What Makes the Ideal Family Car?

Choosing the perfect family car is no small feat. With safety, practicality, comfort, and cost all vying for priority, the decision requires careful thought.

In the UK, where roads range from narrow village lanes to bustling motorways, the ideal family car must balance versatility with reliability, whilst also staying within budget.

Before choosing your next family car, take our below points into consideration to help make your choice that little bit easier! 

Safety First.

Safety is non-negotiable. Many modern family cars already come equipped with some of the most desirable advanced safety features.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, and Lane Departure Warning alerts are all sought after features which can help to protect both you and your family. 

When shopping for your ideal family car, you may often come across the EuroNCAP Safety system. All cars are given a safety rating out of 5 and following the EuroNCAP Safety rating can help you to shop for the safest of cars.

Cars are tested in a variety of settings and focuses on factors like front and side impact, pedestrian protection, child restraint assessments and safety technology. Cars with high Euro NCAP ratings—ideally five stars can help to offer peace of mind for parents.

Space and Practicality.

Whilst a spacious boot is essential for pushchairs, sports kit, or weekly shopping, there’s also a range of factors to consider when thinking about space and practicality. Look for:

• Flexible Seating: Seven-seat options, like the Ford S-Max or Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, cater to larger families, with foldable rear seats for extra cargo space.
• Wide Door Openings: Makes fitting child seats or helping kids in and out easier.
• Storage Solutions: Cubbyholes, cupholders, and deep door bins keep clutter at bay.

Families now have more choice than ever when it comes to body styles and there are many ‘cross-over’ cars which can blend the practicality of a hatchback with the space of a SUV.

Comfort for All.

Shopping with the driver in mind is primarily a car buyer’s first port of call. But, if you regularly ferry the full family around and create memories on long road trips, it’s essential everyone on board is comfortable. Make your car shopping experience easier by prioritising:

• Adjustable Seating: Ensures adults and older children can find a comfy position.
• Climate Control: Dual- or tri-zone systems keep everyone happy, from tots to grandparents.
• Quiet Cabin: Good sound insulation can reduce stress on noisy motorways.

If you want to splash the cash, you could also consider desirable features like Rear-seat entertainment options, built-in screens and USB ports can make trips more bearable for restless passengers.

Efficiency and Running Costs.

Owning and running car can be expensive, so ensuring your next car is cheap to run and efficient is key. With fuel prices and environmental concerns ever-present, efficiency matters.

Drivers can now choose from EVs, Hybrids, Petrol Cars and Diesel-powered vehicles. All of which can provide great efficiency, depending on your driving styles. 

• Hybrids: Offers strong fuel economy for those not ready for full electric.
• EVs: Provide zero-emission driving, with growing UK charging infrastructure.
• Diesels: Still viable for high-mileage drivers and can offer frugal performance.

Choosing cars which have low maintenance costs and strong reliability ratings can help you to save money in the long run. A generous warranty, such as Kia’s seven-year warranty or Hyundai’s five-year warranty can add further reassurance and peace of mind. 

Technology and Connectivity.

Previously, features like infotainment systems, cruise control, and parking aids would cost you extra, but nowadays, you can get many handy bits of tech at no extra cost. A family car should keep everyone connected and entertained.

Infotainment systems like Apple Car Play or Android Auto integrate your smartphone for hands-free calls or easy navigation. Other features like Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring can help to make motorway driving a breeze. 

Affordability and Value.

Budget is also a key consideration, and you should try not to stray from your max budget when car shopping. Leasing or PCP deals can also make higher-spec models more accessible, but always check total costs, including insurance and tax.

If you’re choosing to finance your next car, there’s a whole range of products to choose from. From no deposit car finance deals to low interest rates, comparing finance products and lenders can help you get the best deal for your budget.  

So, what really makes the ideal family car?

The ideal family car blends safety, space, and efficiency with a dash of comfort and tech, whilst fitting comfortably into your budget.

Whether it’s a practical estate, a versatile SUV, or an eco-friendly EV, the best choice depends on your family’s needs and lifestyle. One bonus tip we have is to test drive as many cars in your budget as possible. Pile in the kids, pack the boot, and see how it feels.