From school runs to holidays and days out, a good family car is essential for getting your gang from A to B. You’ll want plenty of features to keep everyone safe – and enough room to fit them in in the first place. And it needs to be within your budget too, of course.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows new car sales were down in 2019. Yet the family car market is one of the most competitive there is, meaning there’s plenty of choice at affordable prices.
Below are five of the best value family cars on the market right now.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has long been one of the most popular family cars here in the UK – and with good reason. This nippy hatchback is a thrill to drive and decent value too.
Optional features on the latest model include adaptive cruise control and sign recognition, while Wi-Fi capability will be enough to keep everyone happy on long drives.
Audi A3
If you’re looking for a functional family car that retains a sense of style, the Audi A3 is more than worth a test drive. Its spacious interior is a joy to behold, while its ride quality is as quiet and comfortable as you could hope for.
On top of that, the A3’s technological features are some of the best in its class.
Skoda Octavia
It’s difficult to beat the Skoda Octavia for space and value. Sharing mechanical parts with the VW Golf, the Octavia has a huge 590-litre boot and more than enough room inside for everyone to stretch out. Need to pack enough stuff for a two-week holiday? Easy.
Size isn’t everything, however – it’s comfortable and efficient too.
Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra is among the cheapest on this list, and for its price it’s a great car too. Its handling is solid, the ride is comfortable, and there’s plenty of safety and entertainment features available.
If you opt to buy second-hand, an extended RAC warranty from ALA will protect you from expensive repairs.
Honda Civic
Civics have been around for a while now and remain a solid choice for families. The boot is roomy, and seats can be easily folded to make room for bikes or other large items.
Crucially they’re safe too – emergency braking technology comes as standard on all post-2014 models.
Which family-sized model have you got your eye on?
