The Best Family Cars, Reasonably Priced

Everybody knows that having children changes your life. You might have driven a sleek little number with two seats and a trunk just big enough for a weekend bag before they came, but all of this is in the past. Whether you are at the pushchair stage or later, having four doors is now essential, as is a decent-size trunk, as much for grocery shopping as to carry toys and all children paraphernalia on holiday. You want a car that is big enough to be comfortable, but you don’t need a bus; and last but not least, you probably don’t have the same budget as before.

So here are a few cars that fit the bill and make great family vehicles without breaking the bank.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

If you don’t want to sacrifice style to family life, than the Giuletta is just right for you.

Launched in 2009 as a small family car, it is nevertheless quite spacious. Around 300,000 Giuletta were produced between 2010 and 2016 and it camesecond in the 2011 European Car of the Year awards.

The model has a number of variants with different price tags, from the luxury Quadrifoglio Verde to the Progression model, priced at just under $29,990. It seats four so should last you until baby number 3. It comes with a good number of trimmings too: good connectivity, undeniable style and a flexible 1.4-litre turbo engine.

Skoda Rapid

The name Rapid has been used by Skoda since the 1930s, but we are not thinking about recommending you purchase vintage vehicles for your brood!

It is a hatchback sedan and, for the price, it is by far the roomiest you can find. The model has been refined over the decades to offer comfort, space and performance.

In its latest update in 2017, it got a serious facelift, with a new design of radiator grille, angular headlights and a new bumper style at the front. The rear wasn’t neglected and it also got a chrome strip on the car’s trunk lid and updated tail lamps for a fresher look.

As far as the interior is concerned, the finish is reminiscent of its competitor, the VW Vento. It offers ample legroom and is altogether a very comfortable drive.

It will also keep you and your little ones safe with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), dual front airbags, door ajar warning, brake assist, front and side impact beams and crash sensor. All of this for just under $30,000.

Suzuki S-cross

The Suzuki S-cross is a replacement for the SX4, which existed in two versions, as a sedan and a hatchback, the latter being available in both front- and four-wheel drive. It was relaunched as a mini SUV in 2013, offering more space at 4.3m long, 1.76m wide and 1.58m tall.

While the first generation was fitted with a 2.0- litre engine, the second was equipped with a 1.6-litre engine but despite this reduction in power, the well-appointed cabin and the decent load space makes the S-Cross a good family choice.

Ford EcoSport

The EcoSport is Ford’s breakthrough in the light SUV market. Launched in 2004, it was a success in the countries it was made available. Ten years later, Ford released the second generation with a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

In terms of bells and whistles, it offers an integrated communications and entertainment system allowing you to make phone calls and control music and other functions hands free. It also offers advanced climate control and an LCD screen to keep the family busy watching their favourite films on long journeys.

As far as safety is concerned, the EcoSport includes airbags, ABS, electronic stability program and electric power-assisted steering.

At $29,990, this car is good value for money.

MG6 S Magnette

The MG 6 is a medium-sized car produced by MG Motor since 2010. Although it didn’t have the success the car maker was hoping for in the UK, it was still rated the sixth-best buy in the country out of 150 cars compared and it also won the award for safest car in 2012, which is pretty high on the list of priorities for a family car.

It is also appreciated by its owners for its beautiful handling and is available with either 1.8L or 1.9L engines so if you are late for a school show, you might be grateful for the boost.

The Magnette is built on the robust frame of the Roewe 550 and has also acquired a reputation for its quality and paintwork.

Subaru Impreza S

The Impreza might officially be an ‘entry’ car but it offers an awful lot with its four-wheel drive, a boxer powertrain and a continuously variable transmission that shifts between gears seamlessly. Fitted with a 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, the compact sedan is however cheaper than some 1.6L / 1.8-L cars with similar specifications.

It comes with alloy wheels and cloth trim, as well as an all-singin’ all-dancin’ infotainment system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hopefully this will keep your little ones from their trademarks ‘Are we there yet?’

Honda Jazz

It may not look big from the outside, but the Honda Jazz uses space so cleverly that the cabin does feel spacious. Honda’s philosophy, ‘Man Maximum Machine Minimum’ is on display here, with a compact control panel that frees room for people. With its sleek, futuristic look, it offers all the mod cons you would expect from a car nowadays and a touch of luxury with leather wrapped steering wheel.

You can choose a diesel or petrol engine and drive away at peace in the knowledge that the Honda Jazz is also very safe with impact-mitigating headrests, an ACE^TM body structure and ABS.

Whether you are going on holiday abroad, coming back, relocating or importing your car, get in touch with McCullough. We offer a door-to-door service, and peace of mind. You can call us on +64 9 303 0075 or via our form for a free quote.