Renault Triber to Range Rover, there’s a 7-seater for every budget

Clockwise from top left is the Renault Triber, Mahindra Scorpio-N, Suzuki Ertiga and Volvo XC90. Picture: Supplied As families grow, so do their requirements in terms of car size. And when five seats just won’t cut it anymore, there is a variety of seven-seaters on offer as an alternative to a van.

These range from budget-conscious entry-level models to full-scale luxury SUVs that all share one key feature: seating capacity. After doing some window shopping across local virtual showroom floors,The Citizen Motoringhas selected six seven-seaters across a wide budget range. Starting at R218 999, the Renault Triber is the most affordable seven-seater in the new car market.

Recently facelifted, the compact MPV has received significant safety improvements. It now comes standard with six airbags, ABS with EBD, a tyre pressure monitoring system and seatbelt reminders for both front and rear passengers. With all seven seats up, the Renault Triber features a modest boot space of 84 litres.

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This goes up to 625 litres with the third row folded flat. As expected at this price, power comes from a modest 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 52kW of power and 92Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a choice of five-speed manual or automated manual transmission.

The Ertiga has been a runaway sales success for Suzuki. Starting at R304 900, it offers space, comfort, efficiency and reliability. The 153 litres of luggage space available behind the third row goes up to 550 litres with the third row folded down. Its trusty 77kW/138Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto box.

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