Choose a family car that’s spacious, comfortable, great value and fun to drive, though, and you might actually enjoy playing chauffeur – plus those rare, brilliantly peaceful times when you actually get to drive alone will be even more of a pleasure…
Time to buy a new car that’s keep both you and the kids happy, but not sure where to start? Here are some of the very best family-friendly cars currently available.
Skoda Octavia Hatchback
The Skoda Octavia is a great value family car - its high quality package is based on the VW Golf platform, so you get all the dependability of this long established, well respected brand, only at a lower price point. Powerful and good fun to drive, the running costs are also relatively low, the interior is impressively roomy and the trunk is really spacious too.
- Plus points: Affordable to buy and run, spacious.
- Minus points: As Skoda parts are currently hard to come by, repair costs can be high if something goes wrong.
Ford Focus
It’s not as fuel efficient as other family cars in our countdown, but the extra costs are worth it when you consider what a pleasure the Ford Focus is to own. It handles brilliantly and offers a refined drive, and it’s also achieved a maximum five-star crash test rating from Euro NCAP - no wonder it’s one of the most popular cars in the world! Go checkout some of the other Ford Cars by The Car People.
- Plus points: Safe, great to drive.
- Minus points: Fuel costs are high.
BMW 3-Series Touring Estate
If you’d like a family car that’s a little more desirable and luxurious in feel, then you won’t get better than a BMW… The variable driving modes of the 3-Series mean you’ll enjoy a smooth ride whatever the terrain, while the practically but attractively styled interior and split-opening tailgate ensure it’s especially family friendly.
- Plus points: High-end feel and quality finish.
- Minus points: Can be expensive to run.
Hyundai i30 Hatchback
With an appealingly classy look, the Hyundai i30 offers a generous spec as standard. The interior fixtures are surprisingly high quality considering how affordable this nippy car is, with the diesel versions performing especially well. Best of all, it comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty so you can drive safe in the knowledge that you’re totally protected.
- Plus points: High spec, good warranty.
- Minus points: Steering can be sloppy.
Volkswagen Golf
The latest version of the Volkswagen Golf is 100 kg lighter than its predecessor, but it’s actually larger overall. And this small family car in big on features - there’s undeniable quality running through every element of the car’s build, from the generous cabin space to the excellent suspension. It’s expensive to buy, but the Volkswagen Golf holds its value well, making it a good long-term investment.
- Plus points: Great look and quality guaranteed.
- Minus points: High purchase price.
Carsfresh: This tip was provided by Adam Forthergill from thecarpeople.co.uk Manchester, a respected used car dealer based in Manchester, Wakefield and Sheffield within the UK. They stock all kinds of brands from Vauxhall, Audi, BMW and Ford cars.
