In order for a large family or company to travel somewhere, a standard crossover will not be enough. And if the bus seems too big, then renting a minivan is the perfect choice.
A minivan is a one-volume vehicle that belongs to passenger cars and has a class C. In terms of dimensions, it occupies an intermediate place between cargo-and-passenger vehicles and minibuses.
Differences between a minivan and other car classes
Minivans are related to several large vehicles. And if you choose which car to rent for a family, then you will be determined between these options.
Many do not know how to choose between a minivan and a crossover. Both cars are large, roomy, with increased clearance and a spacious interior. But the decisive difference between them is that in the minivan you can transform the cabin and adjust the seats and cargo space depending on the number of passengers. Such tricks do not work with a crossover.
Also, a minivan is often confused with a minibus, considering that it is one and the same transport. But this opinion is wrong. If you do not know which option to choose, in fact everything is simple: in a minivan there are up to 9 seats, and in a minibus - up to 16. Accordingly, to drive the first car there will be enough category B rights, and for the second one already needs category D. For family trips first would be preferable. The increased capacity of the minibus is more relevant in business and transportation.
You should also pay attention to the differences between a minivan and a station wagon. The main difference is in the body and size of the cars. The minivan is much larger and more spacious (the station wagon is designed for a maximum of 5 seats), and it also has a cabover wagon body layout with a short rear overhang, in contrast to the bonnet layout and a long overhang of the station wagon.
Vans belong to a completely different class of cars and are not suitable for family trips. Their platform is identical to the platform of trucks, respectively, and other areas of application.
The fuel consumption of minivans is no different from the average for cars in the same price category. This is, as a rule, 10 liters for highways and 14 for the city.
Number of seats
This is one of the most important parameters for choosing a minivan both among other types of cars and among the model range. There are 7 separate seats in the minivan as standard. If you see 9 seats in the technical specifications, this means that it will be possible to unfold the fourth row of small-format seats in the trunk, that is, it is more suitable for children - it may be inconvenient for an adult to sit there. This puts it in the family car category.
Also available are five-seat minivan models, in which space for additional seats is given to the luggage compartment. Thus, you can choose the percentage of passenger seats and luggage. So, if you have a family of 4-5 people, then such a model will be enough, if more or are going to give a lift to friends and large companies, then choose more passenger seats.
Trunk size
Minivans do not have a specific typology of division into subclasses, so the volume of the trunk must be considered for each model separately.
To understand which minivan is better to choose in terms of spaciousness, you need to decide how much cargo you are going to carry. So, if you are planning a move or want to take bulky items like bicycles or strollers, then choose 9-seater models. They usually have a trunk volume with rear seats up to 1,500 liters.
Due to the height and length, as well as the large sliding door, it is convenient to carry passengers and place luggage in such a car.
Other characteristics to consider
If the family has small children, then it is necessary to provide for a comfortable placement of car seats. Do not forget about safety: it is advisable that the minivan be equipped with side airbags in the back row. It should also be possible to deactivate the airbags where the child car seats are located.
Most popular minivans for rent
At NarsCars you can rent a minivan for any convenient period.
The top 3 minivan models that are most often rented on our website include:
- Mercedes Vito - it is distinguished by increased safety, a strong body and the presence of several important protective functions: anti-brake, anti-towing and anti-lock. Luggage straps available.
- Mercedes Viano is a car with an improved gearbox and light, smooth suspension, very easy to drive.
- Volkswagen T6 - in this line, a clear advantage is given by a torquey engine, a comfortable interior and reliable technical components. It should be borne in mind that the model has a stiff suspension and a rather noisy interior.
NarsCars offers a large selection of cars for rent all over Ukraine on favorable terms. Contact us for advice - and we will help you find the perfect minivan for a family trip or travel. You will have enough space for everyone, and there will still be enough space for all the important things and even your best friends - animals.
