People Mover Reviews

The popularity of large motorhomes escaped us until this week when we actually experienced one first hand.

Kia has now filled its lineup with excellent offerings following the recent introduction of the new Rondo compact seven seat people mover.

When you talk peoplemovers large cumbersome wagons or four-wheel drives automatically spring to mind, but there are heaps of options for families looking to haul a tribe.

Although they’re very popular in Europe compact people movers have never really taken off in Australia where cheaper fuel and less congested streets has seen the majority of buyers needing to transport large passenger loads opt for either full-size seven-seat people movers or SUVs.Now, with the trend towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles seemingly here to stay Kia’s timing in launching the latest version of its Rondo could be just right. After trying to foist the name Urban Recreational Vehicle onto us for the previous (2008) Rondo common sense has prevailed and Kia is calling the MY2014 version a compact people mover.DESIGNIt’s a more stylish vehicle then previously, with a swept-back roofline tapering to a small rear lip spoiler and squared off tail that gives it a hatchback look. The front features the current Kia ‘Tiger Nose’ corporate grille flanked by sweeping headlamps.In a clever piece of design work, although the wheelbase of the new Rondo is 50 mm longer than that of the outgoing model, it is marginally smaller in all other exterior dimensions.INTERIORDespite a 40 mm reduction in height from the previous model there’s excellent headroom in the front two rows, even with the standard sunroof in the range-topping Platinum variant. Another sensible design feature is extra-wide rear doors that improve access to the third row seats.The second-row seats can be slid backwards and forwards on runners to juggle the amount of legroom available in all three rows. Seats can be folded in various ways, having a 60/40 split in the second row, and a 50/50 one the rear.The seats are comfortable and Rondo can carry four adults and three children with ease. The high driving position will appeal to those who are trading across from an SUV and handling is competent without being in any way exciting. After all, this is a people mover not a sports model.Interior stowage is very good, with large drawers under the second row foot wells and numerous spots throughout the cabin for drinks, wallets, phones, sunglasses and the various accoutrements of our modern lifestyles. With all seats in position there’s a maximum of just 103 litres of storage space and with the third-row seats folded that increases to 492 litres. Rondo can even be used as a mini van by folding the centre seats, increasing capacity to 1650 litres.PRICES AND EQUIPMENTThe all-automatic Kia Rondo 2.0-litre petrol range starts with the Si at $29,990, then the SLi at $33,990 and Platinum for $38,990. The 1.7-litre turbodiesel spec levels are Si for $32,490 and SLi for $36,490.Korean car makers pride themselves on high equipment levels and Kia Rondo safety gear includes front, side and curtain airbags (the latter only for the front two rows of seats); ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; Electronic Stability Program and Vehicle Stability Management; Hill-Start Assist; reverse parking sensors; and reversing camera.Also standard are cruise control; Bluetooth phone and audio streaming; Auxiliary and USB sockets: colour LCD touch screen (4.3-inch in the Si and SLi and a 7-inch in the Platinum); MyMusic function that enables MP3 copying; and steering wheel mounted controls.The mid-spec SLi adds piano black grille mesh; chrome highlights; puddle lighting on the side mirrors; front parking sensors; LED daytime running lights; leather trimmed seats; powered driver’s seat; and fold-flat front passenger’s seat. Paddle shifts are standard in the SLi and Platinum models.The flagship petrol-only Platinum variant also gets LED rear combination lamps; full-length sunroof; refrigerated glovebox; push-button start; satellite navigation with SUNA traffic information; and climate controlled front seats.ENGINESFor the first time Kia Rondo now comes with the option of a turbodiesel engine in addition to an upgraded version of the previous 2.0-litre petrol. Torque is important for a relatively small vehicle that could be asked to carry up to seven occupants and the extra 24 Nm from the petrol engine (up to 213 Nm) will certainly be welcomed. With 300 Nm the diesel is unlikely to encounter any problems.A lack of demand for the manual gearbox offered previously has led to it being dropped with all models now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old four-speed, and with the choice of standard and sport modes.DRIVINGWe’ve been able to road test both Rondo engines, the diesel during the press launch a few months ago and the petrol in our extended week-long test. Regular readers will know of my preference for diesel power and while that would be our model of choice the petrol unit handled a 200 km round trip with three adults and three 11-year-old soccer players plus gear surprisingly well.When cruising the petrol engine pulled well enough, only being tested when it encountered some moderately steep hills. Nevertheless we’d recommend spending the extra $2500 for the diesel if you’re going to load up on a regular basis either with people or cargo. On the other hand if you’re looking for a good sized hatch with a high driving position the petrol will no doubt be all that you’ll need.Fuel consumption is listed at 7.9 litres per 100 km from the petrol and 6.4 L/100 km with the diesel on the combined cycle. With our full load in the petrol Rondo we recorded 9.3 L/100 km on the above journey about two-thirds of which was on motorway conditions.Handling is competent without being in any way exciting but that’s to be expected while suspension enhancements provide a more comfortable ride with reduced road noise intrusion.VERDICTNew Kia Rondo joins Toyota Prius v and Fiat Freemont in adding new competition the compact Australian people mover market. The extra equipment and new transmission has come at a price with the entry-level Rondo Si $2000 more than the equivalent MY2013 model but it still offers excellent value, especially when Kia’s standard five-year, unlimited warranty is factored in. Kia RondoPrice: from $29,990 (petrol), from $32,490 (diesel)Engine: 2.0-litre petrol,  122kW/213Nm, 1.7-litre diesel, 100kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, FWDThirst: 7.9L/100km (petrol), 6.4L/100km (diesel)

Two wheel drive compact SUVs are squeezing ‘genuine’ people movers off buyer’s radar because they’re cheap and perform a similar mass transit function - almost. Sometimes however, only a people mover will do.A properly designed and engineered ‘family bus’ such as Peugeot’s new 5008 is a sensible vehicle for conveying seven people economically, comfortably and safely. The new Pug bus joins the ugly 3008 that has hung around like a bad smell for a while.We drove the newcomer recently on an extended 1000km test run sometimes with people, sometimes in van-mode house moving.VALUEGoodies such as a panoramic sun roof, satnav, front arm rests, front and side park assist, reverse camera, dual-zone climate control with adjustable side pillar vents, electric park brake, cruise with speed limiter, retractable side window blinds, pollen filter, trip computer and auto headlights and wipers are standard kit.Other practicalities include two DVD players for the second row occupants with bluetooth head sets and multimedia connections.Leather costs three grand more on top of the 1.6 at $36,990 and the 2.0-litre diesel at $40,490, both six-speed autos only. The vehicle is a little more compact but taller than a Honda Odyssey  that has difficult third row access and is only beaten on price by Kia’s new Rondo ($29,990).DESIGNIt is OK to look at too, a bit like a five door hatch morphed and plumped into a wagon. The 5008 has characteristic current Peugeot design cues about its flanks in particular the head and tail lights, grille and side highlight lines. The interior of Aussie spec’ 5008 is the same in both 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel variants and is to medium luxury level.With all seven seats in place, a reasonable load space remains. But there’s no spare, only a tyre inflation kit. The 5008 will take seven adults with relative ease and provides simple access to the third row through folding ‘cinema’ seats in the second row. The third row with two seats comes complete with a proper foot well, sedan-like seat positioning and adjustable aircon’ vents.The second and third rows are all foldable to provide a large, completely flat load space if needed. And the process is quick and easy. Access to the luggage compartment is by a large, top-hinged hatch and the load deck height is roughly the same as a small hatchback.SAFETYSafety rates five stars with six air bags including a curtain bag that covers the entire side to aft of the third row.ENGINEWe got a crack in the high-tech, direct injection, turbo petrol 1.6 rated at 115kW/240Nm (the 2.0-litre diesel achieves 120kW/340Nm) and though initially sceptical about the ability of such an engine to move more than 1.5 tonnes of vehicle and potentially half a tonne of human and some luggage, we were soon convinced.DRIVINGThe engine is in a few other Pugs including the RCZ auto and other less glamorous models. It churns out plenty of low rev grunt to get the whole plot quickly mobile and has no trouble whizzing along at freeway speeds including uphill, fully laden with the air on.Noise is minimal and the vehicle has a comfortable and controlled ride from the simple strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. The driving position is car-like and comfortable over a long run and we were able to achieve the manufacturer’s claimed 7.6-litres/100km combined fuel economy. But it prefers 95 or better petrol. The auto is good and the drive feel is decidedly not “mum-bus”.It has a few direct competitors apart from perhaps Citroen’s C4 Picasso which is essentially the same vehicle underneath - at a bit more money.VERDICTA worthy vehicle if you are a breeder and must have a people mover. 

The first Fiat to be produced in partnership with the Chrysler Group, the Freemont has a touch of the quirkiness of Italian cars of old, plus the practicality of a modern family vehicle.  Starting at a little less than $26,000, it aims to attract buyers across the recreational and family segments.Available in three specification levels - Base, Urban and Lounge - Freemont is powered by a petrol or diesel engine, it comes in two-wheel drive guise only, with power put to ground up front via a six-speed automatic (petrol), or six-speed manual (diesel) transmission.Base, Urban and Lounge models come with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the Urban is also available with a 2.0-litre diesel motor putting power through a six-speed manual gearbox.The 2.4-litre petrol engine produces up to 125 kW of power, and 220 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm while the turbo-diesel engine achieves 125 kW at 4000 rpm and 350 Nm between 1750 and 2500 revs. Both engines were developed by Fiat, which is one of the world’s leading engine designers.With a standard five-seat layout and up to 1461 litres of cargo space, Freemont comes with the option of seven places courtesy of a third row of seats. This Fiat is the poster boy for passenger cabin storage with more than 20 compartments, making it one of the most family friendly vehicles around.Passenger convenience is paramount. From the word go the Freemont is welcoming, the rear doors fitted with a new three-stage 90-degree hinge, which when fully open, offers space to load a child seat into the second row or to provide easy access to the third row.Initially opening to 26 degrees, the door allows passengers to get out without smashing the door against another vehicle parked close by. A second 58-degree position is wide enough to allow passengers to enter the cabin easily.Access to the rear cargo area, or optional third row of seats where fitted, is made all the more easy by a ‘Tip ‘N Slide’ system, with one simple movement of a conveniently placed lever on the side of the backrest.Ambient lighting sets the scene for occupants who are offered a good all-round view no matter where they are positioned thanks to stadium-style seating which rises in height from front to back row. Rear storage space is set off by a front passenger seat cushion that can be moved forward to reveal a compartment which can be used to store personal belongings. The back of the seat folds forward to transport long objects.The backrest of the second row of seats is foldable in a 60:40 ratio, the central section can be folded separately to form an armrest and includes two cup holders and a compartment for storing small objects.There’s even storage under foot with the floor of the second row housing two lidded compartments with removable and washable bins offering more than 12 litres of space.There is no argument about the Freemont’s safety features with more than a third of the vehicle's structure including high strength steel sheets designed to optimise the body's weight and structural resistance.The extensive use of dual-phase steel in the front and rear side members and tunnel reinforcement mean these components can handle larger loads with relatively limited dimensions, thus saving weight without sacrificing structural strength.Active safety systems include anti-skid braking with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability program and traction control, electronic roll-over mitigation, plus the aforementioned hill holder.Tyre pressures are constantly monitored and the driver warned of any problems, and rear parking sensors alert the driver to objects in the way.Passive safety is in the hands of six airbags, fitted as standard on all vehicles in the range, along with active headrests and three-point seatbelts for all seats. The front seatbelts are also equipped with pretensioners and load limiters. Isofix attachments and child boosters ensure children are seated correctly.Our Freemont Urban test vehicle was powered by the 2.0 MultiJet 2 diesel motor equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger and state-of-the-art second generation MultiJet technology earning a top-rate Euro 5 emission standard.With maximum torque of 350 Nm coming in at a low 1750 rpm and constant up to 2500 rpm, performance was impressive. During normal usage up to 3000 revs, with torque not falling below 300 Nm, gear shifts were kept to a minimum and uncomfortable downshifts avoided. Acceleration was leisurely, but who cares? This isn’t a sports wagon.Our test car with the diesel engine clocked just 5L/100km at a steady 100km/h on the highway and straddled 7L/100km in day-to-day city work.It scored well with acceptable engine noise in the cabin during normal operation. However, the hill holder function was reluctant to let go, giving the driver cause to over-rev the engine at times. When the brake was finally let loose, the Freemont surged, the wheels at one time spinning with an embarrassing squeal. My solution was to blip the throttle to release the brake, then move off.Reverse gear tended to be a bit hit and miss, needing firm handling of the gear lever, while headlamps suffered from a narrow lateral arc of operation, with predominant illumination limited to straight ahead, leaving the driver in the dark on turning corners at night.

I’m confused. We all know the mid-size commercial van was often transformed into a passenger-carrying people mover; and that the four-wheel drive wagon made way for the sport utility vehicle capable of toting up to seven occupants.Now Peugeot claims to have created the ‘people carrier’, a new interpretation of the family wagon, which looks -- and behaves -- suspiciously like a people mover to me.ENGINESWith a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 2.0-litre diesel engine, both turbocharged, power is put to ground via a six-speed automatic transmission.The Peugeot 5008 Touring Active petrol comes onto the market at $36,990, with the diesel version costing an extra $3500. The only option is a $3000 leather upholstery pack.INTERIORComfort, convenience and versatility were a Peugeot priority in interior design, with three rows of seats accommodating up to seven people. Particular attention is paid to the two rear rows, the second capable of taking three in equally divided sections, all with reclining capability.The third row two seats are easily accessed by the second row seat cushion lifting and the seat back moving forward. Third row occupants have the luxury of individual air-conditioning vents in the side pillars and the safety of curtain airbags.Noise intrusion into the cabin has been restricted to such a level that it is possible to continue a normal conversation between front and back-seat passengers. Too much noise from the back can be stifled by making use of the car’s multi-media system which includes two 7-inch screens incorporated in the front head restraints, along with two Bluetooth wireless headsets.The system can connect with external inputs such as iPods, game consoles and DVD players. Two separate video and audio sources allow rear passengers to watch one programme on both screens, or take part in two different activities.The dash-mounted 7-inch flip-up screen for the standard satellite navigation system can be elevated to your chosen angle at the push of a button, making it possible to prevent image wipe-out by reflection in bright sunlight.The cargo space can be made to measure by folding the rear seat to form a flat floor space. An area of van dimensions can be obtained by flipping the second row seat backs forward, while extra long objects – a market marquee, for example – can be carried by folding the passenger seat back which also doubles as a flat desk top.  A handy cargo area feature is a light that doubles as a torch that can be unclipped for use outside the vehicle.SAFETYWith disc brakes all round, the front discs are ventilated, stopping is in firm hands (feet?) and is backed up by a suite of safety systems which include ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, the last for tricky takeoff on inclines if you choose to use the same foot for the brake and accelerator pedals.DRIVE IMPRESSIONSOur test vehicle was powered by a four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine putting out maximum power of 115 kW when spinning at 6000 revs. Top torque of 240 Nm is available from just 1400 rpm.On the outside, much emphasis has been placed on aerodynamics in order to cut fuel consumption and minimise exterior noise. A sharp nose links up with a large raked windscreen, while large windows run around the entire vehicle for maximum light penetration to the interior. A panoramic glass roof adds to the light and airy feeling of the passenger surroundings.The command driving position and cockpit layout of the instruments make sure the driver is presented with as much as they need to know for safe passage of the passengers.The family, especially grandma, need have no fear of the 5008. Getting in and out is easy with no huge step up; the stadium-style seating offers an extensive all-round view; and the ride and handling on varying road conditions are firm yet supple thanks to Peugeot’s high-performance suspension.From a standstill the wagon takes a leisurely 11.1 seconds to reach 100 kilometres an hour, passing through each gear change confidently and quietly.Steering, with 2.7 turns lock to lock, responds to the driver’s input without question, while feeding back important info about direction and stability of the vehicle.VERDICTThe Peugeot 5008 Touring Active Petrol people carrier really does ride and handle like a car, while going the distance with family, friends and their stuff.  

The fastest growing vehicle segment in Australia is that of medium SUVs. So it comes as no surprise that Fiat, which is currently undergoing rapid expansion in Australia, has entered the arena with a model called the Freemont.Fiat Freemont, shares many components with the Dodge Journey because Fiat took over the American car maker when Chrysler/Dodge went under during the GFC. Chrysler has long been a major designer of what our cousins on the other side of the Pacific call ‘minivans’. Downunder we use the term ‘people movers’.Though Freemont is more people mover than SUV, its styling leans in the SUV direction and Fiat Australia hopes many buyers will compare it with others in the huge range of SUVs now on sale. Despite its appearance, the Fiat Freemont isn’t offered with 4WD, the engine is connected only to the front wheels.There’s no better way to grab the attention of Australian car buyers than with a low price tag. Hence the introduction of the Fiat Freemont with a price list that starts at just $27,000 driveaway. Our road test was done on a 2.4-litre petrol Freemont Lounge which came in at $30,300 plus on-road costs.Fiat Freemont is available in three specification level: Base, Urban and Lounge. The so-called base Freemont ‘Base’ is far from being base when it comes to standard equipment. It even has Fiat’s Uconnect infotainment system with a 4.3-inch touchscreen; CD/MP3; and integrated telephone with voice command and Bluetooth audio streaming. There are USB and Aux inputs.Freemont Base also features 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone air-conditioning and keyless entry and start. Then there are automatic headlights; rear-parking sensors; an alarm system with an anti-intrusion feature; and the added safety of a tyre pressure monitoring system.The mid-range Fiat Freemont Urban receives a larger infotainment screen, at 8.4 inches; a DVD player; automatic temperature control in the air conditioning; six-way electronic adjustment for the driver’s seat; a leather-wrapped gear-lever; and Sunscreen glass.Fiat Freemont Lounge tops off the lineup. It gets 19-inch alloy wheels; satellite navigation; leather upholstery and premium door trims; heated front seats; chromed roof bars; an Alpine audio system with a subwoofer and 368-watt amplifier.Built-in booster seats for children are standard on all models, making the Freemont excellent value for cash-strapped people mover buyers.The Fiat Freemont comes standard with a five-seat layout. A seven-seat configuration is available as an option, including three-zone climate control. The second row of seats can slide forward by up to 100 mm from their rearmost position, giving parents easy access to children sitting in the second row. All seats, including the front passenger one, can be folded down to create a vast flat load area.Theatre-style seating in seven-seat Freemonts ensures good visibility for those travelling in the back seats. Though a lot of luggage space is, naturally, lost when all seven seats are in use it’s possible to fit three cabin bags upright in the remaining space. Cleverly this is supported by nets to prevent it falling when the tailgate is opened.As well as regular crash avoidance electronics the Fiat Freemont also has a trailer sway control, roll mitigation and tyre pressure monitoring. Should a crash still occur occupants are protected by six airbags, with the side-curtain ‘bags extending to coverage of the third-row seat. Integrated child booster seats are another welcome standard feature.Fiat Freemont is powered by either a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The 2.4-litre petrol engine produces 125 kW of power, and 220 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. The diesel has up to 125 kW, and 350 Nm between 1750 and 2500 rpm.Both engines drive the front wheels via either a six-speed automatic transmission when the petrol engine is fitted, or a six-speed manual with the diesel. So if you want the economy and added grunt of a turbo-diesel you will have to do your own gearshifting, which will hamper sales in Australia as local drivers don’t follow the European path of maximising driving pleasure.On the road we like the way the Freemont rides and the excellent insulation from noise and vibration it displays. It really does feel as though it’s as smooth and relaxing as significantly more expensive SUVs and people movers. The vehicle’s Dodge underpinnings show in a slight vagueness in the steering, and handling that’s safe but with no sporting overtones. American roads are pretty rough and ready in many places and they like a soft ride over there in the US of A.The petrol engine in our test car probably had enough power for the typical buyer, but its torque is developed high in the rev range (max is at 4500 rpm) so the six-speed auto is kept busy in hilly terrain and/or when there’s a big load on board. Not a problem as the auto is a nicely responsive unit that’s generally in the gear the driver would have selected manually.Fuel consumption will be in the nine to ten litres per hundred kilometres range around town, falling to seven to eight litres in country running.

This is why you don't need a compact SUV. Driven some bloody decent cars this past six months. From $14K to $410K it's been something of a red letter year to date. Why then, when someone makes the error of asking, do I find myself banging on about people movers? Perhaps it's a reaction to the lemming-like charge to

People movers suffer an image problem. They’re largely seen as being dowdy, dull proof that any pretensions to a life are over. That may be true of some... okay, most of them.But a few MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles, as some brands like to call them) are arriving to overturn that truth. They've got style and response that dodges the 'stodgy' stigma and makes them fun to be in  – and you proud to be seen in them.Part of that charge of the MPV brigade is the Peugeot 5008 -- newly arrived here although available overseas for a few years – which, along with its sibling Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, is adding French chic to the task of carting around seven bodies in ease.VALUETwo versions are on offer, the $40,490 diesel and the $36,990 petrol tested here. There’s a single spec level across both, but the standard kit list is generous: 7-inch retractable colour touchscreen satnav, twin tray tables and DVD screens for the second row, rearview mirror integrated reversing camera, parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control aircon with vents in the rear, 17-in alloy wheels and some clever extras like a rechargeable torch in the cargo area and retractable blinds for the second and third rows.The Citroen comes in at $39,490, but only in diesel, while Honda's petrol-powered Odyssey starts at $37,100.But the real contender is the newly arrived Kia Rondo, starting at $25,990 for the petrol version and $36,490 for diesel, but moving up considerably in price once you start adding in more fruit. To get similar equipment standards to the Peugeot you’re looking at $33,990 for the petrol Rondo.ENGINE AND GEARBOXThe 5008 is powered by a punchy little turbocharged 1.6-litre engine: the same carried by Peugeot’s 208 GTI and RCZ sports cars – and Citroens and Minis, albeit offering different outputs of power and torque. In the Peugeot MPV it delivers 115kW and 240Nm, getting it to the front wheels via six-speed automatic gearbox.Claimed fuel economy is 7.6L/100km, and although we hitting closer to 9L  towards the end of our test, it wasn’t out of order given the amount of hills and load we’d tested. Both petrol and diesel versions offer a decent 1500kg braked towing capacity (750 unbraked) which offers the prospect of hauling trailers and jetskis -- or extra luggage -- on family holidays.DESIGNIt’s a streamlined box, bearing the bold Peugeot face and with sharply angled light clusters and blackened window pillars giving some sweep to the shape. The inside also gets some great touches, including a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light.But the real fun starts with the seats. The three second row seats individually recline, slide forward and back and -- with one of the easiest mechanisms in the field -- flip fold flat. The third row does a similar trick, giving you flat cargo floor and massive 2506-litre capacity from the rear door to the front seats, with the passenger one folding enough for very long items.The third row is reasonably easy to clamber into with the second row down, but once you're in the back it doesn't take long to realise it's designed more for kids than adults if the trip is going to be lengthy.There's a shortage of casual storage space in the front row, with the globebox so small you'll have to keep the owners' manual in a door pocket, and the centre console bin is handy if you want the 'cool box' function, but otherwise so deep you're going to lose things in there.And you'll be reaching for the centre stack and touchscreen to control audio and other functions, with no remote controls on the steering wheel -- giving it a somewhat low-tech look -- and several of them on wands sprouting from the steering column. SAFETYIt's not been crash-tested here, but gets five stars from Euro NCAP, with all the expected electronic stability and braking aids to help with panic stops and uneven distribution of weight in the vehicle, plus an array of airbags covering all three rows.DRIVINGThe steering is very light -- great for parking and you never get the feeling you're trying to wrestle a Kenworth into a shoebox -- a common problem with SUVs. We feared the lightness would make for a Playstation feel on the road, but it's so direct that driving through corners is a joy.The engine is not in the firecracker class, but helped along by turbo boost, it's surprisingly lively for a MPV. Gearing is well-matched to the engine, but the auto box lags a little in the higher slots and higher speeds, although generally only really noticeable when you're looking at swift overtaking.Ride quality is brilliant. We threw it over some fairly poor surfaces, and -- even without the extra damping of weight in every seat -- it smoothed out most of the problems.However, loading all rows adds considerably to the 5008's 1565kg, taxing the engine and making steep hills much more of a chore -- and a noisier one. This is also where you'll start to destroy the fuel economy, and was the main culprit for us ending up with 9.2L/100km (although we still consider that respectably given the tasks we demanded of it).VERDICTAdds some much-needed style and pleasure to the task of carting around people and freight like a small Greyhound bus -- and without driving like one.