Kia Carnival (from R869 995)
The Kia Carnival is one of my favourite people movers of all time and we recently road-tripped to Montagu and Franschhoek in the 8-seater Carnival 2.2 CRDI EX+ model with another couple. This is the car to get if you like to live the 5-star life. Read our review of this stellar MPV here.
Hyundai Palisade (from R999 900)
The American-looking Palisade was released in 2021 and enjoyed a thorough facelift in 2023. It's the only off-roader in this line-up if you like to visit interesting or hard-to-reach places. It's available as an 8-seater or a 7-seater. Read my 2023 Hyundai Palisade 2.2D 4WD Elite Road-Trip Review here.
Buying used? Read our 2021 Palisade launch report here.
You can also read our 2021 review of the 7-seater Hyundai Palisade here.
Ford Tourneo Custom (from R706 000)
Ford brings us value as well as comfort with the Tourneo Custom, with pricing starting at R706 000 for the 2.2TDCi LWB Ambiente, which seats eight. Pictured is our test model, the 2.0SiT SWB Limited 6AT priced at R764 400 at the time this article was first published - it now retails for R843 900. Read my review on this model, here.
Volkswagen Transporter (from R713 700)
You may not be able to afford a Caravelle, but the Transporter or Transporter Kombi is the next best thing. A frugal engine and refined drivetrain, retro-modern styling and plenty of space are bound to put a smile on your face.
The cheapest in the line-up is the VW Transporter 2.0TDI 82kW crew bus LWB at R713 700. We drove one of the more upmarket models in the range: you can read my review of the VW Transporter 2.0TDI 110kW Kombi SWB Trendline here.
Hyundai Staria (from R780 900)
One of the most futuristic vehicles on our roads is without a doubt the new Hyundai Staria, which replaced the H-1 bus. I had the pleasure of taking the 5-seater Multicab to Jeffrey's Bay for a week-long family holiday - read my review here.
All Staria models are powered by a smooth, quiet running 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 130 kW and 430 Nm torque. This power is sent to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox that in its own right is silky smooth. While this is a familiar powerplant, Hyundai has improved the response and reduced vibrations by fitting a new variable geometry turbocharger with electronic controls and employing double ball bearing bearings. - Chad Lückhoff
The 'normal' Staria seats 9 or 11. You can read more about it here.
