Safety issues of the LAV (Leisure Activity Vehicle)

The L.A.V. or Leisure Activity Vehicle can be described as a mixture between a Minivan and a small size panel van. The concept of introducing a such creation wasn't really present until the late 90s because these box shaped, aerodynamically compromised tall roof line - which is increasing fuel economy -, refinement lacking and utilitarian feeling, uninspired looking converted panel vans didn't seem like that they would attract too many customers so except Renault and Citroen, two car manufacturers which saw the potential in this idea, not to many other ones showed interest in this segment.


This "trend" is dating back to 1977 when Matra launched the Rancho, compact car based, stretched, two door, off road inspired, modified delivery van with some ground clearance. The ideology behind this also French "innovation" was to offer an affordable vehicle for the masses which is looking as rugged and off road capable as the more and more popular becoming Range Rover - of that era - but it's easy to work on, cheap to run and practical. Matra chose the Simca 1100 VF2 delivery van which was basically a long wheelbase version of the Simca 1100 hatchback with a closed cargo area in the back as a platform while the fiber glass body of the Rancho was designed and built by Matra - a company which later designed the first generation Renault Espace. The success of this oddball wasn't particularly compromised by the its non ordinary look but due to the fact that it was only available in a front wheel drive configuration, unlike the rest of the off road oriented vehicles of that era which didn't managed to made it popular in the circles of those people who were looking for an expedition vehicle on a budget; even the presence of the front bumper mounted winch and the limited slip differential - which both was offered on the higher trim versions of the Rancho - couldn't made this 80 HP 1.4 L petrol engine powered early L.A.V. popular. 19 years had to pass until someone remembered that throwing rear seats - either one of two row of them - in a small panel van while replacing the upper portion of the side panels with glass is a simplistic and cost efficient way of achieving a "mini Minivan" however despite these minimalist changes the in question recipe worked mostly because: the earlier mentioned tall roof line is offering more than enough headroom for every single passenger, even if they are basketball player sized ones; in the back 3 child seats can be installed without a problem unlike in the bigger size Mini MPV-s where only 2 are fitting; the combination of an almost same width and height cargo area paired with a wide opening trunk and a flat floor is not only enabling to effortlessly load and unload cargo but it's also swallowing luggage like no other vehicle - the box is the best shape when it's coming to practicality but most car manufacturers dumped this design because it's less attractive to the eye, sacrificing a decent amount of practicality - and last but not least the Minivan like sliding door or doors in the back is making getting in and out or loading/unloading stuff easier while in a tight parking lot the lack of wide opening rear doors is also a plus. All these benefits combined with an economical engine, don't forget that all L.A.V.-s are based on a compact or sub compact vehicle, sharing their engine with them, low running costs, decent fuel economy and the an affordable price tag started to spark the interest of numerous people. For example those who wanted a Minivan or MPV but weren't able to afford one - the base price of a Ford Galaxy, Renault Espace or Volkswagen Sharan is twice as much any L.A.V. - and those who were small manufacturers or individual workers and both used the L.A.V. as a daily and work horse.


Despite the fact that the L.A.V. is containing many advantages which can attract those layers of society who are requiring a practical vehicle on a budget, it's also containing compromises and by saying this I'm not referring to the lack of powerful engine, sound proofing or soft touch materials in the interior but to the lack of crumple zone in the back. Just as I mentioned before, this type of vehicle started its life as a panel van and making it family oriented was an afterthought which can be observed on their structure if we're taking a closer look. The main problem is that panel van's don't need to be safe when it's coming to a rear end collision mostly because they were purposely created to carry cargo instead of people and car companies are well aware of this phenomena so to ensure a cost efficient production run no effort was implemented in applying a crumple zone in the mentioned area which is showing its downsides when car companies are selling the exact same platform as a 7 seater. The main issue isn't with the L.A.V.-s origin but with the fact that car manufacturers did nothing to improve its safety! ! In the video below you'll see what I'm talking about, pause it at 30 seconds and witness how hardly the rear compartment have been damaged.

Source: Allaboutdieselz.