5 Best Family Cars in the UK: Key Features and Tips for Families from The Motherload

Looking to buy a family car? You’ll love our handy guide to help you choose the right car for you – and know what to ask in the garage. We’ve even got you started with five different models that are most frequently recommended on The Motherload® community to make things easier! Each one has three key features for families, and including information on ISOFIX.

When it comes to choosing a family car in the UK, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, think about the size of your family as well as the type of driving you’ll be doing. Will you mostly be doing school runs or do you plan on taking longer trips? You’ll also want to consider fuel efficiency, safety features and reliability.

The Motherload®’s Top 5 Family Cars

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a popular choice for families in the UK, and for good reason. Here are three key features that make it a great option:

• ISOFIX: The Focus comes with ISOFIX attachments as standard, making it easy to install child car seats safely.
• Spacious interior: The Focus is surprisingly spacious, with plenty of room for a family of four. The boot is also a decent size, so you can easily fit in your weekly shop.
• Fuel efficiency: The Focus is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, so you can choose one that suits your needs. If you’re looking for something really efficient, consider the diesel model.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a classic family car that has been a firm favourite in the UK for many years. Here are three key features that make it a great option:

• Safety features: The Golf comes with a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and emergency braking. It has also scored highly in Euro NCAP safety tests.
• Spacious interior: The Golf has plenty of space for a family of four, and the boot is a decent size. It’s also available as a hatchback or an estate, depending on your needs.
• Comfortable ride: The Golf is known for its comfortable ride, which makes it ideal for longer trips. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the car, you’ll appreciate the smooth ride.

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a popular crossover SUV that’s perfect for families. Here are three key features that make it a great option:

• Spacious interior: The Qashqai has plenty of room for a family of four, and the boot is a decent size too. It’s also available with a range of storage options, so you can keep your car organised.
• Advanced safety features: The Qashqai comes with a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and emergency braking. It’s also scored highly in Euro NCAP safety tests.
• Fuel efficiency: The Qashqai is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, so you can choose one that suits your needs. It’s also available as a hybrid, which is worth considering if you’re looking for something more efficient.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is a stylish SUV that’s perfect for families who want something a little more eye-catching. Here are three key features that make it a great option:

• Spacious interior: The Sportage has plenty of room for a family of four, and the boot is a decent size too. It’s also available with a range of storage options, so you can keep your car organised.
• Advanced safety features: The Sportage comes with a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and emergency braking. It’s also scored highly in Euro NCAP safety tests.

• Comfortable ride: The Sportage has a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. This makes it ideal for longer journeys, especially if you have younger children who might get restless.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV that’s known for its reliability and practicality. Here are three key features that make it a great option for families:

• ISOFIX: The RAV4 comes with ISOFIX attachments as standard, making it easy to install child car seats safely.
• Spacious interior: The RAV4 has plenty of room for a family of four, and the boot is a decent size too. It’s also available with a range of storage options, so you can keep your car organised.
• Advanced safety features: The RAV4 comes with a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and emergency braking. It’s also scored highly in Euro NCAP safety tests.

New to ISOFIX? Here’s what you need to know

ISOFIX is an important feature to look out for when choosing a family car. It’s a system that makes it easy to install child car seats safely and securely, without the need for seat belts. All of the cars listed above come with ISOFIX as standard, but it’s worth double-checking with the dealership to make sure.

Questions to ask when you are buying a car

1: Can you show me how to install a child car seat using the ISOFIX system? It’s important to know how to install a child car seat safely, and the salesperson should be able to show you how to do this using the ISOFIX system.

2: What are the running costs of this car? As mentioned earlier, it’s important to consider the cost of running the car, including fuel efficiency, emissions, road tax and insurance. Ask the salesperson to give you an idea of the costs involved, so you can make an informed decision.

3: Does this car have any additional safety features? While all of the cars listed above come with ISOFIX and a range of safety features as standard, there may be additional features that you’re interested in. Ask the salesperson if there are any optional safety features available, and how they might benefit your family.

Feeling confident that you’re buying the right car for your family is super important, as it can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time travelling around with your kids! Remember to involve the whole family in the decision-making process, and don’t be afraid to take your time and shop around until you find the perfect car for your needs. Happy buying!