There are many things to consider when you want to buy a new family car, but the most important are space, affordability, and safety.
There is no one perfect family car, but the guide is going to help you determine the right option for you.
What is the car’s NCAP rating?
If you consider safety important, as many people do, then you should look at the Europe NCAP’s list of the safest cars. You can also compare the safety ratings of cars on your shortlist.
Euro NCAP stands for The European New Car Assessment Program. It gives all the cars in Europe a rating after taking them through a range of lab crash tests.
When comparing cars from different years, you should keep in mind that a car that achieved a five-star rating in the past would achieve three or four stars now. Today, testing has become more thorough and car safety technology has improved.
The type of car you want
Cars come in four main body styles, with each of them coming with its own pros and cons.
A hatchback is an economical cat to run, but you have to make a compromise on space. If a lot of space is important for you, a people carrier is a good option for you. Keep in mind that you have to pay a couple of thousand to upgrade from a hatchback to a larger model.
Other types to consider are saloons and estates. Estates are great to drive, low cost to run, and practical, but some models put more focus on lifestyle than having a lot of boot space, which estates are known for.
A salon might be a good option for those looking for a traditional-looking car that comes with a separate boot. You get more space compared to a hatchback.
How easy is it for kids to get in and out of the car?
A coupe is a dream for many, but if you have young children, then it is important to choose a car that has rear doors. Some have rear doors that open wide, which is great for when it rains and you want to get your toddler or baby buckled as fast as possible.
Is the car economical to run?
Diesel, petrol, or hybrid? Whichever option you go with, make sure the car has low CO2 emissions. This way, you don’t have to pay a lot in road tax.
When choosing a car, look at cars that are in the low car insurance group. This allows you to pay less for your car insurance, which can add up a lot in the long run. Find the best insurance deals at car.co.uk.
People will always want to get a car that looks good, but when dealing with a family car, affordability and practicality carry equal if not more weight.
Seats
The obvious fact is every member of the family needs to have their own seat, but you should have at least one spare seat. You are going to need it when giving one of their friends a lift or when your family grows.
Sliding rear seats
If you want the option of adjusting the rear seat space and the size of the boot, then this option is good for you. Look for cars that come with sliding rear seats.
Children usually prefer looking out of the window when the car is moving, especially when it is a long journey, so you should choose a car that is not too low when they are seated. The view should not be obscured.
Depending on the age of your kids, ISOFIX points might be the deal-breaker.
Boot space
There are times when you find a car model that ticks all the boxes, but when you get to the boot, you realize that is not big enough to fit your weekly shopping. If you take the road on holiday, you are going to need enough space to put your luggage and the kid’s toys.
Depending on the needs of your family or the size of your boot, a roof box and roof rack might be a necessity. One of the areas that most drivers don’t compromise on is boot space. The opening of the boot has to be in practical shape. If you consider boot space the most important feature, then it is best to choose an estate car. It gives you a lot of boot space.
