The best family cars: Chinese minivans, passenger minibuses

машины семейного типа. There are various family-type machines. First of all, they include minivans and minibuses. There are many such models on the market, and choosing among them the best is not easy. лишь некоторые произвольно выбранные семейные машины. In this article, only some randomly selected family machines are considered. учтены рейтинги различных сайтов, организаций и изданий , а также отзывы пользователей. To make objectivity take into account the ratings of various sites, organizations and publications , as well as user feedback.

Classification

к семейны м автомобил ям обычно относят те, что имеют кузов микроавтобус, универсал, минивэн. First of all, it should be noted that family cars are usually referred to as a minibus, estate, minivan. быть у любо го из них. Seven places can be in any of them. и планировке салона . Differences are in the proportions of the body and the layout of the cabin .

The station wagon is the most squat among the above options. Most of these cars are built on the basis of sedans and differ from them only in the rear. имеют индивидуальные кузова, которые выше универсалов. Minivans, although they can be built on the basis of passenger models, have individual bodies that are higher than universals. отличаются более вертикальн ой посадк ой . In addition, they differ more than a vertical landing . обычно просторнее, особенно по высоте. Due to this, their salons are usually more spacious, especially in height. обычно не создают на базе легковых автомобилей. Passenger minibuses usually do not create on the basis of cars. ни больше и вместительнее минивэнов. Basically, no more and more roomy minivans. для таких моделей . 7-8 seats is the minimum number for such models . Therefore, they are rarely used as family cars.

It should be noted that 7-seat versions are available for many full-size and even some mid-sized SUV. Such cars have a body type wagon, and the configuration of their salons corresponds to it, so these cars are also considered family.

минивэны подразделяют на компактные, среднеразмерные и полноразмерные. The size of the minivans is divided into compact, medium-sized and full-size. габаритам с компактными городскими моделями. Machines of the first type are similar in size to compact city models. они имеют 5 мест. Usually they have 5 seats. This, for example, Nissan Note, Opel Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso. автомобили могут быть 5- либо 7-местными (Mazda 5, Renault Scenic, Opel Zafira и т. д.), а полноразмерные имеют от 7-8 мест (Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Estima, Volkswagen Transporter и т. д.). Medium-sized cars can be 5- or 7-seater (Mazda 5, Renault Scenic, Opel Zafira, etc.), and full -size cars have 7-8 seats (Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Estima, Volkswagen Transporter, etc.). This article discusses some of the latest machine types.

прочие машины, классифицир уют на бюджетные, среднего класса и дорогие. At the cost of a minivan, like other cars, the classification of coziness for budget, middle class and expensive. The cheapest options on the local market are Chinese manufacturers in the absence of such models from Russian firms. The only car of this type is Lada Largus, which is a station wagon, but it has a 7-seat modification. And then it is only a local version of Dacia Logan MCV. "GAZ Sable" and "UAZ 2206" are minibuses and are rarely purchased as family cars.

Clear boundary between minivans of middle class and expensive models is difficult to determine. The first can include most compact cars of various origins, as well as some medium- and full-sized ones. The most expensive award-winning minivans, especially those focused on corporate use.

можно подразделить на семейные и представительские. By appointment, these cars can be divided into family and representative. The first have functional, spacious, comfortable interiors. They can be very well finished and provide an extensive list of equipment, but the main parameter of the salons of such cars is usually the functionality. This type includes most minivans of various sizes (Opel Meriva, Mazda 5, Hyundai Grand Starex, etc.).

Representative models significantly exceed them in quality of finish, equipment and comfort. Such minivans are distinguished by the fact that their salons for decoration and equipment are close to business class cars and may even surpass some of them. In addition, they usually have a more advanced technical base than family versions: more efficient power units, more advanced transmission, more sophisticated chassis. This, for example, Toyota Alphard, Mercedes Benz V-class, etc.

Toyota Alphard

о японская модель, производимая с 2002 г. Сейчас на рынке царит третье поколение (с 2015 г.) . It's about the Japanese model, produced since 2002. Now the third generation (in 2015) reigns on the market . Alphard в качестве автомобиля высшего класса, поэтому он доступен далеко не всем как минивэн для семьи. The manufacturer positions the Alphard as a top class car, so it is not available to everyone as a minivan for the family.

тремя двигателями: 2AR-FXE , 2AR-FE и 2GR-FE. It is equipped with three engines: 2AR-FXE , 2AR-FE and 2GR-FE. The first is a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine with a capacity of 152 liters. With., The twisting moment of 206 Nanometers. возросли до 182 л. The second engine has the same design, but other settings, thanks to which power and torque indicators have increased to 182 liters. from. And 235 Nm. производительный 3,5 л мотор V6 имеет мощность 280 л. The most productive 3.5 liter V6 engine has a capacity of 280 liters. from. And a torque of 344 Nm.

V6 – 6-ступенчатой АКПП. 4-cylinder versions are equipped with a stepless variator, and cars with V6 - 6-speed automatic transmission. вариантов , кроме простейше го , предлагается на выбор передний либо полный привод. For all options , except for the simplest , you can choose between front or all-wheel drive. ая версия может быть только полноприводн ой . The least powerful version can only be all-wheel drive . такой трансмиссии является значительным преимуществом для модели, которая позиционируется как семейная машина для дальних поездок. The presence of such a transmission is a significant advantage for the model, which is positioned as a family car for long trips.

ередняя подвеска типа McPherson, задняя двухрычажная. Front suspension type McPherson, rear double-link.

lphard отличается роскошным 7-местным интерьером, отделанным высококачественными материалами. A lphard features a luxurious 7-seater interior, finished with high-quality materials. имеет множество электронных систем. It has many electronic systems. минивэн для семьи сопоставим с седанами бизнес-класса и люксовыми внедорожниками, поэтому его используют не только как семейный, но и в качестве представительского. By design, equipment and comfort, this minivan for the family is comparable with business class sedans and luxury SUVs, so it is used not only as a family, but also as a representative.

тоимость на местном рынке начинается почти от 3, 3 млн рублей, а в Японии — от 39,5 тыс. $. With the cost in the local market starts from almost 3, 3 million rubles, and in Japan - from 39,5 thousand dollars.

оценкам владельцев на сайт е Drom.ru, Toyota Alphard – лучший минивэн. According to the owners on the site e Drom.ru, Toyota Alphard - the best minivan. They gave him 9 points. перечне rating-avto.ru он занял 5-е место. In the list of rating-avto.ru he took the 5th place.

Honda Odyssey

В 2013 г. вышло 5-е поколение. This Japanese car is produced since 1995. In 2013, the fifth generation came out.

оснащают двумя двигател я м и: LFA и K24W. Odyssey is equipped with two engines m and LFA and K24W. Both of them are 4-cylinder. The first volume of 2 liters develops 145 liters. from. And 175 Nm. The second has a volume of 2.4 liters and is found in three settings. Depending on them, it has power and torque ratings of 175 liters. With., 225 Nanometers, 185 hp. With., 235 Nanometers, 190 liter. With., 237 Nm.

л мотор оснащают АКПП, а 2,4 л версии — вариатором. 2 l engine equipped with automatic transmission, and 2,4 l version - with a variator. я — переднеприводная, а некоторые варианты с 2,4 л двигателем оснащают полным приводом. The least powerful version of I - front - wheel drive, and some versions with a 2.4 liter engine equipped with a full drive.

McPherson, задняя — неразрезанная балка (для переднеприводных версий), либо типа De-Dion (для полноприводных) . Front suspension type McPherson, rear - uncut beam (for front-drive versions), or type De-Dion (for all-wheel drive) .

Odyssey не так роскошен, как у Alphard, но весьма современен и соответствует аналогам. The Odyssey interior is not as luxurious as the Alphard, but it is very modern and corresponds to analogues. тому же он 8-местный. In addition, he is 8-seater.

$. The cost in the Japanese market is about $ 31 thousand .

US News Honda Odyssey занимает второе место. In the rating of minivans of the US News site Honda Odyssey takes the second place. edmunds.com рекомендуют его как лучший минивэн. The site edmunds.com recommend it as the best minivan. autobytel.com присвоил Odyssey 5-е место в рейтинге самых дорогих минивэнов, 6-е место среди новых, 4-е в перечне машин с наибольшим пробегом на одном баке топлива, 9-е среди маломощных. The online resource autobytel.com awarded Odyssey the 5th place in the rating of the most expensive minivans, the 6th among the new ones, the 4th in the list of cars with the largest mileage on one fuel tank, the 9th among low-power ones. данный автомобиль (8,4 балла на сайте Drom.ru ). Owners also highly appreciate this car (8.4 points on the site Drom.ru ). Odyssey получил очень высокую оценку безопасности от организации EuroNCAP. In addition, Odyssey received a very high safety rating from the EuroNCAP organization .

Chrysler Pacifica

отя и д о этого фирма выпускала подобные модели. This large family car started a new story this year, although it produced similar models. такое название носили некоторые другие американские семейные машины. However, this name was worn by some other American family cars. первые его использовали для прототипа люксового минивэна в 1999 г. С 2004 по 2008 гг. In the first it was used for the prototype of a luxury minivan in 1999. From 2004 to 2008 , называли среднеразмерный кроссовер. Pacifica called the mid-size crossover. Chrysler Town & Country, который выпускали с 1982 г. The new model is a large family car, which is a descendant of Chrysler Town & Country, which was produced since 1982.

Two power units are available for the machine. V6 развивает 287 л. Petrol 3,6 l V6 develops 287 liters. from. 355 Нм крутящего момента. Power and 355 Nm of torque. In addition to it, a hybrid version is available, including the same deforated up to 248 liters. from. V6 электромотор и 16 кВт аккумулятор. And 312 Nm V6 electric motor and a 16 kW battery.

оснащают 9-ступенчатой АКПП. Pacifica is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions are available.

McPherson, задняя многорычажная. Front suspension McPherson, rear multi-link.

The salon can be 7- or 8-seater. There is an extensive list of both standard and optional equipment.

$. The cost in the US starts from $ 28.6 thousand .

Despite the fact that this car has just appeared on sale, he managed to get good marks. US News присвоил ему первое место среди минивэнов. So, US News gave him the first place among minivans. autobytel назыв ает Pacifica 6-й среди высокомощных машин, 10-й в рейтинге самых дорогих, 3-й среди самых экономичных. The site autobytel calls Pacifica the 6th among high-powered cars, the 10th in the rating of the most expensive, the third among the most economical.

Kia Carnival

С 2014 г. на рынке третье поколение. Korean minivan, produced since 1999. Since 2014 the third generation is on the market. Америке и Б ритан ии носит название Sedona. In America and Brythane it is called Sedona.

For the car is available 2 engines. 4-цилиндровый объемом 2,2 л развивает 202 л. Diesel 4-cylinder volume of 2.2 liters develops 202 liters. from. And 441 Nm. производительный 3,3 л V6 имеет мощность 280 л. A more powerful 3.3 liter V6 has a capacity of 280 liters. With., The twisting moment 343 Nanometers.

Both engines are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The drive can also only be forward.

McPherson, сзади — многорычажная. Front mounted suspension type McPherson, rear - multi-link.

The salon is available in 7- and 8-seater variants. уровню семейных автомобилей вроде Chrysler Pacifica. Its finish and equipment correspond to the level of family cars like Chrysler Pacifica.

а американском рынке стоимость Sedona начинается от 26,5 тыс. $. In the American market, the cost of Sedona starts at $ 26,500 .

US News модель занимает 4-е место. In the US News ranking the model takes the 4th place. edmunds.com. It is also recommended for purchase by edmunds.com. autobytel.com присвоил Sedona 7-е место среди новых минивэнов, 8-е среди недорогих, и 5-е место в рейтинге неэкономичных. The site autobytel.com awarded Sedona the 7th place among the new minivans, the 8th among the low-cost, and the 5th in the rating of uneconomical ones.

Volkswagen Multivan

Transporter, выпускаемой с 1950 г. С 201 5 г. в производстве 6-е поколение. This European machine is an improved version of the model Transporter, manufactured since 1950. From 201 5 in the production of the 6th generation.

The car has a wide range of 5 engines. 2 л турбированными моторами: первый развивает 150 л. Petrol versions are represented by two 2 l turbocharged engines: the first develops 150 liters. from. And 280 Nm, the second - 204 liters. from. And 350 Nm. Diesel option three. развивающи м в зависимости от настроек 102 л. They are presented by 2 l four-cylinder turbocharged engine, developing depending on the settings of 102 liters. 140 л. With., 250 Nanometers, 140 liters. With., 340 Nanometers, 180 liters. With., 400 Nm.

второго дизельн ого моторов доступна 6-ступенчатая МКПП. For the simplest gasoline and second diesel engines, a 6-speed manual gearbox is available. The least powerful diesel is equipped with a 5-speed mechanics. The most powerful diesel and gasoline versions are completed with a 7-speed robotic gearbox. All variants are front-wheel drive, but also all-wheel drive is available for them, except for the least powerful petrol and diesel engines.

McPherson, сзади — двухрычажная. Front mounted McPherson suspension , rear - two-lever.

во всех комплектациях в связи с позиционированием модели. 7-seater salon is very well decorated and is richly equipped in all trim levels in connection with the positioning of the model. Transporter. A simpler version is the Transporter.

более 2,5 млн рублей. This explains the high initial cost of the car, which makes up more than 2.5 million rubles in the local market .

2014 г. Multivan был признан лучшим в Европе в категории «семейные автомобили», правда, это была модель прошлого поколения. In 2014 Multivan was recognized as the best in Europe in the category of "family cars", however, it was a model of the last generation.

Chinese models

Above, family machines of manufacturers, known all over the world, were considered. автомобили не могут сравниться с ними по распространенности . Chinese cars can not compare with them in prevalence . прежде всего тем, что многие китайские минивэны и прочие модели доступны лишь на родном рынке либо поставляются в развивающиеся страны. This is due primarily to the fact that many Chinese minivans and other models are only available in their home market or are supplied to developing countries. известных производителей. Moreover, many machines are based on models of well - known manufacturers.

втомобили из Китая в целом и в том числе китайские минивэны привлекательны очень выгодным соотношением цены и оснащения. A car from China as a whole, including Chinese minivans, is attracted by a very favorable price / equipment ratio. оснащены на класс выше. With the cost at the level of budget models, many of them are equipped with a class higher. надежностью и безопасностью. However, often such machines have problems with quality, reliability and safety. In addition to technical perfection, they are usually at the level of cars of the end of the last century. So, many Chinese manufacturers use licensed Japanese engines just those times.

Geely Emgrand EV8

This model of 2010 is distinguished by a very rich 7- or 8-seater saloon. The manufacturer tried to bring it closer to the world's mid-range models like the Honda Odyssey discussed above . The technical base is also quite perfect for a Chinese car. оснащают 4-цилиндровыми двигателями объемом 2 и 2,4 л. Emgrand EV8 is equipped with 4-cylinder engines in volume 2 and 2.4 liters. The first develops power of 140 liters. With., The second - 162 hp. from. They are equipped with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. сзади — неразрезанная балка. The design of the undercarriage is traditional: in front - McPherson, rear - uncut beam. The cost in China starts from 100 thousand yuan.

Chery Cross Eastar

A more traditional budget Chinese model, produced since 2008. In terms of body shape and cabin configuration, it is more like a wagon than a minivan. 7 seats in simply trimmed salon correspond to the level of economy class cars. This model is equipped with a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 136 liters. from. Complete with a 5-speed manual transmission. Drive front. сзади, что необычно для столь бюджетного автомобиля, установлена многорычажная конструкция. The front suspension of the McPherson, rear, which is unusual for such a budget car, has a multi-link design.

Great Wall Cowry

местным салоном. Minivan 2008 with a 7- seat saloon. It is a vivid example of copying design from leading manufacturers. In this case, the basis for both the exterior and interior was taken by Toyota Voxy. For the quality of performance and technical parameters, the model traditionally lags behind the original. оснащают 4-цилиндровыми лицензионными двигателями Mitsubishi. Cowry is equipped with 4-cylinder Mitsubishi engines . 2 l version is presented in two versions of capacity: 105 liters. from. And 143 liters. from. 185 Nm, 2.4 liters develops 163 liters. S., 200 Nm 2 l cars are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, 2.4 l variants - a 4-speed automatic. задняя полунезависимая. Front suspension McPherson, rear semi-independent.

Other Models

Only a few models of minivans have been considered above. Opel Zafira и т. д. In the world market, such cars of this type as Renault Espace, Mercedes Benz V-class, Mazda 5, Toyota Sienna, Opel Zafira , etc., are also very popular.

Place on the market

Minivans and passenger minibuses are very popular in major markets: in Europe, North America and many countries in Asia. востребованы среди таких автомобилей компактные и среднеразмерные модели. In Europe and Japan, compact and medium-sized models are the most in demand among such cars. популярны полноразмерные семейные машины. In the North American market , full-sized family cars are traditionally popular . In developing countries of Asia, most often simple simple models are bought. In the local market, the class of minivans refers to the least demanded. SUV и даже аналогичные по габаритам седаны. Secured consumers use as family cars medium- and full-sized SUV and even similar in size sedans. People with modest financial capabilities get what they need: mostly compact sedans and crossovers. ассажирские микроавтобусы используют в основном в коммерческих целях. Passenger minibuses are used mainly for commercial purposes. The generals are also unpopular. SUV. Thus, traditional family cars for the whole world, such as minivans and station wagons, are not common in the local market, with the exception of SUVs.