10 new multi-functional cars for multi-tasking dads

With more and more moms working full time, dads have to assume various other duties too, such as shopping, transporting kids to sport matches, taking the family away on weekend breaks and just general day-to-day living. We’ve rounded up a few new cars don’t just look good, but will make Dad feel like a million bucks too.

1.Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D 4x4 Auto (R559 900)

The Triton was never seen as one of the big boys of the bakkie world, but since its relaunch, it has stepped up to the plate, as far as in-car tech and style is concerned.

The Triton is rough enough for advanced off-roading, but also comfortable and car-like enough for the whole family. Dad will surely stand out from the crowd in this bakkie.

2.Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 (from R 1 215 706)

For the stylish dad who lives fast, the furious GLE 43 is as good a family car as it is a performance SUV. Despite its voluminous body, the GLE 43 is always a composed gentleman. Even during Cape Town’s worst storm where gale force winds were wreaking havoc, the GLE 43 stuck to its chosen route like glue. The 3.0-litre V6 engine needs no encouragement to reach a 100 km per hour in only 5.7 seconds - with 270kW and 520 Nm, are you surprised? As for boot space, there’s no end to the kiddie paraphernalia you’ll be able to lug with you.

3.Volvo S90 (from R 678 506)

Minimalistic, svelte and loaded with some of the most sophisticated technology, the Volvo S90 is an attention-drawer of note! It is also one of the safest cars on the market today. Driving it from Cape Town to Hermanus needed minimal driver input - if the road is not overly curvaceous, it will steer all on its own by using radar and sensors, keeping the Volvo neatly within the white lines. You just need to touch the steering wheel momentarily, for the S90 to resume its almost-autopilot duties.As far as is interior design goes, dad will be left breathless by the S90’s modern beauty. We suggest a dark interior though - the pale interior is probably not suited to messy kids. We drove the sumptuous S90 D5 AWD Momentum (R 778 498).

4.Lexus IS 200T

While the German saloons are getting more and more clinical, this premium Japanese marque is getting more and more driver-orientated. If Dad wants a driver’s car but the Lexus IS 350 F-Sport is a little too thirsty, the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine of the IS 200T will be more than sufficient for his sporty appetite. There’s a wonderfully firm feel to the steering of the IS, while its fuel usage won’t break the bank. In town, it’s unlikely that he’d easily cross the 10 litres per 100 km mark - we didn’t.

5.Toyota C-HR (From R318 500)

Some dads like to make a statement - and the C-HR, which oozes contemporary cool, is just the ticket. A diamond-themed, minimalistic (yet highly user-friendly) interior and a quiet CVT-gearbox (in the C-HR 1.2T Plus Auto, R 356 000) will appeal to his love for a serene environment. As for the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, he won’t believe how spritely and smooth it is! We LOVE this car...

6.Renault Clio R.S. (From 379 900)

A more youthful Dad who isn’t quite ready to enter Crossover-territory, will love the hot-hatch appeal and upmarket, trendy interior of the new Renault Clio R.S. On the inside, it’s predominantly black, with sexy red stitching and red accents on the steering wheel. The engine has a meaty growl, and the steering (with flappy paddles) is engaging and direct, so Dad can still have plenty of fun when he’s flying (and he will be flying!) solo. The Clio R.S. also has enough boot space for a stroller! There are two derivatives to choose from: The 147kW CLIO R.S 200 EDC LUX (R379 900) or the 162 kW CLIO R.S. EDC TROPHY for R419 900.

7.VW Tiguan (from R384 100)

As much as Dad will love one of the finest new SUV’s on the market, the kids will love it more! Featuring everything to make a family road trip a fun adventure, including tray tables that can be set to your preferred angle (for eating lunch or tablet-time), the über-upmarket Tiguan is a joy - to drive, to look at, to ride in… no need for an Audi, Mercedes or BMW - that’s how premium the Tiguan has become. New diesel models have now been added, including our pick of the bunch, the Tiguan 2.0TDI 4Motion Highline, at R549 500.

8.Hyundai Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto (R369 900)

The Creta is a slightly smaller crossover than the award-winning Tucson, but is every bit as practical and fun to drive, with some added ground clearance over its big brother. With top-notch build quality, a highly ergonomic interior, gorgeous two-toned leather seats , and standard satnav,the Creta will win Dad’s heart. Build quality is top-notch too, and the Creta is already selling like hot cakes.

9.Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE Dynamic Si4 (from R1 031 634)

The car that mom dreams of may just become a driveway reality, if Dad is a fan of groundbreaking design - heck, he may even pretend to buy it for Mom just so he can drive it too…

As the world’s first luxury soft-top SUV, the Evoque is suited to the dad who is flamboyant, and who needs a car that will underline his no-holds-barred attitude to life. Despite it looking very city-esque, the Evoque Convertible has serious off-road skills, and a roof that drops quietly, in a mere 18 seconds, at up to 48 km/h. A swoon-worthy package!

10.Ferrari GTC4Lusso (From R6 218 000)

For the Dad who made it BIG, and we mean very big, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, successor to the FF, is the fastest and most glamorous way to transport himself and his three most beloved persons in the world to exclusive destinations. With a 507 kW 12-cylinder monster under the bonnet, this Ferrari will have jaws dropping wherever it goes. It reaches a 100 km in 3.4 seconds!