When it comes to choosing a family car, there’s much more to consider than just the number of seats. A perfect family car should offer excellent safety features, plenty of boot space for luggage, and interior space for all family members to sit comfortably.
If you’re currently out in the market in search of the perfect family vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will review some of the best child-friendly cars sold in the UK, focusing on their key features, including space, boot size, seat comfort, and more.
Child-friendly SUVs: Space and Comfort
SUVs are a popular choice among families for their unmatched space and comfort. They offer plenty of room for child seats, and their higher ride height provides excellent visibility, which will make your school run or family vacation more enjoyable.
Among different SUVs, the Land Rover Discovery stands out as a top contender. It’s a large and practical SUV that offers seven seats. The second row has plenty of space for three child seats, and its boot is massive – the Discovery has one of the biggest boots in the SUV class when the third row isn’t in use.
In terms of electric SUVs, the BMW iX3 offers a good blend of space, comfort, and electric efficiency. Its interior is spacious enough to accommodate a couple of child seats, and the boot space is decent for a family-sized load of luggage.
Hybrid Vehicles: Economic and Environment-friendly
The shift towards greener motoring has accelerated in recent years, with hybrid and electric cars now a common sight on British roads. These cars combine petrol or diesel engines with electric power, offering a more eco-friendly and economical way to travel.
Among different hybrid family cars, the Toyota C-HR offers a great mix of practicality, economy, and child-friendly features. Its spacious interior can comfortably fit child seats, and it also offers a reasonably sized boot.
Another worthy contender is the Kia Niro. It’s a compact SUV that offers lots of space, a large boot, and an economical hybrid engine. Its low running costs will certainly be a big plus for families on a budget.
Saloon Cars: High Safety and Comfort Level
For families who prefer a more traditional car shape, saloon cars offer high levels of comfort and safety features. They typically have ample legroom in the back, making them comfortable for older children.
The BMW 3 Series is a popular saloon car among families. It offers plenty of space, a big boot, and a reputation for safety. The car can comfortably accommodate up to three child seats in the back, and its i-Size compatible seats ensure an easy and secure fit for the latest child seats.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is another saloon that is worth considering. It offers an incredible amount of rear legroom, a large boot, and a range of safety features. It can fit up to three child car seats in the back, and its ISOFIX points are easy to reach, which makes installing child seats a breeze.
Estate Cars: Versatility and Space
Estate cars are known for their versatility and space. They combine the comfort and performance of a saloon with the practicality of an SUV. They offer plenty of space for passengers and a larger boot for all the family’s luggage.
The Volvo V90 is an excellent choice for families looking for space and safety. It has generous legroom in the back, a large boot, and a raft of safety features, including multiple Isofix points for child seats. Plus, it comes with a built-in booster seat – a very thoughtful feature for families with children.
The Skoda Superb Estate is another great option. It’s one of the most spacious cars in its class, with a massive boot and lots of rear legroom. It can comfortably fit up to three child seats in the back, and its Isofix points are easy to access, making child seat installation effortless.
Choosing a family car is never an easy task, especially when you need to consider child-friendly features. However, we hope that this review of some of the best family cars in the UK has given you a clearer idea of what to look for in your search for the perfect family vehicle. Remember, safety, space, comfort, and efficiency should be your top considerations when making your choice.
MPVs: Spaciousness and Practicality
Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), also known as people carriers, are a great option if you’re after a family car that offers abundant space. They offer a mix of generous cabin and boot space, with the added benefit of flexible seating configurations.
The Volkswagen Sharan is a typical example of an MPV. It is a seven-seater family car with flexibility at its core. The middle row can comfortably accommodate three child seats side by side, and the seats can be rearranged or folded flat to increase boot space. With its numerous storage compartments, travelling with kids and their belongings becomes less of a hassle.
Another option is the Ford S-Max. This seven-seater MPV provides ample space for a family. The second-row seats can slide forwards and backwards, and they can all fit child seats. Its boot space is generous, even when all seven seats are in use. The car’s Euro NCAP safety rating is commendable, making it a reliable choice for families prioritising safety.
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles: Fuel Efficiency and Lower Emissions
As the need for more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation grows, plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. These types of family cars offer the convenience of both a petrol/diesel engine and an electric motor, resulting in lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of the best plug-in hybrids on the market. It offers a spacious interior, a large boot, and the ability to run on electric power for short trips, making it an excellent option for school runs or shopping trips.
The MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid is a compact SUV that manages to combine the benefits of a plug-in hybrid with the charm and fun of a MINI. Despite its compact dimensions, it offers decent interior space and boot capacity, making it an ideal choice for small families.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect family car involves careful consideration of various factors such as safety features, space, comfort and fuel efficiency. The best family car for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. From spacious MPVs like the Volkswagen Sharan and Ford S-Max, to eco-friendly plug-in hybrids like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid, there are plenty of options available in the UK market.
Regardless of the type of family car you choose, remember the importance of Euro NCAP safety ratings, ISOFIX points for child seats, and spacious boot space for luggage. Always take time to read car reviews and take potential cars for a test drive to ensure they meet your family’s needs.
In conclusion, the market for family cars in the UK is diverse, offering something for everyone, from spacious SUVs and saloons to economical hybrids and practical MPVs. We hope this guide helps you in your search for the best family car that suits your lifestyle and budget.
