Top Three Family-Friendly Vehicles in Hong Kong for 2014

Truly the granddaddy of them all, Toyota’s Hiace has been in continuous production since 1967 and is rightly credited with starting the van revolution that is still going strong in Asia today. Having been offered over the years in a nearly endless array of configurations, options and trim levels, this once-lowly parcel carrier has continually been improved and adapted into a modern, efficient, stylish utilitarian vehicle. It now offers multiple trim levels from basic to luxury and numerous seating arrangements; with interiors available for families with seating for seven or more, should they so desire.

Still, the Hiace is a Toyota at heart, so it comes with the world-renowned reputation for reliability and longevity, and excellent warranty coverage. Pricing for a well-equipped 2014 Hiace is around HK$325,000.

Not surprisingly, with so much going for the Hiace, its little brother was bound to be a hit as well. The recently redesigned, ultra-modern Noah has been a very hot seller for the past year because it fills the gap between Toyota’s upmarket sedans and its ever-popular Hiace van -- all while wearing a very fashion-forward exterior. Slightly smaller and somewhat more car-like in its driving position, the Noah carries up to eight passengers in comfort and futuristic style. Ingress and egress are easier too, since the Noah has a nearly flat floor and the undercarriage has been designed to place the bottom of vehicle very low to the ground, which aids in stability. Plus, with its modern hybrid power plant (sourced from the current Prius) and constantly variable transmission, it is low-emission certified and very fuel-efficient. Pricing is around HK$320,000.

Not a newcomer to the market by any means, Nissan’s Serena goes back nearly a quarter century. However, the model of today is by no means old-tech, thanks to a regenerative hybrid electric assist system integrated into the vehicle that reduces engine runtime during stops. Overall the engine, which uses direct injection fuel delivery and is coupled to a constantly variable transmission, is significantly more efficient with far fewer emissions than Serenas of the past. But beyond all the improvements to the power train, the Serena is also a much more refined and luxurious vehicle. The Nissan Serena has exceptional visibility, which lends to improved passenger safety, for up to eight passengers to be exact. The Nissan Serena is priced between HK$230,00 to HK$360,000 depending on trim level selected.

Hong Kong is known for being a very safe city to live in: however the same cannot always be said for driving. Dense peak-hour congestion and occasionally severe weather add up to lots of fender-benders, and repair bills in Hong Kong are not cheap. More concerning even than cosmetic damage to your new family hauler is the risk of theft. The vehicles listed above are frequently the targets of thieves due to their popularity and value, and car theft and smuggling the cars abroad for resale or stripping them for parts is a big, albeit illegal, business in Hong Kong and southern China.

The best protection for both accidents and theft is to be prepared. This includes having a factory-installed or aftermarket vehicle tracking system fitted to your new automobile so that you can always keep an eye on it, and so that police have a better chance of recovering the vehicle should it ever fall into the wrong hands.

Additionally, the need for comprehensive auto insurance cannot be understated, since paying a little more in premium rates can reap huge dividends should you ever have an accident. And if your new pride and joy ever does get stolen, the right coverage will make sure that you are not faced with a huge financial loss, and that ultimately you will be able to replace your stolen vehicle with a new one and get back on the road quickly.

To discuss your options for comprehensive automobile insurance talk to a Kwiksure Insurance Advisor today or click here for a free online price quote. We have policies to fit virtually any budget and our staff will happily take the time to help you find the plan that is perfect for your needs.