10 Best Family Cars

Once the children make their appearance, quite often one has to upgrade to a more family-friendly set of wheels. We picked a few family favourites across different segments, older and new.

BMW 225i Active Tourer, R 488 847

BMW's first front-wheel-drive offering is built with kids in mind, while Mom and Dad don't have to give up great handling and premium interior quality just because they're parents. The Active Tourer's Mini-sourced TwinScroll BMW engine offers a lively 170kW which is fitted with a slick 8-speed automatic transmission.

Honda Jazz 1.5 Dynamic, R 257 300

The Jazz has always been a family favourite, due to its "Magic Seats" which allow for all kinds of seating positions. It may look small from the outside, but inside there is plenty of room. The new Jazz has been significantly upgraded to look much cooler too, and comes with a 7 inch touch screen which can mirror your smart phone.

Volkswagen Kombi 2.0 TDI Trendline Manual SWB, R 459 100

With sliding doors on both sides, 8 seats and top-notch safety features like stability and traction control, the Kombi is the ultimate family-mobile. We can already see how Mom can get out of her seat mid-journey to quickly replace a fallen dummy (when Dad's behind the wheel, of course).

Toyota Fortuner 2.5 D-4D, from R 391 700

Space for the kids? Check. Space for the dogs? Check. Space for the canoe? Check. Rugged and reliable with great off-road capabilities? Check. There's a reason why there are so many Fortuners on our roads. 4 x 4 Derivatives from R516 200. Pictured is the recently launched Toyota Fortuner Epic, from R471 000.

Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi R 359 900

The latest ix35 is one of the best compact SUV's out there. It offers superb levels of interior refinement, space and driveability. The turbo-diesel engine is quiet, yet punchy without sacrificing excellent fuel economy, and there's enough space for all the paraphernalia of young families.

Chevrolet Captiva, R 366 500

This solidly built, functional seven-seater is a practical choice for the outdoorsy, car-pooling parent. It is also masculine enough for when Dad has to do the school run.

Renault Duster 1.5dCi Dynamique 4WD, R269 900

We took the Duster off-roading and we were suprised at what it could handle. It is not often one can buy a "proper" 4 x 4 for this price. And with superb diesel consumption of 7 l/100kms, one can afford to drive the kids to the ends of the earth to prime camping spots. Satnav is standard.

Toyota Corolla Quest 1.6, R183 900

The family in need of space and reliability should definitely consider the Quest. It is based on the previous generation Corolla and its cabin and boot are truly cavernous. Expect Toyota build quality at a pocket-friendly price.

Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 EcoBoost Titanium A/T LWB, R 367 900

The Grand Tourneo Connect has three rows of seats with class-leading amounts of legroom in the last row. The third row can also slide backwards to make even more space for leggy people. There are sliding doors on both sides and the practical overhead shelves are handy for storing technology or books. The automatic version makes for a more relaxing drive.

Citroen C4 Picasso e-HDi 115 Airdream Intensive, R345 900

By far the most stylish people-mover on the MPV block, is the new C4 Picasso. With its futuristic lights and perfectly executed, two-toned interior, the C4 Picasso will grab all the attention. Add its flexible and fun little 1.6 litre turbo-diesel engine to the mix, and you have a car so meticulously designed that it's sure to steal away a whole host of SUV buyers. The kids will love the aeroplane-style tray tables. The above mentioned flagship model has everything but the kitchen sink.

Find a wide selection of new and used family cars to buy on Auto Trader South Africa.