Best family cars
The family car sector is arguably the most competitive area of the UK car market. It has grown over the last two decades to include everything from your "humdrum" hatchback to the most expensive premium SUVs and performance estates. However, here at CarBuyer, our focus is on value for money, so we’ve complied a list of the best family cars on sale today.
The new Volkswagen Golf sets the class benchmark, while cars like the Hyundai i30 and Kia Cee’d find themselves hot on its heels – offering exceptional value in well-rounded, safe packages. We’ve also included some impressive load lifters like the Mazda 6 – with enough space for three kids and the kitchen sink.
So if you’re in the market for a capable family car and aren’t sure where to start, be sure to take a look at our comprehensive top 10.
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1
New Skoda Octavia hatchback
£21,390 - £21,390
The new Skoda Octavia has pushed the boundaries in terms of value. It comes as a top quality package based on the trusted VW Golf platform, has an extensive equipment list and a huge boot. It’s cheaper to buy than the VW and feels just as well put together. Skoda owners are well satisfied, too – with the brand frequently topping the Auto Express Driver Power survey.
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2
Volkswagen Golf hatchback
£16,495 - £24,375
As the cliche goes, the new Volkswagen Golf could well be all the car you’ll ever need. But it has once again set the benchmark in the family car sector with its mix of quality, economy and practicality, making rivals like the Vauxhall Astra and Renault Megane look dated and uninspiring. It's 100kg lighter than the car it replaces yet larger in almost every area. Interior space is abundant and the boot is huge.
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3
SEAT Alhambra MPV
£23,770 - £32,915
Before you consider the Volkswagen Sharan or Ford Galaxy, make sure you take a look at the SEAT Alhambra. Its huge load area and seven seats mean carrying large loads or lots of passengers is an absolute doddle. It’s got a great range of engines and is surprisingly fun to drive. Standard equipment is impressive, too, with even entry-level cars getting alloys, air-con and Bluetooth as standard.
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4
Mazda6 Tourer estate
£21,265 - £28,045
The new Mazda 6 takes its design cues from the popular CX-5 SUV. This makes it one of the best-looking cars in its class, with its sleek lines hiding a versatile and spacious interior. Being a Mazda it’s also fun from behind the wheel, so you needn’t sacrifice driving enjoyment for practicality or boot space. What’s more, it’s packed with kit – xenon headlights, alloys and a touchscreen are all standard.
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5
Hyundai i30 hatchback
£13,995 - £22,805
The Hyundai i30 was crowned CarBuyer Car of the Year in 2012, and for good reason. Its spacious interior is family friendly, yet distinctly high quality. The buttons and switches have a nice feel and equipment levels are generous. Factor in its comprehensive five-year/100,000-mile warranty and you’ve got an extremely rounded family vehicle.
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6
Ford B-MAX hatchback
£12,995 - £18,895
If you want the driving experience of a Ford Fiesta but need more space and greater practicality, you could do worse than considering the innovative Ford B-MAX. The carmaker has removed the pillar from behind the driver’s door to give unrivalled access to the rear seats, which makes fixing child seats and loading shopping a piece of cake. Amazingly, Ford have engineered the body of the car so there's no loss in safety. The clever 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is a gem, too.
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7
Skoda Yeti SUV
£15,735 - £24,400
Skoda has been on the up for a number of years now, a fact backed up by its first place finish in the 2012 Auto Express Driver Power survey. The Yeti is a keenly priced crossover that mixes rugged looks with an enjoyable drive. As well as a practical interior with space for five, all cars come with air-con, electric front windows and a trip computer.
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8
Kia Cee'd hatchback
£15,695 - £23,795
Like the Hyundai i30, the Kia Cee’d offers exceptional value in a class dominated by premium rivals like the VW Golf and BMW 1 Series. Its practical interior is filled with high-quality plastics, while the long list of standard equipment puts more expensive competitors to shame. A standard seven-year warranty is simply the icing on the cake.
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9
Nissan QASHQAI hatchback
£17,895 - £27,650
The British-built Nissan Qashqai has established itself as a worthy bestseller since its introduction in 2007. Its mix of quality, reliability and value for money means it's a favourite for families looking for a comfortable and practical workhorse. Priced to compete with the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, the Qashqai offers a lot of car for the cash.
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10
BMW 3 Series Touring estate
£26,510 - £39,545
Much like the VW Golf, the BMW 3 Series could well be everything you need in a car. It has an exceptional selection of engines, mixing genuine performance with impressive economy. The practical interior and split-opening tailgate make it family friendly, while the variable driving modes mean it is comfortable over even the roughest roads. Only its high list price stops it being higher up this list.
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