equipment so needs to be nice and roomy. I do like my home comforts, so it's got to be comfy, and I'm fed up with the bare minimum manufacturers put into vans! Plenty of gadgets please! Any suggestions for vans or cars I can use?
Mina Ward
Estate cars probably don’t offer you the right amount of height for your crates (although if they do, take a look at the Kia Cee’d – nice to drive, well kitted out, great value and a seven year warranty). MPVs are a better option, but more biased towards families than lugging large crates around. However, I’m big fans of cars like the Citroen Berlingo Multispace, Renault’s Kangoo and the Fiat Qubo. If you can get over the fact that they look like Noddy and Big Ears have just jumped out, they’re well-priced, massively practical and spacious cars (with huge useful boots) that are based on vans, but are actually seriously good to drive and come with all the gadgets and gizmos you could want.
Steve Fowler, editor of What Car? and owner of Leia the Labrador
It sounds like manufacturers are beginning to realise that dog owners still need to buy big cars Honda has unveiled its Dog Friendly Element at the New York International Auto show.
"In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components are intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car."
The car, which will hit the American market in the autumn, includes second-row and cargo area pet restraint systems; a cushioned, elevated pet bed; back-seat covers with doggy designs; and a spill-resistant water bowl.
The Element also bears paw symbols on its exterior and rubber floor mats with toy bone patterns. The most innovative part of the design is a ramp to make it easier for dogs to get into the back, which folds into its cargo area.
Toyota is also about to release a doggified car in the States. That car will also offer doggy seat mats, protective restraints and other elements designed to appeal to pet owners.
Sadly neither company seem to have plans to launch their dog versions in this country.
Beverley Cuddy, Editor
It may be worth considering contacting one of the specialist companies that adapt vehicles specifically for transporting dogs; in addition to providing secure, rattle free caging with removal partitioning these companies can also fit vans with thermal lining, fold away ramps or jump boards and many more features, all with dogs in mind. So if you choose a high spec van
you can have all your mod cons in the front, and the back kitted out to meet the needs of the dogs.
Tig Stephenson
Hi Hairy Dogmother…….I read with interest your letter from a dog lover looking for a new set of wheels. Could I please suggest that Mina looks at the Mercedes-Benz Vito Dualiner. Based on the same chassis and floor plan as the often seen Vito van the Dualiner offers a fantastic drive, individual seating for upto six and a useful area in the rear for the largest of cages, catering for the largest dogs. The middle seats, the Dualiner, can be individually folded or even removed allowing even more space. The fit and finish and the available spec is on a par with the latest cars and the engines will allow excellent fuel economy. You’re backed by a full three year warranty too. All in all a vehicle that is very dog friendly, looks good on the driveway, handles well on the road and delivers class leading mpg. Well worth a look.
ReplyDeleteFor more information please visit……….www.mbvans.co.uk
Look for Vito Dualiner
looking for a cheaper option? we have four teenaged children and three dogs a springer Missie 12yrs an irish setter Rosie 7yrs and a mini schnauzer 10mths to go on holiday last year we needed a new car and found the most amazing luxury van sutable for just this it is an import a Hiace Regious this is like an avencis on steroids! all the gizmos air con etc seats 8 and all the seats are completly movable the seats even fold completly flat to create a double bed! and curtains which shut at the touch of a button so if its a little wet when camping you could stop in the van (these are often used for conversion to day vans). i love that every one can travel together plus luggage and were still not cramped. the dogs love it and have plenty of room i'm sure you could fit great danes in! the van is also no wider than a normal car so parking in no problem either, oh and the boot opening is low so the dogs have no problem getting in and out. good luck with your search x
ReplyDeleteFor years we owned a Renault Kangoo - the best 'dog vehicle' we have ever found.
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