Test drive four famous models: Kings of space
The BMW 218i Grand Tourer, Ford Grand C-Max 1.5 Ecoboost, Opel Zafira Tourer 1.4 Turbo and VW Touran 1.4 TSI also have seven-seat variants.
When it comes to practical cars, public opinion lately tends to point to an SUV model, but vans still carry the title "station wagon". You forgot? They are the kings of internal transformations and the owners of the cargo area. And really optimal shopping for families with children. Especially vans like the BMW 218i Gran Tourer, Ford Grand C-Max 1.5 Ecoboost, Opel Zafira Tourer 1.4 Turbo and VW Touran 1.4 TSI, which are also available in seven-seater versions.
VW Touran with great comfort and great dynamics
How was the fate of the successful? They either love them or hate them. Probably no other van attracts as much attention from the mumblers on the German online forums as the bestseller from Wolfsburg. And almost always criticize his simple appearance. In the last second generation, it hasn't changed much - for very practical reasons. The corner design provides not only the best view, but also the most extensive interior space.
The designers have increased the wheelbase of the second generation to the level of the new Passat - with all the comfort for passengers in the rear seats; nowhere else in the compared models can they move so smoothly. This fully applies to the third person in the second row.
There, the three individual seats can be moved separately by about 20 centimeters in the longitudinal direction. For the first time, the two outer rear seats can be heated at an additional cost, and with three-zone automatic air conditioning, passengers can regulate their own temperature. From the Comfortline level and up, the front right seat backrest folds forward as standard; then the van becomes a means of transporting goods up to 2,70 meters long. In the seven-seat configuration, the luggage volume is 137, in the five-seat configuration - 743, and with the backrests folded up to 1980 liters - a record among the tested models.
If you need maximum cargo space, you can unlatch the trunk lid and store it under the floor. In addition, the lamp in the trunk can be removed and used as a flashlight. Numerous niches and boxes, additional boxes under the front seats, a net for small items at the feet of the passenger to the driver and pockets in the upper part of the front seat backs - VW has thought of everything.
However, the biggest difference from the competition is in driving – it features conscientious comfort, which is unrivaled in the class of minibuses. Additional adaptive shock absorbers absorb bumps without a trace; often the only thing heard is the noise of rolling wheels.
So the chassis is isolated from the body? It's my pleasure. In road dynamics tests, the Touran travels faster between the pylons, its precise steering gives a reasonably authentic feel, and its functions operate as if by default.
Predictably, VW does not allow for weaknesses in the safety section, in terms of support systems, it is only ahead of the BMW model, but the Touran reports the shortest stopping distance at 130 km / h (with hot brakes).
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer with Weaknesses in Comfort
BMW and van? Undoubtedly, this is the 2nd series Gran Tourer. With it, BMW takes its first steps into completely unfamiliar terrain - front-wheel drive, up to seven seats, a silhouette with a high roof. The keeper of the Holy Grail of dynamic driving needs a lot of courage to enter this not particularly image-friendly area.
The BMW model is the only one in the comparison test with a three-cylinder engine that could please only lovers of rough working noise. Unlike its counterpart on the Mini platform, with a 136 hp engine. The Gran Tourer feels lightly motorized - although it has the best acceleration figures in tests and is also the most fuel efficient.
Those who then expected that the BMW van would be eagerly thrown between the pylons on the track to test the dynamics were disappointed. Unlike its younger sibling, the Active Tourer, the van leans sharply, its reactions look imprecise, and it performs weaker-than-average times on both lane changes. In the settings, the designers have relied on stiffness, which we thought was tested a long time ago - unlike the versions in previous tests, now the machine is not equipped with adjustable shock absorbers and is set too tight. The body and passengers are never left alone - neither in the city, nor on a regular road, nor on the highway. This can annoy you even on short distances and reduces suspension ratings significantly. We strongly advise potential buyers to put a cross on shock absorbers with a comfortable mode, offered for an additional fee.
Interior furnishings raises no objections. In the "three", for example, BMW demonstrates excessive ambition to save. In the case of the Gran Tourer, this is not the case: plain plastic can only be found at the bottom of the trim, the dashboard is adorned (at an additional cost) with a metal bezel, and the trunk is premium trim.
Compared to the smaller Active Tourer, the wheelbase has been extended by eleven centimeters. Thus, in the back row, two passengers have enough legroom, but a possible third between them sits as if punished - the middle seat is too narrow and practically unusable for adult passengers.
The engineers have put a lot of effort not only into simple ergonomics, but also on the roller blind for the trunk. Removing it is usually annoying and annoying, but with the Gran Tourer it is very easy to remove and occupies the space reserved for it under the double luggage compartment floor. At the back there is a large tub for small items.
Luggage rings and hooks for bags and shopping bags complement the situation in the cargo sector. Only in this comparison test is the rear seat backrest remote release device used; with its help, they are folded from the trunk, divided into three parts. However, unlike Opel and VW, the lower parts can slide back and forth in a two-to-one ratio.
Ford Grand C-Max with refreshing road performance but weak seats
The Grand C-Max demonstrates a more robust dynamic presence in the van class. Its chassis is built from start to finish in the spirit of Ford. Let's remember: Wasn't the Focus the model that brought dynamics to the compact class without relying solely on stiffer suspension? It's the same with the bathroom. Like BMW, it uses conventional shock absorbers, but they are well tuned. The latest technical revision introduced damping valves with faster response.
Ford definitely should have taken this opportunity to improve the build quality. Parts of the dashboard look like temporarily assembled, scratch-sensitive plastic in the trunk, and styrofoam in the box underneath does not give the impression of being stable. I don't want to test my strength by shopping at a building materials store.
But back to the chassis. The base setting is tight, but only allows cockpit impacts under full load and prevents nasty lateral lean in corners. The C-Max steering wheel is a pleasure to drive directly, it's refreshingly nimble on secondary roads, but on motorways it offers suspension comfort that makes long transitions bearable. Apparently some understand the dynamics.
Thanks to the sliding rear doors - the only one in this comparison test - access to the second row is especially easy. But then you quickly notice that the Ford model is made to order; First of all, middle row passengers feel it.
Unfortunately, the rear seats are not very comfortable for long distances, which, as is the case with BMW, is especially true for the middle seat. Whoever sits there must first attach a wide hook with a carabiner to be able to use the middle belt. This is as difficult as the fact that in order to get a flat cargo floor, you need to install the firm felt that comes with your car after folding the backrest.
The outer rear seats cannot be removed, as in the Opel bath, they only move longitudinally. If you do not need the middle seat, which can only be used in an emergency, it can be folded under the right outer seat, and then a kind of cargo passage is formed - for example, for long sports equipment. Or to access the third line. But these extra chairs can only be recommended if the Grand C-Max is used as a taxi to kindergarten. Otherwise, you can easily save on them for a surcharge of 760 euros and order a five-seater option.
Opel Zafira Tourer for pragmatists
Zafira is participating in the test with the so-called Lounge seating system, that is, with three comfortable separate seats that can be transformed into two chairs, plus a central armrest. It does require a lot of effort, but it gives you more freedom of movement - and no one else offers such tricks.
Between the front seats is a multifunctional chest of drawers. Even in the third row (if ordered) there are niches for small things plus coasters. In such a pragmatic car, you can't help but forgive the simple types of materials and displays, as well as the many buttons on the center console and the complex function control logic.
What about driving? Here Opel shows that high payloads do not necessarily lead to van-like behavior. Indeed, the Zafira cannot be denied some sluggishness, but the van can be quite energetic around corners and, despite its tall body, remains easy to drive and offers the second most comfortable suspension after the Touran. However, in direct comparison with the denser Ford Zafira, the impression of less attractive behavior remains. And in road dynamics tests, it stands out for its tendency to shift lanes when ESP is activated; as a result, points are deducted for road safety.
Here the Zafira cannot inspire you with the relaxed ease of the VW bath. This is largely due to its four-cylinder engine, whose turbocharger does not seem to be able to expand its power, because when accelerating, the Zafira rushes forward, somehow sweeps away. Absolute dynamic performance is actually enough, but in order to ride on par with the Touran and C-Max, you have to crank up the revs diligently and put in the effort to shift more energetically with the high speed gear lever.
VW Touran is at the forefront of the mid-term review
In terms of quality, VW tops the rating by a significant margin; it guarantees a semi-position with a huge boot, best-in-class suspension comfort, a smooth and powerful engine, and easy and efficient handling on the road. It is followed by BMW, which, when scoring, at least partially compensates for the shortcomings in driving comfort with a huge arsenal of additional safety offerings, support systems and multimedia equipment, as well as low cost.
Ford and Opel follow at a respectful distance - both models have large gaps in support systems. In addition, the Grand C-Max loses points due to its quality impression and negatively stands out for its highest fuel consumption, while the Zafira Tourer lags behind due to a sluggish four-cylinder engine with a bleak gearbox and slightly clunky road behavior.
VW Touran - the most expensive, but still wins
The only of the four models, the Touran, participates in a dual-clutch transmission (DSG). It costs € 1950, which is reflected minus three points in the base price estimate, as the VW van is the most expensive in the test. The comfort advantage was also appreciated by three-point car and sports complexes, comparable to models with manual gear shifting. The Touran loses another point because it often starts with a slight twitch (mainly after "falling asleep" due to the start-stop system).
Our test Touran came in an expensive Highline version, but it is even better equipped than the Ford Grand C-Max with the top Titanium. Like a BMW bathtub, it will have to pay extra for it, for example, roof rails, heated front seats and parking assistance.
However, in the Advantage line, the BMW model has automatic air conditioning and cruise control. What does he lack? “Things like a folding driver's seat, a CD player with radio, heated seats, roof rails and heated wipers.
In calculating the costs, Opel initially made a good impression with its cheap consumables. For the Zafira Edition, it is best to order a package that consists of automatic air conditioning, heated seats and park assist, as well as a rain sensor and luggage compartment organizer to achieve the same equipment level as VW.
The fact that the Touran loses points in the cost section due to expensive DSG does not detract from its clear superiority. It's the best compact van in the world, and its adaptive dampers are the new standard in the class. It is followed by the BMW model, which allows more significant shortcomings only in the comfort of the suspension.
Grand C-Max retained its third place in the final, leaving a good impression with its dynamic behavior. At close range it is followed by the Zafira Tourer, still an extremely practical but not shiny van.
CONCLUSION
1.VW Touran 1.4TSI444 points
In terms of cost, the Touran has no competition. He wants to ask why he is winning?
2. BMW 218i Gran Tourer420 points
Suspension comfort is disappointing. If we ignore this, we will see a practical and spacious debut in the van class with an impressive armada of support systems.
3. Ford Grand C-Max 1.5 Ecoboost.402 points
The chassis is better than BMW. The dynamically shaped body requires less interior space. Practical sliding doors.
4. Opel Zafira Tourer 1.4 Turbo394 points
The heavy Zafira fails in nothing, but does not shine with anything. The bike is quite greedy, but it feels weak. Very slightly behind the Ford model.
Text: Markus Peters
Photo: Arturo Rivas
