'MPVs are more suitable for Jakarta'

The Jakarta Motor Show and Jakarta Motorcycle Show now being held at the Jakarta Convention Center has proven a big hit with visitors. Most of those at the show are not planning on buying a new car, but simply enjoy checking out the latest trends in automobiles. The Jakarta Post spoke with several people about what types of vehicles were best suited for a big city like Jakarta.

Dandy, 37, is an entrepreneur involved in the aquarium fish trade. He lives with his family in Tangerang:

I like multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) because I have to transport a lot of stuff for my work -- tools and a change of clothes. My company is involved in trading aquarium fish and an MPV can carry lots of fish.

But currently I am still using public transportation. When I need a car, I rent an Isuzu Panther or a Toyota Kijang. My wife drives a sedan that her office provided for her.

MPVs are more suitable for cities like Jakarta. They are designed to be more compact, like city cars. Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are more convenient for traveling out of the city, like going to Bandung. They can manage bad roads better.

David Permadi, 30, is in the manufacturing business. He lives with his family in Pancoran, South Jakarta:

For your main car, it is better to have an MPV. For an additional vehicle, you can get something else.

An MPV is better because it can be carry lots of people and things. When we buy a new car, we always choose an MPV because there are five people in the family. You can fit four in a sedan, but no more.

But a sedan is more comfortable for dates, speaking from first-hand experience.

There is a new trend for 4x4 SUVs. They are big and stylish and can be used for all kinds of situations -- regular roads, going off-road. But I still prefer an MPV. Four-wheel drive SUVs usually have smaller cabins in the back.

-- The Jakarta Post