If you require a minibus that has the space to seat a minimum of nine people, whether for family gatherings or in a professional capacity, then you will likely need know the best 9+-seater minibuses available to help you decide. Looking for a minibus that’s comfortable for your passengers? Or a minibus that’s especially economical? If you need to keep everyone in your vehicle happy, comfortable and satisfied, then we here at Brightside Minibus Insurance (brokered by One Insurance Solution) have put together this list of our top five minibuses able to accommodate nine or more people.
Ford Tourneo Custom
The minibus variant of one of the UK’s most popular vans, the Ford Tourneo Custom can accommodate up to four rows of seating in its Shuttle Bus version. The second-to-fourth rows are all fully foldable and detachable for maximum flexibility. Despite having the largest possible number of seats, the Shuttle Bus version of the Tourneo Custom is currently priced from £36,702, which is the cheapest of all versions for the model.
Vauxhall Vivaro
A popular minibus that can range from 9 to 14 seats, the Vauxhall Vivaro’s back two rows of seating are also fully removable if necessary. The Vivaro has many passenger comforts, including illuminated walkways for easier access, overhead luggage storage and individual saloon lighting for every seat. The Vivaro also comes with a wide array of entertainment options, including a DAB/CD/aux-in digital radio with Bluetooth functionality, so any passenger can hook up their tunes for the whole minibus to enjoy.
Fiat Ducato Minibus
The Minibus version of Fiat’s Ducato model can have up to 16 seats with ample space for each passenger. Many passenger comfort features are available, including independent rear climate control. The Ducato is well-equipped for both hot and cold weather, with features like a programmable heater that can warm up the vehicle up to 24 hours before driving and a refrigerated compartment to chill passengers’ food and drink when the air con is activated.
The Ducato also has a big focus on safety, including technology like integrated Full Brake Control, to help prevent or lessen the impact of collisions, and Roll Over Mitigation which can prevent rollover risk at high speed and reduce roll when cornering at low speed.
Renault TRAFIC Passenger
One of the cheaper options on our list, currently starting from £26,350, the Renault TRAFIC Passenger is one of the best family minibuses available with 9 passenger seats as standard. The TRAFIC Passenger has a big emphasis on the amount of luggage it can store without sacrificing boot space or passenger comfort. This makes the TRAFIC Passenger one of the best minibuses for family trips and holidays. The SpaceClass version of the model offers even more storage and comfort features, including the option for a large table to be fitted. The trade-off is that this version is pricier, currently starting at £35,550.
Volkswagen Transport 6.1 Shuttle
Another contender for the title of best minibus for families, the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 Shuttle also has 9 seats available in its 9-seater package. Safety is also a leading aspect of the Transporter Shuttle, including features like a newly upgraded Front Assist with Emergency City Braking for the 6.1, which can warn the driver of collisions and autonomously apply the brakes if necessary.
The Transporter 6.1 Shuttle also hosts a wealth of infotainment systems, including a 6.5” colour navigational touchscreen, smartphone and Bluetooth integration, a DAB+ radio and connectivity to various mobile online services such as Volkswagen We Connect. Volkswagen We Connect boasts a huge range of new features for the Transporter 6.1, including an emergency call system (eCall), speed alerts, vehicle health reports and breakdown calls. Though it is one of the more expensive options on our list, starting at £38,733, its wealth of nifty features and ample space for passengers and luggage alike should not be overlooked.
If this list has prompted you to invest in a new minibus, you will need minibus insurance to drive it legally and keep your vehicle protected. Our expert minibus insurance brokers can provide you with a quote tailored specifically to your individual needs. Check out our Minibus Insurance page, along with our in-depth Minibus Insurance Guide, and see how much you could save with a quote today.
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