7 seater with flat floor
Discussion
Hello all. I'm looking for a 7-seater car, but have unusual requirements.
I would like the second row of seats removable, which would leave a flat floor once the seats are removed. I've been looking at pictures and reviews but don't seem to find anything.
I came across VW Caravelle/California with floor rails and possibility to remove middle chairs leaving the bench at the back, thus freeing flat floor space in the middle. This would suit my needs perfectly except it is a van. And I've been wondering is there a car that could do similar (even if its a big car!)
I would like the second row of seats removable, which would leave a flat floor once the seats are removed. I've been looking at pictures and reviews but don't seem to find anything.
I came across VW Caravelle/California with floor rails and possibility to remove middle chairs leaving the bench at the back, thus freeing flat floor space in the middle. This would suit my needs perfectly except it is a van. And I've been wondering is there a car that could do similar (even if its a big car!)
Hyundai i800? You even get an extra seat for free as it's an eight seater.
It is also effectively a van, but just low enough to get through height restriction barriers into car parks etc. They go a little bit better than most vans too, with a 2.5 diesel engine dragging it along reasonably well.
Why is removing the third row of seats so important? Most of the current crop of 7 seaters (Alhambra, Galaxy, Zafira etc) rear seats fold down to form a totally flat floor so not really that different to removing them anyway.
It is also effectively a van, but just low enough to get through height restriction barriers into car parks etc. They go a little bit better than most vans too, with a 2.5 diesel engine dragging it along reasonably well.
Why is removing the third row of seats so important? Most of the current crop of 7 seaters (Alhambra, Galaxy, Zafira etc) rear seats fold down to form a totally flat floor so not really that different to removing them anyway.
Many thanks all for your suggestions and sorry for ridiculously late reply!)
The reason I'm looking for this configuration is to accommodate our two dogs (their crates) right behind the front seats, and still have the third row of seats available should a friend need a lift or similar.
I'm considering fold flat seats its just that they won't be used at all so permanently folded, and to make it easier to keep the car clean (dogs again) and less overall weight it would be great if I could take them out.
The problem is that this would be my daily car including commuting that is why I'd like to avoid anything too big or van-ish. I think as an alternative I will also look at 5 seaters (no option to transport a friend but dogs come first
The reason I'm looking for this configuration is to accommodate our two dogs (their crates) right behind the front seats, and still have the third row of seats available should a friend need a lift or similar.
I'm considering fold flat seats its just that they won't be used at all so permanently folded, and to make it easier to keep the car clean (dogs again) and less overall weight it would be great if I could take them out.
The problem is that this would be my daily car including commuting that is why I'd like to avoid anything too big or van-ish. I think as an alternative I will also look at 5 seaters (no option to transport a friend but dogs come first
The only one I can think of is the old Renault Espace, which has been mentioned above. All the passenger seats come out completely leaving a van like space. Warning: they are bloody heavy!
Espace hasn't been sold here for some years so it will need to be a used one...mind you, they are lovely cars.
Espace hasn't been sold here for some years so it will need to be a used one...mind you, they are lovely cars.
alorotom said:
Herbs said:
Q7 will do this
Indeed it will ... would be a nightmare to get someone into the 3rd row though with dog crates occupying that 2nd row space 
Thanks for your suggestions guys, I think I'm nearing the solution.
Possibly a Caddy SWB panel van should do the trick, if I can custom specify it (or OEM fit after purchase if second hand?) to have Life carpet and soundproofing at the back, and floor prepped and 2-seat small rearmost removable bench added.
This way there will be a flat floor of the van right up to the front seats, but hopefully comfort and appearance of the car inside and out...?
Possibly a Caddy SWB panel van should do the trick, if I can custom specify it (or OEM fit after purchase if second hand?) to have Life carpet and soundproofing at the back, and floor prepped and 2-seat small rearmost removable bench added.
This way there will be a flat floor of the van right up to the front seats, but hopefully comfort and appearance of the car inside and out...?
This is exactly the thread i'm after !!
I know the Sharan/Galaxy/Seat one can all have the seats removed to leave a completely flat floor.
I'm not putting dog cages in it but want a camper car. If the tent blows down or i'm too p*ssed to put the tent up I could kip in the back of it.
What Espace is that as some pictures I saw it didn't look like the floor was flat like that ?
The Voyagers all seemed to have huge engines and early ones not great reviews.
Does the Zafari have a flat floor ?
My budget is a well used 2K car !!
I know the Sharan/Galaxy/Seat one can all have the seats removed to leave a completely flat floor.
I'm not putting dog cages in it but want a camper car. If the tent blows down or i'm too p*ssed to put the tent up I could kip in the back of it.
What Espace is that as some pictures I saw it didn't look like the floor was flat like that ?
The Voyagers all seemed to have huge engines and early ones not great reviews.
Does the Zafari have a flat floor ?
My budget is a well used 2K car !!
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