We are currently in the market for a new family car. There are so many on the market today that it has been difficult to narrow our selections down. With so many gadgets and gizmos in a modern car, it can be difficult to consider exactly what you actually need from a family car. Whether it’s for a family road trip or just a quick journey to the supermarket, our car needs to serve so many uses. What’s more, with the busy lives we lead these days, we need something that is reliable and practical in equal measure. A practical family car in the modern day is defined by a number of key attributes. So if you’re looking to make a change or you are fed up with your old “lemon” leaking zest all over the place, here’s what makes a family car the perfect fit.
Space and Comfort
Of course, this is something that’s crucial for not just your family but all of their belongings. A car needs to provide ample room for passengers, particularly in the back seat, and for those young families where so many accessories come along for the ride, boot space is absolutely pivotal. There are cars that provide a huge amount of this. For example, the SEAT Ateca boot space goes up to 485 litres. But there are other options like SUVs that often excel in this area because they don’t just offer multiple seating but generous cargo space as well.
Safety Features
Of course, we know that safety is of the utmost importance. Particularly now when we can easily find ourselves driving distracted, which can cause a whole heap of accidents. Thankfully, many modern cars come equipped with the most advanced safety tech. Such as lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, and of course, airbags. There are many cars like the Nissan Qashqai, which are highly recommended for their excellent safety ratings.
Reliability
We need to depend on our vehicles for daily use, whether it’s a school run or a long trip. Reliability means fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance costs. There are many brands known for their reliability, such as Honda and Toyota, which are often a popular choice with family car buyers. Beyond the brand, maintaining your car’s reliability also involves protecting it from the elements. Using an all-weather car cover can shield your vehicle from damaging UV rays, harsh weather conditions, and even debris, helping preserve the car’s exterior and reduce costly repairs over time.
Economy
With the rising costs of living and the cost of fuel being a major bone of contention amongst drivers, fuel economy is one of those significant considerations. This is where hybrid and electric vehicles can offer excellent fuel efficiency. For example, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric can save families money over time. But it’s not just hybrid vehicles. Diesel options like the Skoda Octavia also provide good mileage for those who would rather use traditional fuel sources or can’t justify the cost of an electric or hybrid vehicle right now.
Practicality
Of course, practicality means enhanced usability. For families, Isofix or child seat compatibility is critical, as well as user-friendly infotainment systems and easy-to-clean interiors can also make for an easier life, particularly when young children are making lots of noise in the back seats!
Driving Experience
Of course, while practicality is vital, we should never overlook the overall driving experience. A car that’s enjoyable to drive will make family outings far more pleasant. And thankfully, many modern family cars balance comfort with a more enjoyable experience behind the wheel. It’s also nice to have a car that can handle the state of roads sometimes, as they’re not always in the best condition and you don’t want a pothole to destroy the car you’ve searched long and hard for, although you’ll have the chance of raising council claims in those situations.
There’s a lot to bear in mind. But arguably these six points truly make a family car the pinnacle of practicality.
