Market Watch: Old-School Family Cars That Still Have Plenty Of Life Left

We’ve seen plenty of tech-laden MPVs from China these days that make back seats feel like business class. Big screens, lounge seats, everything seems to be powered - shiok right?

But there are also family haulers from familiar brands that take a more traditional approach. No IMAX screen required; just give the family space, comfort and somewhere to put all those barang barang.

Factor in the Singapore context, where COE makes every car purchase a lengthy calculator exercise, buying used now makes plenty of sense!

We’ve dug through the listings and found these three seven-seaters that might have slipped under the radar.

2021 Kia Sorento Diesel: The long distance champion

The 2021 Sorento is probably the easiest recommendation if you’re leaning towards something modern. Under the bonnet sits a 2.2-litre diesel making around 198 hp and 440 Nm, paired with a DCT.

You also get a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a 360-degree camera, powered tailgate, wireless charging and smartphone connectivity.

The catch? 132,000 km isn't exactly low mileage, while diesel and dual clutch transmission ownership deserve proper inspection.

Still, if you like to embark on road trips, this is arguably the most capable package here.

2016 Toyota Estima: The family favourite

Despite the Toyota badge, the Estima is the wildcard among this trio. It’s older, thirstier and nowhere as tech-heavy as today’s MPVs; but this thing is designed around families.

This 2016 example has 130,000 km and is asking S$156k with a fresh 10-year COE.

The 2.4-litre NA engine won't set your heart on fire, but that is not the star of the show. The cabin, with captain’s chairs, powered sliding doors, electric tailgate and a second row entertainment screen make this feel more like a family lounge than a SUV with a makeshift third row.

The dashboard may look ancient beside a new Chinese MPV, but when you’ve got two kids, two grandparents and two mountain bikes strapped with all your barang barang, screen sizes are secondary!

2022 Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer: The quirky value play

Then there’s the Citroen - sure, French cars aren’t exactly top of the used car pecking order, but they do make some seriously good MPVs.

The Grand C4 SpaceTourer is like that slightly atas European uncle who turns up to a BBQ with something nobody else brought - you get the drift!

Its 1.2-litre turbocharged motor makes 128 hp and 230 Nm - that’s sufficient shove for a family car. You get leather seats, keyless entry and a powered tailgate.

More importantly, it does the MPV basics properly: Plenty of passenger space. That’s clever packaging for a car that doesn’t look massive from the outside. So who said quirky French cars can’t go big on practicality?

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