Top Tips to Consider When Buying a Family Car

Not sure how to go about buying your next family car? Here are our top tips to consider so that you can find the right car make and features to complement your family lifestyle needs best!

Every family is unique – from the time you go from being a couple to becoming a parent, your family car becomes an essential central way of life that changes according to the number and ages of your kids, not to mention the diverse lifestyle needs and activities that came along with it.

Fear not; let us take you first through the key factors to consider before listing the optimum car models of choice according to vehicle categories.

Key Factors to Consider

Space and Comfort

Traffic can be unpredictable; you never know how long a journey can stretch. Plus, the frequent trips most families make given errands, classes, and social commitments would add to the time in the car together. That’s why it is important to consider the space and comfort given the size of your family.

Consider the space and comfort you need – is there sufficient legroom and headroom for everyone? Is the backseat well suited for the baby seat? What about boot space, if you foresee frequent outings or extra-curricular baggage? This may influence your decision between a 5-seater versus a 7-seater, a saloon versus an SUV or an MPV.

Safety systems

We would all want to protect our family as best as we can. Check for safety systems such as the number and type of airbags, anti-locking brakes, head restraints, seatbelts, and electronic stability control. In particular, ask if the type of airbags are child-protective, especially if you have young kids in tow.

Engine systems

The reliability of the car engine and its fuel efficiency are also key. Check for verifications of its fuel efficiency and awards for engine strength and resilience. At the same time, consider the trade-offs between petroleum versus hybrid or electric engines for environmental sustainability.

Interior upholstery

While this may sound frivolous, whether the seats are leather or leather-appointed can make a significant difference to your sanity! Think maintenance – such seats are just that much easier to clean off stains, spills, and wreckages of everyday family travel.

Family Car Models by Categories

Without further ado, let’s dive into some optimum car models across car categories, along with their key features of consideration.

Sedan Models

For drivers who prefer the sleeker and more aerodynamic build, here are some top choices.

Skoda Octavia

(source: Skoda.com.sg)

Features:

4^th generation of Skoda’s best-selling model for over 25 years, as well as having won more than 50 awards
Spacious 590L boot ideal for families, whether for bringing out beach BBQs or extra-curricular gear
Back seats can be folded down to fit even a full-sized adult bicycle

Corolla Altis

(source: Toyota.com.sg)

Features:

Safety technologies like 7 SRS airbags coupled with an award-winning engine for fuel efficiency
Boosts of innovative Nanoe auto-climate air conditioner that cleanses the air by neutralising pollen and odour-producing particles to keep out allergens and protect the family
Options for a hybrid model

7-Seater Models

For large families who need the extra seating capacity, here are a few 7-seater makes that will ensure that everyone travels in comfort.

Peugeot 5008 SUV

(source: Peugeot.sg)

Features:

Enhanced PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, including a lane departure warning system that keeps an eye on lane lines and rear cameras for simple parking
Internal system integrated with a 12.3″ digital pile-up display, a 10″ central touchscreen, and seven controls on the steering wheel that provide access to numerous settings, as well as a charging port for your phone and a Mirror Screen feature that discovers suitable apps on your phone and displays them on the screen
Customisable upholstery, in addition to the typical colour and rim changes to your preference

Honda Odessey MPV

(source: Honda.com.sg)

Features:

Magic Slide arrangement with eight seats, ensuring ample legroom in the back row. Middle seats can be detached from one another to accommodate longer pieces of furniture or to create more personal space
Honda Sensing system that assures the safety when traveling with children; in the event of a collision, knee and overhead airbags shield occupants from head and lower body injuries

Electric Models

For environmentally-conscious families, going fully electric would be easy with the following options.

Opel Combo-E (7-Seater MPV)

(source: Opel.com.sg)

Features:

100% electric with a maximum driving range of 293 km in-between charges on a 135 hp (100 kW) motor and battery capacity of 50 kWh
Safety features include an intelligent front camera safety system with Driver Attention Alert and 180° Wide-angle Panoramic Rear View Camera
Versatile boot storage and interior insulation that make for quiet rides with the family