The Things You MUST Consider When Picking the Perfect Family Car
As a parent, there are lots of things to think about. What’s the healthiest diet for your growing little ones? Which local school will provide them with the best education?
Choosing the right car to ferry your children around is high on the list of priorities. In fact, 20% of car buyers cite a lifestyle change - such as having a family - as a reason to look for a new car.
Stats show that Google searches for the term ‘family-friendly cars’ have increased by 100% in the past year, showing drivers are increasingly keen to find the right car for them and their brood.
cinch, the faff-free way to buy a car online, has shared some of the main factors to consider before reserving your next Audi or BMW car.
Safety
First things first, safety should always play a crucial role in your final choice.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: “Of course, most cars nowadays feature basic safety measures such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard.
“But as technology continues to advance, some cars offer better, more secure protection compared to other models on the market.
“One quick way to assess the safety level of the family car you fancy is by looking at its Euro NCAP score. The rating, which goes from one to five, indicates how well the safety equipment is likely to protect you from real-life accident scenarios.
“Specifically, if you plan to have young passengers on board, take a closer look at the Child Occupant Protection scores. Among many things, it evaluates the car’s ability to accommodate child restraints – such as ISOFIX points – that will help you chauffeur your kids safely.”
Boot space
With little travellers keeping you company on your road journeys, you’ll recognise the importance of having plenty of space at the back to carry their toys and a change of clothes.
If they’re very young, there’s a chance you’ll need to always have a pushchair on hand too.
Finding a car that has a big enough boot to store your kids’ essentials can spare a fair few headaches.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, consider both measuring your child’s travel system and checking the boot’s specifications. For example, the Volvo XC90 or the Kia Sorento have roomy boots that can host a pushchair without any trouble.
If your restless kids are a bit older and regularly attend football training or dance classes, a Skoda Superb Estate can do the trick as well. Its 660-litre boot is generous enough to transport about 65 standard-sized footballs to the training ground.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is another important factor to keep in mind when choosing the perfect family car.
As well as contributing to preserving the wellbeing of our planet, a car with good fuel economy can save you precious money at the pump or electric charger.
You’re likely to jump behind the wheel more often than in your child-free days - ferrying your kids here, there and everywhere.
You’re also carrying a heavier load than before, which impacts on the performance and efficiency of your vehicle.
Spacious models like the Toyota Prius or the Subaru Outback can take your family from A to B without having to spend a fortune to get there.
Entertainment
Anyone who has enjoyed long road adventures with the family will know all too well that keeping the littles ones entertained is vital.
This is especially true if you want to keep to a minimum the infamous question that all parents dread – ‘are we there yet?’
Luckily, modern cars have advanced infotainment systems that can keep the whole family engaged as you travel. Most newer models will also have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, allowing you to play your loved ones’ favourite tunes or podcasts.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for instance, is a comfy family sedan with great rear-seat entertainment systems. This model has two monitors built inside the front headrests, meaning your little passengers can watch DVDs or play video games at the back.
Article credit - cinch
