MPV (or even 4x4) with captains' seats in the front row?

[rlat]

Hello,

This is my first post here. I currently drive a 2007 SEAT Alhambra which has swivelling captains' seats in the front row.

I drive it with the back seats out. I love the car because the back seats can be removed entirely and easily, giving a taller loadspace than if they fold into the floor, which makes the car much more suitable for me than the VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy, which it's the same as in most respects. I also like the way that the three seats in the middle row and the two in the back row (which I rarely have in) are individual seats rather than forming a bench.

The third thing I really love about the car is the front captains' seats. I know a lot of people don't find them useful, but I find them fantastic for picnics in the car, and also when I'm on my own and use the car as a second office for writing in, facing some great landscapes, drinking coffee, having lunch and so on - it's just the way I love working.

The car will need replacing soon. I'll be buying a replacement that's 0-2 years old. My question is this: what are my options? I need:

• big loadspace, so second row seats preferably easily removable, but at least easily foldable and gettable out of the way
• lots of footroom in the second row
• high up inside
• preferably 7 seats but this isn't absolutely necessary, so long as there's a similar depth to the loadspace when the second row seats are sat in

...and (indispensable!)

• captains' seats in the front row

I spoke to a Galaxy dealer whose attitude was "what do you want captains' seats for?" and "try contacting a mobility specialist", whereas in fact I don't need mobility seats (which turn through 90 degrees to help people with a disability get out of a car) but captains' seats (which turn 180 degrees to face backwards).

Any ideas?

Are there ANY cars being manufactured nowadays that meet the requirements? If so, what are they? And if not, what are my options with the aftermarket?

Thanks in advance for any help with this.

Robin

[IroningMan]

Our Grand Espace had captain's seats as an option, but that was older than you're looking for. I reckon you're going to be pushed to find much.

[RuthlessGK]

I might be wrong but Chrysler Grand Voyager/Dodge Durango?

[MorganP104]

The Chrysler Voyager has captain's chairs, which is good news.

The less good news is that the Voyager is an awful, awful car. With nice seats.

[austinsmirk]

Any Vw caravelle. If the front seats are not already on a swivel base, they'll convert.

[10b0b]

Quite a few American marques in the MPV/Minivan range come with the seats you want... but.... American marques...

They don't seem common in most European models either, not sure if there is a thing about them and NCAP safety etc (is the mechanism a weak point?)

Have you looked at some of the Japanese vans like the later Nissan Elgrands and Toyota Alphards, they may not have the front seats you desire but are substantially customisable elsewhere.

[RuthlessGK]

I never said the cars were any good lol.
I dont know why i think they have captains seats but it may be an option for the OP.
VW Van would be an option or a Transit Custom. Shouldnt take much to have it converted as someone said.

[ian_c_uk]

Does the Merc Viano still come with middle row that can be turned / fitted facing rearwards?

Front seats stay facing forward, but creates a nice work area (and with seatbelts built into seats, may be the only vehicle that you can travel in facing backwards?)

[r-kid]

You might be best looking at some of the campervan conversion places as you can get the parts to retrofit captains chairs for those.

[Krikkit]

Why not get another Alhambra of the same vintage?

[rlat]

MorganP104 said:

The Chrysler Voyager has captain's chairs, which is good news.

The less good news is that the Voyager is an awful, awful car. With nice seats.

Doesn't it only have captains' seats in the second row?

[Barchettaman]

Should you decide (or be forced) to go down the commercial vehicle route, Kiravans have a wide selection of single seat swivel bases and seem to be a well-thought of company:

http://www.kiravans.co.uk/blog/post/technical-draw...

Best of luck in your search.

[MorganP104]

rlat said:

MorganP104 said:

The Chrysler Voyager has captain's chairs, which is good news.

The less good news is that the Voyager is an awful, awful car. With nice seats.

Doesn't it only have captains' seats in the second row?

If that's the case, you've had a lucky escape... You now do not need to drive a Chrysler Voyager! Congratulations!

[Timbo_S2]

VW Caravelle. All have captains chairs in front, and second row. Third row bench or captains chairs was a no cost option I believe.

Merc Vianos are similar. I've had my caravelle executive for 4 years now, and am about to get another...

[hornetrider]

I believe you can retrofit them to most MPVs nowadays.

[ZX10R NIN]

Nissan Elgrand (you'll have to check as some do & don't have Captains chairs)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-NISSAN-ELGRAND-8-SE...

Older Model:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-Elgrand-Rider-3-5...