Over the last two decades, there has been a marked shift in the family car market. Increasingly families prefer larger SUVs. These tend to offer more space for children and pets, and they’re capable of tackling all of the outdoor challenges that family life can throw up.
For many families, however, the disadvantages of an SUV can be just as considerable. If you’re looking to minimise your fuel spend, the inefficiency of these vehicles might be a deal-breaker. The sheer size of the average SUV might also be prohibitive, especially if you’re having to park in narrow streets.
So, what are the alternatives? Let’s take a look at a few other varieties of car that might be suited to family life.
Estate Cars: Spacious and Versatile
An estate provides a winning balance between carrying capacity, power and performance. There are also plenty of hybrid and fully-electric models in this category, too. The Skoda Superb Estate is an excellent example, offering enormous amounts of boot space, while still maintaining a pleasant driving experience, and a comfortable ride for both drivers and passengers.
MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles): Family-Friendly Design
A multi-purpose vehicle offers exactly the features that most families are looking for. They offer huge amounts of capacity that will make light work of the school run, as well as all but the most demanding outdoor adventure holidays. Despite this, they’ve been largely displaced by the SUV – though this is no reason to overlook them.
Ideally, you’ll want to look for an MPV that can be easily adapted to suit your needs. The Dacia Jogger is a great, affordable example. You can fold the seats down to provide space for more luggage, or keep them up to provide room for seven people.
Hatchbacks: Compact Yet Practical
For those in search of a practical, smaller option, the Hatchback is an obvious choice. These tend to be a great match for urban families in search of something nimble enough to deal with a daily commute. The Volkswagen Golf and Ford Fiesta are two enduringly popular members of this category. Both offer a superb drive, as well as a compact shape that can be easily manoeuvred through even the most tightly packed car park. The Fiesta has now been discontinued – but if you’re shopping for used cars, it remains an excellent option.
Electric Family Cars: Eco-Friendly Options
Families across the country will be considering their options when it comes to electric vehicles. These tend to be more environmentally friendly, especially if you know that you’re going to be driving long distances. When considering an electric vehicle, you’ll want to factor in the availability of local charging stations, and the range you’ll get from the vehicle’s battery.
Whatever variety of family car you ultimately opt for, it’s vital that you ensure that it matches your needs. Think about exactly where you’ll be driving, and what your budget should be – both in terms of the up-front cost of the vehicle, and ongoing costs like fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
