What makes a fantastic family car?

For families large and small, the vehicle you use for errands, the school run, holidays and day trips is an important choice to make. Getting a new family car may even be on your to-do list for 2022. But which one do you go for? 

Choosing the car that will see so much family life comes with great responsibility, and there’s a fair few boxes to tick in order to find the perfect one. Here are a few of the factors that add up to make a fantastic family car… 

Safety First 

The most obvious point but for good reason; the safety of the vehicle you choose to transport you and the kids in is paramount. The best steer on safety that you can get is how each car is rated by Euro NCAP, who provide consumer information on the safety of new cars. This takes into consideration the results of crash tests, as well as the safety features fitted by the manufacturers themselves. The more stars they rate the car, the safer it is, and it’s those with a five-star rating that you’ll want to focus on. 

Plenty of Seats (and Legroom) 

‘Are we nearly there yet?’ The back seats will play a big part in the perfect family car. Tot up the number of regular passengers to determine if a simple hatchback is all you need, or whether something like an SUV might give you and your little ones the space you need. For larger families, a third row of seats might be in order, in which case you’ll want to look at MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles).

Bags of Storage 

Buggies, pets, shopping bags, suitcases…the list of things that a fantastic family car will need to have ample space for is a long one! Whilst you’ll obviously be on the lookout for a generously sized boot, it’s worth considering the width of the tailgate too, particularly for bulkier items, such as prams. Also keep your eyes peeled for cup holders, a roomy glove compartment, and handy spaces in general for things like tissues, hand sanitiser, and of course, sweets!

Durability

Any parent knows how frequently spills, stains, and muddy boot prints occur, and how much easier it is when the material it happens to is forgiving! Dark fabrics that are easily cleaned are preferable to light, easily damaged seat coverings. Cream leather might be the dream, but your future self will thank you for steering clear! 

Excellent Economy 

If you’re looking for your next family car, it’s likely that budget is on your mind, and not just in terms of the initial purchase. The ideal family car will be economical to run, so you’ll want to look for around 50-60mpg as a benchmark to ensure you’re getting fuel efficiency while you’re on your travels. 

Handy Extras

With family cars packed full of impressive features these days, it’s worth keeping an eye out for ones that will make being out and about that much easier. For example, keyless entry will help you when you’re juggling shopping, a toddler and your mobile phone. A backseat entertainment system keeps everyone quiet on long journeys, and a reversing camera will take the stress out of parking up at the school gates!