When it comes to your car, you may need something a little bigger than the standard to get your extended family or friends around town, and that’s the time to start considering a Japanese 8-seater car.
But don’t worry, having all those extra seats doesn’t automatically mean the ride quality and performance of your MPV has to suffer.
There are some fabulous Japanese 8-seater cars on the market, both being sold directly in the UK and as grey imports, so let’s take a look at the best.
Is importing a Japanese 8-seater difficult?
Importing, whether from Japan or somewhere else like the States, is not as complicated as you may at first think, and, to get the car that you want, it’s a great option. Of course, there will be a few hoops you’ll have to jump through, but luckily there’s a Government website to tell you all you need to know.
Are Japanese 8-seater cars worth it?
Japanese 8-seater cars very often come with a high level of sophistication and creature comforts like electric windows, mirrors, seat warmers, panoramic sunroofs, four-wheel drive and a choice of seat configurations – it all comes pretty much as standard.
The grey imports may be a little older than the models directly available to the UK market, but they are great value for money and have normally been very well looked after. Have no fears buying a Japanese 8-seater manufactured a decade or so ago – in most cases, it will be barely run-in.
The best Japanese 8-seater cars
Honda Stepwagon
After four generations of the Stepwagon, Honda seems to have nailed it with the fifth gen. 8-seaters aren’t always known for their style, but the Stepwagon’s exterior is actually quite sleek, plus the interior is definitely designed with the user in mind.
Coming in seven trim levels: G, G L Package, L, Li, Spada S, Spada Z and Spada Zi, this 8-seater offers smooth acceleration and a decent amount of space, making it perfect for families. Newer models also have Honda I-VTEC, an interior climate control system and an automatic CVT gearbox.
Toyota Alphard
Powerful, smooth, and quiet, the Toyota Alphard has ample space for the driver, seven passengers and racks of luggage. The middle row of seats even swivels to face the rear for a more sociable passenger set-up.
Introduced into the Toyota model range in 2002, and a frequent grey import, the Alphard has two engine options, both petrol: a 4-cylinder 2.4-litre or a V6 3-litre. Both are automatic and offer the choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive.
We’ll also mention the Toyota Vellfire here, which is seen as a sportier version of the Alphard.
Suzuki Landy
Paired with an electric motor, the Suzuki Landy is powered by a 1.8-litre inline-4 engine. This hybrid is fuel efficient and easy to drive, but we will note that it is technically a 7-seater. Reviews do state that it is incredibly spacious though.
Other features include CVT, larger sliding doors for accessibility, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as well as ABS, and convenient keyless entry. You can also drive it in Eco Mode.
Nissan Serena
Praised for its versatility, the Nissan Serena has multiple storage options, plus its design allows several seating arrangements. It’s a simple but effective choice that doesn’t cause any fuss.
All models have a lot of space, but you do get e-POWER with newer ones, perfect for fuel efficiency and a smooth drive.
Toyota Voxy
Also known as the Noah or Esquire, depending on the trim level, the Toyota Voxy is a sporty and stylish choice that also comes in a hybrid option. Though it seems compact on the outside, it is actually quite spacious on the inside, plus it comes with a host of mod-cons.
It’s packed with safety features, including Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam, and a handy Pre-Collision System. It’s also more accessible for wheelchair users and has a kick sensor for the dual sliding doors.
Mazda Bongo Friendee
We couldn’t put this list together without including the Mazda Bongo Friendee. Despite getting on in years, this MPV is ideal for roadtrips, especially if you choose a model with the lift up pop top.
This popular and affordable JDM also has a choice of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder or a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine, or a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel. The front seats can easily face backwards and the back seats can be removed, plus most models have air conditioning.
Nissan Elgrand
This is one of the better-looking Japanese 8-seater cars with plenty of power provided by the 3.5-litre V6 engine.
The Elgrand seats 7 or 8 depending on the trim level or seat type, and tech features include keyless entry and start, as well as radar cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front. For the passengers’ entertainment there is a Bose 9 speaker sound system and roof-mounted DVD screen for rear passengers.
Insuring your Japanese 8-seater
Insuring a grey import requires specialist insurance and at Adrian Flux, we can tailor a policy to you and your needs, removing any unnecessary fuss. Not only do we offer comprehensive imported car insurance, we also offer insurance specifically for Japanese imports.
Call 0800 369 8590 for a swift, no-hassle quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.
