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Space conditions in F45?

3K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Kiwi 
#1 ·
I am currently waiting for my new company car, a 216d Active Tourer. It was ordered in the start of May, and it will be delivered in the start of September. In some ways this car is not optimal in my view, but I had a few cars on a list to choose from:

- BMW 116d.
- BMW 216d AT.
- BMW 318d touring or sedan.
- Renault Megane touring.
- Renault Talisman.
- Renault Grand Scenic.

I first had my eyes on the 318d, but being a family with 3 kids, we had no chance to manage all the kids in the back seat.
I also tried the Grand Scenic, which was like a dream when it came to space - but really not a dream to sit behind the steering wheel. Nevertheless, I was prepared to choose the Grand Scenic, because we couldn´t use the 3-series (I tried to get approval for the bigger 318d GT - but it was rejected).
But, having the BMW brand on the list, it hurts to choose a Renault. So I decided to test the Active Tourer, just to be sure that I had tried as best as I could to become a BMW driver. I really did not believe that the quite small looking Active Tourer could be useful for our family.

Our kids are 1+6+9 years old, the smallest is seated in a rear facing seat - the middle one in a belt seat and the oldest one on a pillow. And hey, we managed to organize them all in the back seat. Every time I looked at the car I borrowed from the BMW dealer, my eyes and brain told me "No way, look at the car. Can´t you see how small it is?". But being the whole family inside it told me something else.

I have to say that I experienced the trunk a bit too small for us, but I think we can survive with a roof box for the longer journeys. The only test car the dealer had to me was also a 225xe, so I did´t get an impression of the compartment under the trunk.

My question is:

1) Do any other in this group have experience with 3 kids in F45? Are my impressions right when they tell me this will work well?

2) How big is the compartment under the trunk except in 225xe? Is it possible to place a regular suitcase there?

In the end I will just say that it´s crazy to order a 216d here in Norway, the 225xe has the same price tag. But I work in an international company, so the car list is for all of Europe - not special made for Norwegian taxes :)
 
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#2 ·
Having 3 children the correct car to buy was an Active Tourer 225xe and show your children you care about Earths environment and what a great talking point for your children at school. "My dad cares" as well my company.
 
#3 ·
Thank you for your answer, Kiwi, which was not helpful at all. Your answer also proves that you didn´t read my post thoroughly.
I´d choose the 225xe if I could, but it was not on the list from my company. The list is in my post, you can see it over here.

Concerning environment, I could also tell you that my private car is a Kia Soul EV (100% electric), so I guess that should make my conscience no worse than yours.

Anyway, I had two questions in my post which you didn´t answer.
 
#4 ·
I can't help with the 3 kids but the space is about 6" deep and almost the whole floor area so quite useful but not easy to access when the boot is full. I have a space saver in mine and still room for spare oil, picnic rug, odd coats and maps.

The boot itself is not huge but there is a lot of space in the rear so soft bags could be placed on the floor depending on children's leg length!! The back seats also slide fwd so that may help a little, happy to get the tape measure out when I get home at the weekend.
 
#5 ·
First and foremost the 225xe cannot be compared with other Active or Grand Tourer models in respect to the "boot underfloor" space as in this version it's reduced as a direct result of the configuration.

No, you can't use the "boot underfloor" space for a suitcase as previously advised the depth is insufficient so forget that idea.

In respect to overall space this was an area I've looked at in great detail and can advise having had a Civic Type R (previous model) which had a good sized boot (485 / 1236 L) whereas the Active Tourer has 468 L / 1510 L. In relation to the interior space the Active Tourer is only beaten by the 3-Series between the doors, easiest way to check the dimensions is to go to each web page and you can copy the page as I did prior to placing the order.

Overall when people look at the Active Tourer it does appear on the small side but looks are totally deceiving in this instance and obviously there are the all important ISO fittings already available for the three children.

dorsetred :cool2:
 
#7 ·
Evlenol said:
Thank you for your answer, Kiwi, which was not helpful at all. Your answer also proves that you didn´t read my post thoroughly.
I´d choose the 225xe if I could, but it was not on the list from my company. The list is in my post, you can see it over here.

Concerning environment, I could also tell you that my private car is a Kia Soul EV (100% electric), so I guess that should make my conscience no worse than yours.

Anyway, I had two questions in my post which you didn´t answer.
I'm talking about your company and the cars they buy. (it may pay to read my post fully) :drive:

New Zealand companies are coming to realise they need to change which they are and this is without EV subsides as we don't have any subsides in New Zealand. Those compares who have changed are finding a lot lower running costs for there fleet of vehicles.
 
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