Pleasing the whole family is never easy. Whether it’s choosing a film to watch, a day out or a holiday, you can always expect a few arguments. But what about choosing a car? This big decision isn’t easy, and there are all sorts of factors to consider. Most families are on a tight budget, so price tag and running costs are always going to be a factor. Safety is a huge concern, especially when there are children in the back. Storage space and practicality is another big issue.
Then there are the personal issues. Kids want some great entertainment options. Dad wants something fast and stylish. Mum wants something that won’t break the bank. Like I said, this isn’t an easy choice! The first step is deciding what type of car you’re looking for. Is a smaller hatchback suitable or do you need a seven-seater? In this post, I’ve listed some of the best all-rounders in each category, so you can make an easy choice.
Then there are the personal issues. Kids want some great entertainment options. Dad wants something fast and stylish. Mum wants something that won’t break the bank. Like I said, this isn’t an easy choice! The first step is deciding what type of car you’re looking for. Is a smaller hatchback suitable or do you need a seven-seater? In this post, I’ve listed some of the best all-rounders in each category, so you can make an easy choice.
1. Hatchbacks
Let’s start with the hatchbacks. These are the smaller options at the cheapest end of the spectrum. They’re perfect for small families, and those on a budget. I’ve only included five-door options to make the choice a little easier.
Ford Focus - Ford know a thing or two about squeezing tons of great features into an affordable car. The Focus is spacious enough for a family of four, with plenty of extra room in the boot. Dad’s happy because there’s a real kick of speed under the bonnet, and the 2016 model looks fierce. As for the cost, it’s affordable, and it’s fairly cheap to run as well. Ford have a reputation for reliability and safety, so you’re in good hands.
Kia C’eed - Kia are slowly making a big impact on the UK car market. Their range of budget cars consistently rival the biggest established names. The C’eed is no different, and it’s a fierce rival for against the Focus. It’s a whole £2,000 cheaper than some of its competitors, but don’t mistake that for weakness. The C’eed also comes with Kia’s fantastic seven year (or 100,000 mile) warranty. That gives you peace of mind on the road.
Seat Leon - Seat are another budget alternative to the established names. But, in many cases, it actually outperforms its rivals. The Seat Leon is almost an exact replica of the Volkswagen Golf. That gives it a certain build quality and a robust feeling. However, it’s also an attractive £1,000 cheaper. In terms of fuel economy, the 2016 Leon will fetch up to 74 mpg putting it right at the top of the pile for efficiency.
2. Saloons
Saloon cars, or estates, are slightly larger than the hatchbacks. They offer more practical room in the boot, and little more leg space. You might compromise on price and efficiency, but the kids won’t feel quite so squeezed in the back.
Mazda6 - When it comes to estates, we often roll our eyes. They are usually dull vehicles, built for motorway driving and businessmen. However, the Mazda6 changes all that. Mazda have a reputation for fun, and this car is no different. Weighing in slightly bigger than your average hatchback, there’s a lot more room to play with. It’s also the best looking saloon on the market, and there’s a high-performance engine under the bonnet. It’s about the same price as your standard Ford Mondeo, but it’s a whole lot more fun.
Skoda Octavia - Skoda is another name on this list that you might not immediately trust. However, Skoda haven’t produced a bad car for nearly a decade now. The Octavia ticks every single box, and it does it with style. It sits at the top of its class for fuel economy, and scores incredibly highly for driver satisfaction. In terms of practicality, it will match even the cars in the class above. The Octavia is an all-around star.
3. MPVs
When your family gets that little bit bigger, so must your car. That’s where the people-carriers come in.
Ford B-Max - The Ford B-Max is the MPV starter-pack. In terms of measurements, it lines up a little bigger than the hatchbacks, but you’ll feel the difference inside. There’s a lot more boot space, and more room to breathe in the back. The back doors are sliding, making it easy to get the kids in and out. It’s also taller than your traditional hatchback, and it’s carefully designed for better visibility in all directions. If you need something bigger, you can upgrade to the C-Max.
Citroen C4 Picasso - The C4 Picasso achieves the impossible. Citroen have created an MPV that actually looks stylish! It’s no mean feat, and the surprises don’t end there. Inside, things are incredibly practical, with sliding seats and an enormous boot space. At it’s best, the C4 will reach more than 70 mpg too, making it cheap to run.
4. SUVs
Finally, we come to the 4x4s or SUVs. These bigger crossovers have become incredibly popular over the last few years. Expect to see even more on the school run.
Nissan Qashqai - The Qashqai has surprised everyone (even Nissan) by soaring up the sales charts. It’s now the second best-selling car in the country, behind the Ford Fiesta. The experts at Hilton Garage tell us that demand for the Qashqai is increasing by the day. There’s a good reason for this. The crossover is affordable, practical, and it looks great. It’s the ultimate all-rounder. You can pick one up for under £20,000, and it’s the flagship model for crossovers in Europe.
Land Rover Discovery Sport - If you’ve got a little more cash in your pocket, then we recommend you get the real deal. Despite the enormous rise of crossover SUVs, Land Rover still hold the crown. The Discovery Sport is the best mid-range option. It’s chunky, safe, and kids will love the raised rear seats. It’s the perfect family car, and it’s great for taking those family outings at the weekend. If you’re feeling really flush, upgrade to the Range Rover Sport instead.
That’s all for now, folks! Which is your favourite car of the lot? And, do you have any other great ideas to add to the pile?
Let’s start with the hatchbacks. These are the smaller options at the cheapest end of the spectrum. They’re perfect for small families, and those on a budget. I’ve only included five-door options to make the choice a little easier.
Ford Focus - Ford know a thing or two about squeezing tons of great features into an affordable car. The Focus is spacious enough for a family of four, with plenty of extra room in the boot. Dad’s happy because there’s a real kick of speed under the bonnet, and the 2016 model looks fierce. As for the cost, it’s affordable, and it’s fairly cheap to run as well. Ford have a reputation for reliability and safety, so you’re in good hands.
Kia C’eed - Kia are slowly making a big impact on the UK car market. Their range of budget cars consistently rival the biggest established names. The C’eed is no different, and it’s a fierce rival for against the Focus. It’s a whole £2,000 cheaper than some of its competitors, but don’t mistake that for weakness. The C’eed also comes with Kia’s fantastic seven year (or 100,000 mile) warranty. That gives you peace of mind on the road.
Seat Leon - Seat are another budget alternative to the established names. But, in many cases, it actually outperforms its rivals. The Seat Leon is almost an exact replica of the Volkswagen Golf. That gives it a certain build quality and a robust feeling. However, it’s also an attractive £1,000 cheaper. In terms of fuel economy, the 2016 Leon will fetch up to 74 mpg putting it right at the top of the pile for efficiency.
2. Saloons
Saloon cars, or estates, are slightly larger than the hatchbacks. They offer more practical room in the boot, and little more leg space. You might compromise on price and efficiency, but the kids won’t feel quite so squeezed in the back.
Mazda6 - When it comes to estates, we often roll our eyes. They are usually dull vehicles, built for motorway driving and businessmen. However, the Mazda6 changes all that. Mazda have a reputation for fun, and this car is no different. Weighing in slightly bigger than your average hatchback, there’s a lot more room to play with. It’s also the best looking saloon on the market, and there’s a high-performance engine under the bonnet. It’s about the same price as your standard Ford Mondeo, but it’s a whole lot more fun.
Skoda Octavia - Skoda is another name on this list that you might not immediately trust. However, Skoda haven’t produced a bad car for nearly a decade now. The Octavia ticks every single box, and it does it with style. It sits at the top of its class for fuel economy, and scores incredibly highly for driver satisfaction. In terms of practicality, it will match even the cars in the class above. The Octavia is an all-around star.
3. MPVs
When your family gets that little bit bigger, so must your car. That’s where the people-carriers come in.
Ford B-Max - The Ford B-Max is the MPV starter-pack. In terms of measurements, it lines up a little bigger than the hatchbacks, but you’ll feel the difference inside. There’s a lot more boot space, and more room to breathe in the back. The back doors are sliding, making it easy to get the kids in and out. It’s also taller than your traditional hatchback, and it’s carefully designed for better visibility in all directions. If you need something bigger, you can upgrade to the C-Max.
Citroen C4 Picasso - The C4 Picasso achieves the impossible. Citroen have created an MPV that actually looks stylish! It’s no mean feat, and the surprises don’t end there. Inside, things are incredibly practical, with sliding seats and an enormous boot space. At it’s best, the C4 will reach more than 70 mpg too, making it cheap to run.
4. SUVs
Finally, we come to the 4x4s or SUVs. These bigger crossovers have become incredibly popular over the last few years. Expect to see even more on the school run.
Nissan Qashqai - The Qashqai has surprised everyone (even Nissan) by soaring up the sales charts. It’s now the second best-selling car in the country, behind the Ford Fiesta. The experts at Hilton Garage tell us that demand for the Qashqai is increasing by the day. There’s a good reason for this. The crossover is affordable, practical, and it looks great. It’s the ultimate all-rounder. You can pick one up for under £20,000, and it’s the flagship model for crossovers in Europe.
Land Rover Discovery Sport - If you’ve got a little more cash in your pocket, then we recommend you get the real deal. Despite the enormous rise of crossover SUVs, Land Rover still hold the crown. The Discovery Sport is the best mid-range option. It’s chunky, safe, and kids will love the raised rear seats. It’s the perfect family car, and it’s great for taking those family outings at the weekend. If you’re feeling really flush, upgrade to the Range Rover Sport instead.
That’s all for now, folks! Which is your favourite car of the lot? And, do you have any other great ideas to add to the pile?
