is surprisingly easy, too.

LAST WORD

In terms of on-road dynamics, the Honda Odyssey is hard to beat. Thanks to its relatively smaller dimensions, it’s the easiest to drive/ park in built-up areas. And with a motor that’s peppy and effi cient, the Odyssey’s performance is downright delightful, too. If the Odyssey is ideal for city commuting, then the Nissan Elgrand is the one to choose for road trips up north. 

KEYS (From left) The buttons on the Odyssey’s key feel the nicest to press, the Elgrand’s lightweight device slips easily into pockets and bags, while the Vellfire’s fob has the most premium look and feel.

The Elgrand’s wider, more supportive seats and weighty helm make it even better than its two rivals when it comes to longer drives. The Vellfire is like a luxurious mobile lounge, complete with “business class” captain’s chairs and pleasant amenities that include mood lighting. Its drawbacks are its comparatively tall body and equally “tall” price of $214,888, which at press time is $34,088 and $37,889 more expensive than the Elgrand’s and Odyssey’s respectively.