Converting the type ‘combi’ in vehicles for family use is a good way to resurrect a segment that was about to disappear.
Twenty years ago, the cars in fashion in Spain were minivans of all sizes (large, compact and small) thanks to their versatility, comfort, elevated driving position, good visibility and the large interior space they provided. Now this segment has been ‘devoured’ by SUVs or SUVs, which in addition to all the advantages of a minivan have a more powerful design, which mimics that of SUVs, and offer 4×4 traction.
However, there are brands that resist the disappearance of minivans and have found a way to revive a segment that has given them much joy in the past. The formula is none other than to transform the traditional van into a large minivan, and for this they are launching passenger versions of some commercial vehicles.
This is the case, for example, of the Fiat Doblò and Citroën Berlingo, which also debut electric versions, called e-Doblò and ë-Berlingo, with a power of 136 CV and a range of 280 km. Both are manufactured at the plant that Stellantis has in Vigo and share a platform with the Opel Combo-e and the Peugeot e-Rifter, which have also been converted into minivans or passenger vans.
Other brands, such as Hyundai or Volkswagen, have chosen to launch completely new models. The Korean company has just presented the Staria, a minivan with a futuristic design that is available in 7 and 9-seater configurations with a 2.2-liter diesel engine and 177 hp. In addition, the premium-trim 7-seater version is also offered with four-wheel drive, making it a good alternative to SUVs.
At over 5 meters long, two meters wide and two meters high, the Hyundai Staria offers plenty of interior space. And it’s available from €52,990, making it €6,000 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, another example of a passenger van converted into a minivan. Other rivals of the Staria are the Volkswagen Multivan and the Ford Tourneo Custom.
The case of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is different, since it was created as a 100% electric vehicle inspired by the legendary T1 or Bulli, the van made famous by hippies in the 1960s.
The German brand allows you to choose between two passenger versions (with five seats) and one cargo version, always with a short body (4.71 meters), 204 hp and a range of up to 418 km. Prices start, in the most modest passenger version, from 61,480 euros. An amount to which the up to 9,000 euros that can be obtained thanks to the aid of the Moves III Plan should be deducted.
The Iveco Daily Camper is another example of how to turn a van (in this case, a van) into a vehicle for the whole family. The Italian brand of commercial vehicles, trucks and buses has just presented an improved edition of the Daily Camper. With a total length of 6 meters and an external height of 2.45 m, the Iveco camper van offers an internal height of 1.9 meters (which allows you to stand up without hitting the roof) and a capacity of 12 cubic meters , although it is also approved with an interior height of 2.1 meters and a volume of 18 cubic meters.
The Daily Camper has nothing to envy of a motorhome and is equipped with two removable double beds, toilet, shower tray, kitchen, sink, 90-litre fridge, awning and solar panels. It is powered by a 2.3-litre diesel engine that develops 156 hp and a maximum torque of 380 Nm. In addition, it is smaller and more manageable than a motorhome. And it costs less than 50,000 euros.
