Fit to carry kids and kit

Judith Edwards • Published 9 Jun 2010 17:22

Finding a family car is an important decision; there's so much equipment out there and you want to make sure your little one is cared for and protected.

Not only is it imperative to choose a car which provides the ultimate safety, there are many additional factors to consider. Are there the appropriate fix points for your car seat? Do you have easy access to your child? Is the boot big enough to fit your buggy in?

If you're opting for a second-hand car then you'll find that the three door type is more popular on smaller models - however its worth holding out for a five door car. It is safer in the event of an accident where quick access to a child is imperative and for everyday ease. Below is our guide to the top five best cars for families on the move:

Skoda Fabia Estate: new from £10,430 OTR/Used from £1,000

It may be little, but the Skoda Fabia Estate's space is perfect for families and their belongings with its generous boot which is a fifth bigger than the regular Fabia at 480 cu litres. It can accommodate buggies of any size and provides a useful basket to keep items from rolling around in the boot and a luggage cover that rolls back on its own with a downward push. This little Skoda shares engines, gearboxes and running gear with its sister cars, the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza; it covers the bumps with a sureness and poise you'd expect from a bigger, more expensive car.

Mercedes Benz A-class (435 cu.litres) New from £15,485 OTR/Used from £1,500

For a car scarcely longer than a Ford Ka, The Mercedes A-class packs enough space for a family of four to travel in the comfort you expect from a Mercedes. A high-set flat floor and seats which offer impressive leg room will give your children an MPV-like view of the world. The seats fold down to create even more space and there is ample boot space at 435 cu. Litres.

Ford Focus: new from £18,279 OTR/used from £800

The Ford Focus is a strong choice for a family with its well-shaped shaped seats and wide-opening doors. The Focus is also great at maintaining fuel economy and low CO2 emissions - a 1.6 diesel engine with 110bhp manages 62.7mpg and 119g/km. The large boot is the perfect size for most buggies and the rear seats drop easily to enlarge it.

Peugeot 308: new from £14,895 OTR/used from £6,750

The Peugeot 308 is safe, solidly made and contains six airbags on every model. The steering feels weighted and the gears are smooth - what's more the car glides you along with minimal engine noise. A handy option within the cabin is lights to tell you whether passengers have fastened their seatbelts, and there is plenty of space for two children to fit comfortably in the back. The 420 cu. metre boot would provide ample space for all your family needs.

Renault Clio Sport Tourer: new from £11,322 OTR/ used from £8000

Perfect for a weekend's luggage for four with a boot space of 439 cu litres, it's half again as big as the regular car's. There's also a pull out floor which, when removed, gives a valuable few dozen extra litres of space. Up front, it's the same as other Clios, which means one of the roomiest, most comfy interiors you'll find in a small car. At £900 or so dearer than the equivalent-model five-door Clio hatchback, it's a fair value.

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