The top family vehicles offer value, comfort, and style. From reliability to safety to affordability, only some cars can meet families’ needs. Do you know which vehicles top the list of the UK’s best family cars for 2017?
2017 Nissan Qashqai SUV
The 2017 Nissan Qashqai is a versatile crossover SUV that falls into a fairly affordable price range and has a respectable number of features. If you stick with a petrol engine, you can choose between the turbocharged 113bhp 1.2-litre and 160bhp 1.6-litre DiG-T. However, it’s worth considering the diesel engine options, which can return up to 74 mpg, whereas the petrol engines offer 47-50 mpg.
The mid-range trims come with excellent front fog lights, and the top-of-the-line Tekna features a lovely leather interior. All 2017 Qashqai models come standard with driver assistance technology. If you opt for the N-Connecta trim, you get the Around View Monitor 360-degree camera and NissanConnect’s integrated apps.
Pros and Cons
The interior is well-designed with easy-to-locate controls and an infotainment system that has a user-friendly interface.
If you can spend the extra £500, the Smart Vision Pack is a helpful add-on that includes a lane-departure warning, emergency braking, and other important features to keep your vehicle safely on the road.
As for interior space, there is plenty of room for adults of all sizes, and the 430-litre boot can hold a lot of bulky cargo. A few competitors in its class boast slightly more boot space, such as the Renault Kadjar’s 527-litre boot space.
Unfortunately, rear visibility in the Qashqai is limited. Also, some buyers are reporting electrical malfunctions and poor material quality on the interior, leading to some reliability issues.
Fuel Efficiency
If fuel efficiency is a key factor in purchasing your next vehicle, you will want to consider the Qashqai since the Acenta 1.5 dCi 110PS can get up to 74 mpg and has an estimated tank range of 899 miles.
2017 Skoda Octavia
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly family vehicle, the recently redesigned 2017 Skoda Octavia has plenty of attractive features. You can select between a 1.0-L or 1.4-L turbocharged petrol engine or a 1.6-L or 2.0-L diesel engine. The 2.0-L engine can produce up to 227 bhp.
There is an optional add-on for a customized key that can store preferences for multiple drivers. Also, if you’re feeling fancy, you can select the heated steering wheel option for additional comfort during cooler months.
Pros and Cons
This hatchback’s 590 litres of boot space can be expanded to an impressive 1,580 when the rear seats are folded down. For a hatchback, this is a relatively good amount of boot space. However, space throughout the rest of the car might feel limited for taller adults, especially if they are sitting in the rear seats.
The interior on the base trim is somewhat basic, so if you want a model that stands out and appears to have better quality materials, you will have to pay more for a model higher up in the line.
Fuel Efficiency
On the low end of the spectrum, the Octavia gets about 42 mpg, but with one of the more petrol-friendly engines you can achieve 72 mpg. The 1.4 TSI 150 petrol engine has the best combination of fuel efficiency and performance.
2017 Hyundai i30
If you’re wanting to purchase a family vehicle that has a sportier vibe to it than the generic hatchback, you might want to consider the 2017 Hyundai i30. It features a height-adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth capability, and options for a panoramic sunroof and leather seats.
Pros and Cons
The i30 provides a relatively smooth ride on the road that seems fit for driving a family around. The infotainment features are easy to use, but tech-savvy drivers will need to upgrade to the SE Nav for a better infotainment set-up.
The exterior looks somewhat dated and could use an update, but the interior is well-designed and contemporary, featuring quality materials. The dash can be a bit confusing and seems cluttered.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2017 Hyundai i30 gets between 52 and 74 mpg, which is about average for vehicles in its class. The diesel engine provides the best fuel efficiency, but the two petrol engine options put out decent fuel efficiency as well.
2017 Mazda 3
The 2017 Mazda 3 is a powerful little hatchback that fits the needs of most daily drivers. Features include a high-tech advanced safety system with lane-keep assistance, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and rear smart city brake support.
Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment system has a lot of nice tech features, including a monitor mounted atop the dash for drivers and passengers alike to easily see.
Pros and Cons
The brand new Skyactiv G-vectoring control seems a bit pointless, as there is not much of a noticeable difference between turn handling on the 2016 and 2017 models, although the car handles turns quite well and has in previous years.
The new electronic switch, which replaces the handbrake, opens up space on the dash, allowing for larger cup-holders and more clearly-labelled dials to exist.
Fuel Efficiency
The Mazda 3 gets great fuel economy at 74.3 mpg of fuel consumption and 99g/km of CO2 emissions on the higher end of the spectrum.
2017 Audi A3
Slightly pricier than some of its competitors, the 2017 Audi A3 embodies luxury and performance, all wrapped up into a comfortable family car. There are multiple engine options, although the 2.0 TDI seems to be one of the best. No matter which engine you choose, each features an automatic start-stop system.
The SE, Sport, and SE Technik all come with dynamic suspension, and the S Line and Black Edition come with a high-powered sport suspension.
Each trim comes standard with the Audi Smartphone Interface, a Colour Driver’s Information System, voice control, Bluetooth capability, and 2 USB charging ports and 1 AUX-IN.
Pros and Cons
The chassis is finely-tuned to give a sporty-feeling ride, so you will not feel like you’re driving an average hatch. The five-door Sport hatchback is especially athletic in terms of performance. The A3 lacks the fun of a VW Golf, but it is a reliable automobile nonetheless.
The interior design is comfortable but looks slightly outdated. The A3 is much more conservative compared to competitors like the Volvo V40.
Fuel Efficiency
On the lower end of the spectrum, the 2.0 TFSI quattro engine gets 48.7 mpg and gives 133 g/km in CO2 emissions. The high-powered 2.0 TDI engine can get about 70.6 mpg and puts out 105 g/km in CO2 emissions.
While each of these vehicles have minor drawbacks, they put forth powerful performances and offer a lot in the way of reliability and fuel economy. All are worthy of a test-drive, so if you’re in the market for a new ride, check your local dealership for one of these fantastic family cars.