Finding a vehicle that can accommodate your extended families with ample space for their belongings can be a challenge. Here are three seven-seaters of various size and configurations that can easily fit the bill.
HONDA FREED
Smart-looking, compact on the road, and spacious inside, the Honda Freed is now available by official distributors Kah Motor Co. Sdn. Bhd. in Singapore. The latest Freed comes in two petrol variants – S7 and E7, with modern styling and flexible seat configurations.
A stable and everyday ride made available with a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC® In-line 4- cylinder engine, producing 131ps and 155Nm of torque with fuel economy of up to 17km/L. The advantage of a compact MPV like the Honda Freed is the tight turning circle. The car has a turning radius of just 5.2m, enabling it to be highly manoeuvrable in city traffic.
The Honda Freed comes with premium features like LED active cornering headlights, rear LED tail lights, smart keyless entry, dual power sliding doors (on E7 model) and 15-inch alloy wheels. Seat configurations in the three rows are ample to meet drivers’ every need. If you need more storage space at the back, simply fold up the third row to enable stowing large items like bicycles and small furniture. Remote power sliding doors and push-button start and stop means you never need to fumble around with keys anymore, providing easier accessibility for your family.
Inside, Honda has thought of everything to enable drivers and passengers to enjoy their rides. Door-lining shade keep harmful UV rays at bay, while ergonomically located cup holders and a centre tray provide convenience when eating or drinking on the run. The low-floor platform further makes it easy to get in and out of the cabin for passengers.
Safety and driveability are assured with features like Anti-lock Braking System and Hill Start Assist. The car also comes with Vehicle Stability Assist that regulates engine output and selectively applies brakes to maintain traction on slippery roads. The system also helps bring the car back on track when it detects that it’s deviating from its correct path.
Built in Japan, the Honda Freed is available in eight colours: Fjord Mist (pearl), Platinum White (pearl), Crystal Black (pearl), Twilight Mist Black (pearl), Premium Crystal Red (metallic), Premium Crystal Blue (metallic), Silver Mist Green (metallic) and Platinum Grey (metallic).
PRICE
$167,399 (S7); $169,399 (E7)
ENGINE
1498CC DOHC I-VTEC WATER-COOLED, IN-LINE FOUR CYLINDER PETROL
TRANSMISSION
CVT
POWER
131PS @ 6600RPM
TORQUE
155NM @ 4600RPM
0-100KM/H
11.9 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
KAH MOTORS CO. SDN. BHD.
T 6840 6888
NISSAN SERENA-POWER
The Nissan Serena e-POWER is powered by the latest, second-generation e-POWER technology that provides the drive of an electric vehicle without the need for charging. The car comes in the seven-seater Serena e-POWER Highway Star Prestige, or in an eight-seater option. The specially developed 1.4-litre petrol engine is mated with a fast-charging battery to enhance overall drive efficiency, achieving an impressive 20.4km/litre (WLTP). Furthermore, the new Serena e-POWER sees an increase of 20 per cent more maximum power compared to its predecessor, reaching 120kW.
Fans of the Nissan Serena design will appreciate the minimalist “Timeless Japanese Futurism” features. Highlights of Nissan’s distinctive DNA include the signature V-motion front grille with the integrated dynamic LED headlights and horizontal chrome bars.
Comfort is key in the Nissan Serena e-POWER and the car has innovative features that focus on driver and passengers’ well-being. Large windows let light through, creating a sense of openness inside. The innovative zero gravity-inspired seats are engineered for optimal posture, ensuring comfort on even the longest journeys. Strategically placed seatbelt buckles further enhance comfort by reducing pressure on the abdomen, providing both comfort and safety for all passengers.
The tri-zone automatic climate control features a plasmacluster ioniser that purifies the cabin air and combats lingering odours, ensuring a fresh-smelling environment throughout every drive. The innovative Smart Noise Management technology adjusts the engine based on cabin ambient noise levels, minimising recharging when the environment is quieter to create a tranquil experience for passengers.
Driveability and functionality are the main focus in the Serena e-POWER. Twin hands-free auto-sliding doors simplify entering and exiting the vehicle, making it especially convenient for families with children. The seven unique seat configurations allow for additional passengers, enhanced comfort, or the possibility of creating more cargo space. The dual tailgate opening, a popular feature in the Serena e-POWER, simplifies access to the rear cargo area by allowing owners to open only half the tailgate to access smaller cargo.
Smart safety technologies in the car include Lane Departure Warning with Intelligent Lane Intervention to help drivers stay in their lanes; Intelligent Cruise Control that maintains distance from the vehicle ahead; Blind Spot Warning with Intelligent Lane Intervention that provides steering assistance to avoid collisions; and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Intelligent Rear View Mirror gives a clear view of the area behind the vehicle even when the rear window is obstructed by alternating between the rear camera and standard rear-view mirror.
The NissanConnect infotainment system features a large 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. Passengers can choose from a front or an array of Type C ports located at the second and third rows to keep their devices charged.
The all-new Nissan Serena e-POWER comes with a 10-year lithium-ion battery warranty and five-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty.
PRICE
$212,800 WITH COE
ENGINE
1433CC THREE-CYLINDER, IN-LINE DOHC WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
TRANSMISSION
CVT
POWER
163PS
TORQUE
315NM
0-100KM/H
12 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
TAN CHONG MOTOR SALES
T 6466 7711
KIA EV9
We admit we’re stretching it a little here by including the Kia EV9 in this spread. The truth is that while the car presents itself as a “six-seater”, its stature lends itself towards being a prime people mover in the most luxurious sense.
The bold design and extensive convenience features and spaciousness makes the Kia EV9 an ideal car for roominess and comfort. Kia professes that the EV9 “promises not just a mode of transport but a new mobility experience”. When you consider the numerous innovative features, and the power and feel on the road, you will be hard-pressed to disagree.
First of all, this car is huge. At a touch over three metres, it has to be one of the largest cars on the road (slightly shorter than the BMW XM). The aesthetics are also head-turning, with the signature “Digital Tiger Face” putting forward a front profile with minimal openings and clean surfaces. The car is the first Kia model to embrace the brand’s Design Sustainability Strategy that incorporates “10 must-have” aspects of sustainability construction.
Flexible configurations allow passengers to choose between relaxation seats or swivel seats depending on preference and needs. The swivel seats in the second row can be turned to face the door, thus enabling those with mobility issues to get in and out of the vehicle easily. These swivel seats can also be turned 180-degrees to face the third row, perfect for conversing or playing games on long drives.
The EV9’s dual motor, all-wheel drive system produces a maximum of 380hp and 700Nm of torque, and can get from 0 to 100km/h in a scant six seconds. The underfloor battery also helps place a low centre of gravity, enabling good control and road-holding. It has a range of over 500km on a single charge, and the 800V charging capability is comparable to top-tier models in the market.
Safety is never an issue with the Kia EV9 as the car has more bells and whistles in this category as any other on the road. The Digital Side Mirror is a unique innovation that uses an ultra-sleek exterior camera mounted on each front door to provide clearer and wider views of the surroundings even when it’s raining heavily. The 20 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems available further assures confidence on the road, and includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistance 2, consisting of Auto Evasive Steering Assist, Junction Crossing, Junction Turning, and more.
Parking is made to be a breeze with Kia’s Remove Smart Parking Assist 2. The EV9 recognises parking lines and can autonomously execute parking manoeuvres including parallel, perpendicular and even slant parking spaces. The system allows drivers to park remotely from outside the cars using buttons on the smart key, meaning that you can move the car into a tight lot without needing to squeeze your way out of the vehicle.
PRICE
$395,001 WITH COE
ENGINE
PERMANENT MAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR
TRANSMISSION
SINGLE-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER
380BHP
TORQUE
600NM
0-100KM/H
6 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
CYCLE & CARRIAGE KIA PTE LTD
T 6866 1666
