The Best Family-Friendly Cars

Looking for a new car can be exciting, but it can also be quite daunting. Buying a family car means considering not just what you want from a car, but what works for the whole family. We may all dream of owning a stylish two-seater, but the reality is with a family in tow, this is just not practical.

You also have to think about budget, which for many families can be a top priority. The good news on this front is that interest rates are currently low, so there has never been a better time to find a good car finance deal. In fact, some car dealerships are even able to offer 0 per cent finance, which means you don’t pay any interest over the course of your agreement.

So let’s get to it and take a closer look at some of the best family-friendly cars on the market.

Kia Ceed

If you are looking for all the mod-cons at an affordable price, the Kia Ceed is a good starting point. 

The Ceed is available as a hatchback, a practical estate, known as the Kia Ceed Sportswagon and an SUV inspired XCeed, so offers something for everyone’s needs.

Pros:

• Excellent reliability backed-up by impressive seven-year warranty
• Affordable both new and used
• Spacious interior with room for grown-up children in the rear seats

Cons:

• Firm ride so can be unsettled over rougher surfaces
• Higher CO2 emissions than some other models

 

Hyundai i30

Like the Kia Ceed, the Hyundai i30 is available in a variety of body styles. From the stylish hatchback, i30 Fastback saloon and practical i30 Tourer estate you really are spoilt for choice.

Pros:

• Mild hybrid engines available which add a boost to efficiency
• Five-year unlimited mileage warranty
• Good level of standard equipment

Cons:

• Not the roomiest back seats, better suited to younger children
• 5 star Euro NCAP rating although did not perform as well as the Corolla in protecting adults or children 

VW Golf

A longstanding favourite, the Volkswagen Golf has a lot to offer families looking for a reliable and comfortable car.

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable on the road whether making trips round town or covering motorway miles
• Spacious and well-built interior makes it easy to live with 
• Enduring popularity means a wealth of models to choose from if buying used

Cons:

• More expensive than some rivals
• Entry-level models come fairly sparsely equipped for the cost

Ford Focus

Another firm family favourite is the Focus. Like many models this is available in both a hatchback and estate style, so no matter what your preferences there is sure to be something to suit. 

Pros:

• One of the best cars to drive with responsive steering and agile handling
• Roomy rear seats offer plenty of space for the whole family
• Come with a host of features to make life easier, like Ford’s Quickclear windscreen

Cons:

• Focus holds its value well so can be quite expensive if you are looking to buy used
• Interior not as high-quality as the Volkswagen Golf

Toyota Corolla

Toyota has an exceptional reputation for reliability, so is a safe option for many buyers looking for no-nonsense motoring. The Corolla is a stylish looking hatch that has plenty to offer families.

Pros:

• Advanced hybrid powertrains reduce running costs and CO2 emissions
• Impressive standard equipment 
• Excellent safety equipment with a five-star Euro NCAP rating performing highly in all area tested

Cons:

• Not as roomy as some of the other models in the list, especially in the rear
• Pricier than some models in the list

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