I am new to Europe and just don't know the cars here. I have spent some time on this site and just generally looking at cars available around here. Would anybody care to recommend such a vehicle that isn't "American" big. I guess we are looking for the smallest car possible that could fit this description. Also, to be a pain, we would prefer something that is available in all-wheel drive. We prefer less expensive models generally. I know "expensive" is a very relative word. By that, I mean we don't need the top of the line model. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

http://www.7-seater-cars.co.uk/

http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarb...en_SUValts.htm

http://www.carbuzz.co.uk/blog/Top-Ten-7-Seater-Cars

Personally, I'd go with the smallest car to meet your needs. You're not going to drive it very far, and you'll always struggle to find a place to park...

Thanks for all the good info. I'll dive into it. Honestly, we are only a family of 4 but when we have people in town, it would be nice to have seating for 6. Some places are just not real accessible by public transportation. But now, I'm kicking around the idea of buying something smaller and just renting a 6 seater for a day when we actually need a bigger vehicle. Anybody ever try this approach?

This is tough for me to figure out. I'd like to be able to pick up and carry larger items (example: trip to Ikea)...but again, maybe its more cost effective and convenient (to not always have a big car) to just rent a bigger car for that day. Does that sound a bit bonkers?

I was (last year) in a similar search.

My end list was:
1. VW Sharan (new model and sliding doors) / Seat Alambrah (spelling may be wrong)
2. VW Touran (but 2 seats at the back are for small children only)
3. Ford Galaxy (old model)
4. Opel Zafira (cheap, but then it is an Opel)

I went for the top of the list, and bought a VW Sharan, with bells and whistles.
Main draw was the Sliding doors.

Thinking back, a Touran would have sufficed.

Hope this helps you.

We're on the market as well. I pretty much have my mind set on a Mazda5. I love the sliding doors. Like the Touran and the Zafira it has little room in the third row but I think it will be sufficient for our needs.

You can also look at the new Opel Zafira Tourer ( new 2012 model). It is the longer wheel base model that has more room in the third row.

Link FR: http://fr.opel.ch/vehicules/opel-gam...ra-tourer.html

A new model from the cheap and cheerful Romanian-built Renault - Dacia.

http://www.dacia.ch/de/dacia_lodgy.php

7 seater top of range diesel for just over 20K NEW - about 23/24K by the time you've added a few things to make it half decent.

http://www.dacia.ch/liste-de-prix/Da...y-CH-DE-PL.pdf

Available from your Renault dealer (also see the Dacia Logan 7 seater).