Compact van

One of the first compact vans :
Nissan Prairie (1982)

A compact van is an open-plan car with smaller dimensions than the passenger car previously known in the German-speaking area under the English name Van .

features

The main features of this vehicle class are a raised seating position combined with a vehicle height of 150 cm to 170 cm and the changeability (variability) of the passenger compartment. In most cases, the second row of seats consists of three individual seats that can be folded up, tilted and completely removed and then release a load space that corresponds to that of a delivery truck (“van”). The single seats have the disadvantage compared to the classic bench seat that the seating position is predetermined, the outer seats are moved closer to the window front and leave little elbow room there, while the middle seat is narrower and more uncomfortable. Therefore, on most models, you can remove the middle seat and move the outer seats inwards and anchor them there. For the same reason, the concept of the Fiat Multipla and Honda FR-V with three seats in the first row and three in the second was not very successful. With the backrest folded down, the middle seat can also be used as a storage space or a gaming table, and in some vehicle models the seats in the first row can be rotated 180 degrees so that you can sit opposite each other during breaks, like in a train compartment.

variants

Seven-seater based on a compact class vehicle

The vehicle lengths reach up to 4.60 meters and offer space for a third row of seats, which can be converted into a large luggage compartment by expanding, folding or sinking it. Models in which the third row can be lowered into the vehicle are trendy, because removing the seats, which can weigh up to 22 kg, is usually tedious and a storage location has to be found outside the vehicle. The sixth and seventh seats are only suitable for short journeys for adults.

Current models

Five-seater

They correspond to compact or mid-range cars with a raised seating position, but a maximum of five seats and additional luggage space.