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* What car suits your family? * We've got it covered here * Cars for all budgets and families...
Whether youre a young family on a budget or have a home-made football team to taxi around, youll find the best buys here.
Have a look at the following families and see which one matches your automotive requirements the best
Young family of three
Small urban car required
Growing family
Space for clutter is vital
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Taxi for two teenagers
Big brood
Large six- or seven-seater
Three young children
...but no MPVs please
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The Sturgeons
Names
Graham (52)
Catherine (50)
Richard (16)
William (16)
Annual mileage 15,000
We need a family taxi for two teenagers with hectic social lives
Budget available: 13k
Citron Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi 90 VTR
**List price 13,215 Target price 12,379
Saftety Rating** Child 4 stars Adult 4 stars
It might look like a van, but the Berlingo is actually based on Citrons popular C4 Picasso MPV. That means it isnt agricultural to drive and it has a practical and spacious cabin. Okay, it isnt as chic or as clever as the Picasso, but its 5500 cheaper. The sliding rear doors are useful and this mid-spec diesel version manages 50mpg.
Budget available: 13k-16.6k
Seat Altea XL 1.4 TSI SE
**List price 17,400 Target price 16,454
Saftety Rating** (not tested)
The Altea XL is a stylish alternative to a conventional MPV. The back seats dont tumble and they cant be removed, but they do slide back and forth, and can be folded flat. The boot is also vast and has a split-level floor. Whats more, the XL is cheaper to buy and better to drive than many MPV rivals.
Budget available: 16.5k-20k
Mazda 6 Estate 2.2D 163 TS
**List price 19,490 Target price 17,669
Saftety Rating** Child 81% Adult 77%
Our 2010 Estate of the Year is all the car that most families of four will ever need. The 6s boot isnt just huge, its also a good shape, and the cabin is big enough to accommodate even the lankiest family with ease. Better still, this 6 costs 2505 less to buy than an equivalent Ford Mondeo and it will hold its value better.
Budget available: 20k-25k
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style 7st
**List price 22,245 Target price 21,011
Saftety Rating** Not tested
MPV practicality in a 4x4 body. There is a five-seat version of the Santa Fe, but we reckon the added practicality of seven seats is easily worth the 700 premium that Hyundai charges even if the extra two seats will be rarely used. The big Hyundai is good value for money and comes with a five-year warranty.
Budget available: 25k-35k
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI Estate Blue Eff SE
**List price 32,230 Target price 30,735
Saftety Rating** Child 77% Adult 86%
Mercs classy new estate isnt cheap, but its practical, comfortable and refined. The cavernous boot is easy to access because the tailgate and luggage cover are both electrically operated. Need an even bigger loadbay? Simply tug a handle to fold the rear seats flat. This SE model has a cushy ride and lots of safety kit.
Used bargains
From 11,049
Nissan Qashqai
1.5 dCi Visia, 07/57, 20,800 miles
Nissans crossover redefined family transport with its 4x4 styling and spacious cabin. Its also comfortable and reliable, making it a hassle-free used buy. This diesel model should hold its value well.
From 12,495
Citron Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi VTR, 08/08,
18,000 miles
With a practical, seven-seat cabin, this Citron is a family car master. Its also got a supple ride and excellent refinement.
