Family ferries: best vans for the fam

Today, the world celebrates the International Day of Families, a global observation that aims to further appreciate the importance of our households. 

On that note, we take a look at some of the most notable vans that will make a good fit for many fams. 

Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer

From the number one automobile brand in the country comes one of the most iconic vans loved by many Filipino families — the Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer.

The said nameplate is beloved by many motorists thanks to its capable powertrain and ability to seat up to 14 occupants, which makes it an ideal choice for people in extended households. 

Powering the Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer is a 2,755-cubic-centimeter (cc) diesel mill mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The said setup makes the following figures: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower [hp>)	160
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	420

 

That said, owners can be sure that their rides have the powertrain setup to propel a laden van for both short and long journeys. 

In addition, the Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer has an elegant, yet simple and easy-to-clean interior that will not exactly require owners to book sessions with their local detailers. Below are the cabin amenities offered by the said model: 

• Urethane steering wheel 
• Urethane dashboard 
• Plastic door trims 
• Fabric with vinyl-upholstered seats 
• Dual, manual air conditioning system

The Toyota Hiace Commuter is priced at P2.527 million. 

Nissan Urvan 

Another top choice for families looking for a large ride is the Nissan Urvan. 

While the Nissan Urvan’s Standard variant also offers a generous space and a capable powertrain, this trim has more focus on driver and passenger safety as the model gets the brand’s Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of safety technologies, which includes the following: 

• High beam assist 
• Automatic headlamps 

Further, it has the below standard safety features: 

• Seatbelts with supplemental restraint technology 
• Anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution
• Brake assist 
• Vehicle dynamic control 
• High-mount stop lamp 

Underpinning the vehicle is a torsion bar with a stabilizer at the fore and a rigid axle with a leaf spring at the rear. Halts and deceleration are handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the back. 

For those wondering, propulsion for the Nissan Urvan’s Standard grade comes from a smaller 2.5-liter diesel engine with a five-speed manual gearbox. Here are its performance figures: 

Maximum power output (in hp)	127
Maximum torque (in Nm)	356

 

The Nissan Urvan Standard is priced at P1.56 million. 

Hyundai Staria 

Families who want a modern van can look to the Hyundai Staria for an answer. 

The 11-seater city cruiser boasts refined appointments inside and out, making it an ideal pick for those with upmarket motoring needs. 

Outside, the Hyundai Staria Commuter gets halogen headlamps, bulb-type daytime running lights, bulb-type position lamps, and bulb-type rear combination lights. 

The aforementioned illumination system complements the van’s black and silver front grille and the body-colored handles on its manual sliding doors, as well as its 17-inch steel wheels. At the back, it gets a rear spoiler with a high-mount stop lamp, for good measure. 

Once inside, passengers can indulge with its mono LCD unit with four speakers, soft fabric seats, and manual temperature control air conditioning system. 

Giving the futuristic-looking Hyundai Staria Commuter power is a 2.2-liter diesel powerplant coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. 

Here are its power figures: 

Maximum power output (in hp)	174
Maximum torque (in Nm)	430

 

Car buyers looking to drive home the Hyundai Staria Commuter can expect to be set back by P1.85 million. 

Foton Transvan 

Foton is also a brand that has supplied the Filipino motorists with some notable vans, specifically the Transvan nameplate that has appealed to those who are after a budget-friendly vehicle that can accommodate their large families’ motoring requirements. 

The Foton Transvan E is an entry-level model that can seat up to 15 occupants. 

It gets somewhat basic features that are enough to satisfy the daily driving needs of most extended families, such as the following: 

• Front, rear  air conditioning 
• Touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity 
• Reverse camera 
• Remote central locking 

Driving the Foton Transvan E is a 2,000-cc diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission. In unison, the powertrain system makes the following numbers: 

Maximum power output (in hp)	135
Maximum torque (in Nm)	330

 

Supporting the van is a double wishbone independent suspension at the front and a small leaf spring independent suspension at the rear. The brakes at the fore are made up of reliable discs while stopping power from the back comes from drum brakes. 

The affordable Foton Transvan E is listed on our website for P1.29 million. 

Mercedes-Benz V-Class 

From the other end of the spectrum is the Mercedes-Benz V-Class luxury van. 

Sold in a sole V 220 d Avantgarde Extra Long variant, the said vehicle can only seat up to seven, but the trade-off is a relatively spacious cabin with a handful of opulent amenities. First of the notable ones is the pair of relaxation seats. 

Further, it ups the cabin atmosphere with plush leather upholstery. 

Occupants can enjoy music like never before with its Burmester surround sound system blasted from the Mercedes-Benz V-Class V 220 d Avantgarde Extra Long’s 10.25-inch infotainment unit. 

The elegant family van is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system. 

Here is how much power it makes: 

Maximum power output (in hp)	160
Maximum torque (in Nm)	380

 

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class V 220 d Avantgarde Extra Long van has a sticker price of P5.99 million. 

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