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Top 10 Features Every Minivan Should Have
After compact cars, carmakers are shifting their attention towards mini SUVs and minivans. Minivans are quite popular in India mostly because of the spaciousness it offers to a large family. Some minivans have more features than others. Minivans in India are liked more for their practicality than high-end features. We have put together a list of features that would instantly elevate the cool quotient of any minivan. We have not included basic features like air-conditioning controls and dual sliding doors that are standard on most minivans.
Adjustable Pedals or Telescoping Steering Wheel
In India, height varies across regions, and in order to make the drive safe, it is important to have a comfortable position behind the wheel. Adjustable pedals are a great comfort for people who are short, as they allow you to bring the pedals closer rather than shifting the seat forward. A telescopic steering wheel performs a similar function; you either move the wheel closer or away from the body. Even a taller person can cutomise a driving position that suits him the best.
In-floor Storage
Multiple storage options play an important part in the success of a minivan. When you want to store groceries, or storage space for children's toys, you can just lift the cover on an in-floor storage cubby and store away the items safely. This prevents the items from getting spread around, and frees up a lot of floor space. Additionally, it also makes the driving environment safer. And if you need large space for carrying cargo, you can just open the storage cubbies and fold the second- and third-row seats into them. Easy, isn't it!
Conversation Mirror
Curious about what the children might be busy with in the rear seats. The conversation mirror is actually an overhead convex mirror which works as a parental spyglass that allows the driver to see what's going on in every seating position in the van. The driver can discover the instigator of a fight in the back seats without taking his eyes off the road.
Fold-flat Third-row Seat
No one likes to remove the third row seats and transfer them into the garage every time extra cargo space is required. It is quite reasonable if we expect the car manufacturers to offer a third-row seat that folds neatly into the floor, providing a flat load surface. Most of the car manufacturers offer a 60/40-split design for their seat, which provides extra flexibility for larger families, but it is not very convenient
Tyre Pressure Warning System
We all know the importance of Tyre Pressure Warning System as a safety feature. And it becomes even more important in case of a minivan. If the tyres are not inflated properly, the handling of the minivan will be much more inconvenient, and your ability to steer around potential accident situations will be reduced. Under inflated tyre are more prone to blowouts. Having a tyre pressure warning system in the van would so much ease the tension of having to check it all the time.
Reconfigurable Second-row Seats
Even if your van has a fold-flat third-row seat, there are times when you may need to reposition the second-row seat and make way for heavy cargo. Reconfigurable second-row seats are forward and afterward adjustable, so you can decide how you want to re-adjust it. Toyota Sienna offers a fully adjustable second-row seats.
Reverse Sensing System or Rearview Camera
Parking and reversing is not an easy task when you are dealing with a large vehicle, particularly when your rearview is obstructed by rear passengers' heads. Reverse-sensing systems, also known as Park Assist, use bumper-mounted sensors that can locate objects pets and people from three up to six feet from the vehicle. These sensors also come to your rescue when you have to parallel park in a tight spot.
Side Curtain Airbags for all Three Rows
Side curtain airbags prevent the occupant's heads from injuries in case of side-impact accidents or rollovers. Though they have been quite common in new passenger cars, full-length coverage (for all three rows of seating) is a new thing about minivans and SUVs. If you need maximum peace of mind, make sure you buy a minivan with this feature.
Traction and Stability Control
Traction control is a safety feature that lets you drive more confidently on slippery roads or muddy parking lots. When one of the tyres begin to spin uncontrollably and lose traction, the system comes to the rescue by applying the brakes and/or reducing engine power to that wheel and smoothly redirecting it to the wheel(s) that have grip. Stability control works beyond traction control and helps maintain balance in higher-speed situations by employing sensors to monitor how closely your vehicle's path
Side Window Sunshades
Of late many car manufacturers have started to incorporated side window sunshades, which were earlier offered in luxury sedans, in their minivans. These power sunshades open and close at the touch of a button, offer the occupants the convenience and protection from the sun, and are really useful for infants and young children. Without this option, many people look up to suction cup devices that do not work as well and look cheap.
