Seven upmarket MPV picks for leisurely touring

For many South African families holiday season means long-distance hauling. Loading up everything and the family pet for a sojourn in a location far, far away from the habitat of the daily hustle. Maybe your tired but faithful crossover or sport-utility vehicle is not up to the task and a bigger steed is on the agenda.

Take a look at these seven multi-purpose vehicle picks, with ample seating for the whole gang. We've singled out the high-grade versions of these respective ranges, replete with the creature comforts to support self-care and soft living. All are diesel, with automatic gearboxes.

Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0 SiT SWB Limited

A new Tourneo is imminent in 2024, which possibly represents a good opportunity to haggle with your local Ford shop on the current model. The underrated eight-seater blue oval bus has proved its worth since being introduced in 2013, kept fresh by various revisions throughout its life-cycle. It's priced competitively too, as the least expensive on this list. From: R843,900

Opel Zafira Life 2.0 TD Elegance

Abroad, the Zafira Life has various badge-engineered doppelgangers: the Peugeot Traveller, Toyota ProAce and Citroën Space Tourer. This passenger-friendly version of the Opel Vivaro commercial vehicle represents a pleasant, left-field option. One of the highlights of the Elegance is a panoramic roof extending from the second row, bound to delight occupants. From: R964,900

Kia Carnival 2.2 CRDi SXL

Kia positions its Carnival as a more spacious, luxurious alternative as an executive sedan for the same money. Note that it has a lower, wider stance than the conventional, bus-type models sharing this list. This affords it a more car-like feel than its counterparts. The cabin is undeniably upmarket and well suited to touring. Compelling choice, though the hearse stigma might be hard for some to live with. From: R1,121,995

Toyota Quantum 2.8 LWB VX Premium

The best seats in the business? Just look at the sumptuous captain chairs in the second and third rows of the Quantum VX, resembling the business-class cabin of an Emirates aircraft. Aside from the obvious interior appointments, the nine-seater VX is also stylistically different to its namesake, which is better known for its role as the public transport mainstay in our country. From: R1,187,000

Hyundai Staria 2.2D Luxury

There is no mistaking this for anything else on the road, but it might fit in among crafts from outer space. Suitably-titled, the Staria resembles a creation one envisages scooting around the constellations. Hugely spacious, of course, but a lesser-punted drawcard is how well it drives: a rigid body, well-sorted chassis and generous insulation gives the Hyundai bus a sophisticated feel unmatched by rivals. Yes, including the three-pointed star model. From: R1,232,900

Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion

South Africans from virtually all generations have some affinity with the Volkswagen Transporter and its people-orientated Caravelle derivative. Whether your association is one of a David Kramer wearing "vellies" or K.O and Kid X fusing Kwaito and rap on Caracara - the German brand's bus remains coveted. Four-wheel drive gives it an edge in this competition if you plan on dirt-roading. From: R1,464,800

Mercedes-Benz V300 Special Edition

Social media offers interesting depictions of the average V-Class owner. The V300 Special Edition may not come with a Fieldbar cooler and supply of Veuve Clicquot as standard (to enjoy only when you arrive at your destination), but it does boast other amenities. This includes 19-inch AMG wheels, an AMG roof box, a 15-speaker Burmester audio system and cupholders with heating and cooling functionality. From: R2,303,001