They arrived, saw and… invaded. There are SUVs and crossovers on every corner, of all shapes and sizes. However, for those who need space, but don't give up the extra versatility that a few centimeters above the ground offer, or even that the four drive wheels guarantee, there are still alternatives. Among these are the 'rolled up pants' vans.
Once in greater numbers, these are, as a rule, more discreet, less bulky, lighter and more agile, and more economical than the corresponding SUVs, but without losing almost anything in matters such as space or versatility.
With most of them coming equipped with all-wheel drive, they even end up embarrassing some SUVs and crossovers, when it comes time to roll off the asphalt — many of the so-called SUVs don't even bring four-wheel drive.
From the modest B-segment to the more luxurious (and expensive) E-segment, there are still some resistant ones and that's why we've decided to bring them all together in this buying guide.
Segment B
Currently, the offer of B-segment vans is limited to just three models: the Skoda Fabia Combi, the Renault Clio Sport Tourer (which ends with the current generation) and the Dacia Logan MCV . Of these three models, only one has an adventurous version, precisely the van from the Romanian brand of the Renault group.
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Thus, the Logan MCV Stepway presents itself with space to “give and sell” (the luggage compartment has a capacity of 573 l) and is available with three engines: Diesel, petrol and even a Bi-Fuel LPG version. Unlike other proposals on this list, the Logan MCV Stepway is only available with two sprockets.
As for prices, these start at the 14 470 euros for the gasoline version, in the 15 401 euros in the GPL version and in the 17 920 euros for the diesel version, making Logan MCV Stepway the most accessible of our proposals.
Segment C
Although the van versions constitute an important part of the sales of the C-segment models, the 'rolled up pants' vans are somewhat scarce. After having had the Leon X-PERIENCE, the Golf Alltrack and, if we go further back, even adventurous versions of the Fiat Stilo in the past, today the offer comes down to Ford Focus Active Station Wagon.
It offers a luggage compartment with an impressive 608 l and is available with three engines: one petrol and two diesel. As for the prices, these start in the 25 336 euros in the case of the petrol version with the 1.0 Ecoboost of 125 hp, in 29,439 euros in the 1.5 TDCi EcoBlue of 120 hp and in the 36 333 euros for the 150 hp 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue.
The Ford Focus Active Station Wagon is, for now, the only adventurous van in the C-segment.
Segment D
Arriving at segment D, the number of 'pants rolled up' vans increases. Thus, despite the disappearance of models like the Peugeot 508 RXH or the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, names like the Opel Insignia Country Tourer Or the Volvo V60 Cross Country.
Only available with diesel engines — 170 hp 2.0 Turbo and 210 hp 2.0 bi-turbo —, the Insignia Country Tourer was Opel's answer to the success of models like the Audi A4 Allroad or the defunct 508 RXH. With a luggage compartment with a capacity of 560 l and versions with all-wheel drive, the prices of the most adventurous Insignia start at the 45 950 euros.
Already in the first generation Insignia had had an adventurous version.
The Volvo V60 Cross Country, on the other hand, is the spiritual heir of one of the founders of the segment (the V70 XC) and presents itself with the traditional greater height to the ground (+75 mm) and all-wheel drive. Available only with a 190 hp 2.0 Diesel engine, the Swedish van offers a luggage compartment with 529 l of capacity and prices start at 57 937 euros.
Segment E
Once in the E segment, practically exclusive territory of premium brands, we find, for now, only two models: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain and the Volvo V90 Cross Country.
The German proposal has a “huge” 670 l of capacity in the trunk and is available with two diesel engines — E 220 d and E 400 d — and all-wheel drive. The first offers 194 hp extracted from a 2.0 l block, while the second delivers 340 hp extracted from a 3.0 l V6 block.
As for prices, these start at the 76 250 euros for the E 220 d All-Terrain and us 107 950 euros for the E 400d All-Terrain.
As for the Swedish model, this is available from 70 900 euros and can be associated with a total of three engines, all with 2.0 l capacity, two diesel and one petrol with, respectively, 190 hp, 235 hp and 310 hp. All-wheel drive is always present and the boot has a capacity of 560 l.
What's next?
Despite the success of SUVs and crossovers and the reduction in the number of 'rolled up pants' vans, there are still some brands that are betting on them and proof of this is the fact that, with the exception of the B segment, all segments are about to receive news.
In segment C they are in the chute a Toyota Corolla Trek (the debut of hybrid models among the 'rolled up pants' vans) and an updated Skoda Octavia Scout , which was previously available.
In segment D, the news are the Audi A4 Allroad and Skoda Superb Scout . The A4 Allroad was renewed and received an additional 35 mm in height to the ground and can even receive adaptive suspension. As for the Superb Scout, this is a first and comes with all-wheel drive as standard and is available with two engines: the 2.0 TDI with 190 hp and the 2.0 TSI with 272 hp.
The A4 Allroad saw its ground clearance increase by 35 mm.
Finally, in segment E, the novelty is the well-known Audi A6 Allroad Quattro , one of the pioneers of this formula. The arrival of the fourth generation will come with reinforced arguments at a technological level, as we have already seen in the other A6, which includes an evolved suspension and only a Diesel engine that appears associated with a mild-hybrid system.
