The best family cars on the market

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Family cars are more popular than ever, with parents looking to combine decent levels of practicality and performance with plenty of boot space to fit all of the kids’ bits and pieces in, as well as the weekly shop. So, if you’re looking for a new family car that will tackle the school run with ease while expertly handling an occasional trip to Ikea, we’ve put together a list of some of the best family cars currently available.

Vauxhall Astra

The latest Astra, which has been available since 2015, is the best yet. Not only is it better built and more pleasing on the eye than its predecessors, but it’s much more economical too. The price tag is pretty attractive, particularly when you consider that it can be a pretty enjoyable drive. It does everything you want a family car to do – it’s quiet, comfortable and will perform pretty much any task with minimal fuss. For an extra £500 you can secure yourself the turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol if the entry-level engine doesn’t do it for you. Alternatively, you could opt for the 1.6-litre diesel which boasts highly impressive economy levels of 85mpg as well as free road tax.

Renault Megane

The Renault Megane might just be the most attractive family car on the market, and considering what lies beneath the Megane’s striking design, there’s a strong case for saying it’s the best family car overall. If it’s an attractive interior you’re after, you won’t go far wrong with the Megane. There’s an iPad inspired portrait touchscreen which comes as standard on all mid range models and above, soft-touch plastic and comfortable seats. All in all, the Megane probably has a better interior than some of the traditional family car frontrunners such as the Audi A3 and the Golf. Under the bonnet there’s a choice of four engines, two diesel and two petrol. The turbocharged 1.6-litre is only available in the GT model, but there’s also a 1.2 litre petrol, as well as diesel engines providing either 108 or 128bhp. If you’ve got your eye on the Megane, or perhaps another family friendly Renault, and have been searching for Renault dealers in Essex, be sure to check out Glyn Hopkin’s selection of new Renaults.

Skoda Octavia

For some, the Octavia represents the sensible choice, but it’s actually a more enjoyable drive than many give it credit for. It’s also fantastic if you’re after something spacious. What really sets it aside however is the massive boot that manages to dwarf those you’d find in cars even a couple of classes above. The range has several good engines to choose from, starting with the entry 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol, which will give you decent performance levels and do 60mpg. For better efficiency, there’s the diesel GreenLine option, which promises 80mpg. If you’re after even more space then you may want to opt for the Octavia Estate over the hatchback. Alternatively you could go with Skoda’s four wheel drive offering, the Octavia Scout, but if it’s performance you’re after, then you won’t go far wrong with the Octavia vRS.