8 Dream Cars for the 8th of May, because it’s Mother’s Day!

Moms. Esteemed (but mostly under-appreciated) members of the female species, they all have one trait in common: they always want the very best for their children, even if it means sacrificing their free time, money, happiness and sanity. Mother’s day is almost here, so we thought we’d pick a few new cars that Mom would love to own, even if it’s just in her fantasy world.

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 has been awarded multiple accolades since it arrived on the scene, and is also the Wesbank/SAGMJ Car of The Year for 2016. Why? Apart from being exquisitely crafted, stylish, functional and practical, it sets the benchmark in automotive safety. And imagine a car with seats that can deliver an invigorating massage! The system works with inflatable pockets to create a wave-like motion, also offering supreme lumbar support.

The XC90 is not small, seating 7 persons, each in their own comfy, orthopedic seat. And the comfier a mother's little road-trippers are, the less likely they are too fight or moan! From R 843 624.

Volkswagen Passat

No longer seen as a pensioner’s car, the svelte VW Passat offers vast amounts of interior space and comfort features galore. The boot is simply cavernous, and small kids seem to get lost on the back seat. Driving the Passat is even better, as your every need has been catered to. The Passat was the European Car of the Year for 2015, and we totally understand why. Clean and uncluttered inside and out, the refined and upmarket VW Passat is what every mom’s chaotic life needs. What’s more, she won’t have to visit the fuel station very often as she will easily manage to get 950 km out of a single tank in the Passat 1.8TSI Highline (R457 500). The underrated, understatedly elegant VW Passat gets five stars from AutoTrader. From R410 800.

Audi TTS Coupé

If jealousy makes you nasty, then you better be in the driver’s seat because you will be the object of everyone’s envy. Sure, you can’t really fit kids in the back, but the boot is big enough for at least R 1500’s worth of groceries or two large suitcases and two overnight bags. The only way you can justify owning a car like this, is if you already have the kid-mobile parked in the garage. But if the hatchlings have left the nest for good, there won’t be any need for any passengers in the back, ever. The Audi TTS Coupé is the hotter version of the already hot Audi TT Coupé (from 589 000), so if Mom is a bit of a petrol head, the TTS Coupé 2.0T Quattro (R 728 500) will excite her on a daily basis, wrapping itself around her so she'll feel completely at one with the road.

Renault Kadjar

In a sea of mid-size SUV’s the Renault Kadjar stands out. Not because of its outrageous or unique styling, but rather because of what it offers as standard specification and in the way of off-road ability. The Renault Kadjar is classified as a soft-roader, yet it had no problem tackling the soft dunes of Atlantis at the local launch. If Mom is the outdoorsy type, there’ll be no need for a pricey Range Rover Evoque if she likes to drive on sand. (But more challenging terrain is better left to the latter.)

The Kadjar’s comprehensive infotainment system is another plus-point, allowing different drivers to sync their phones to the system. Dynamique-variants get sat-nav as standard so Mom doesn't find herself in dodgy parts of town. From R 359 900.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson, previously known as the ix35, is better (and also bigger) than ever. The Koreans like to add as many mod-cons into their cars as they can, and the comprehensively specced Hyundai Tucson is right up there with its German counterparts where smart technology, build quality and safety is concerned. The new Tucson offers a supremely quiet cabin, and we simply love the new 1.6T-GDI diesel engine that has enough zeal for when Mom needs to scoot past lazy school traffic. From R359 900.

MINI Cooper Clubman

The MINI Cooper Clubman offers German build quality and youthful vitality with added practicality. That’s right, MINI is owned by BMW, so if reputation is anything to go by, the unconventional MINI Clubman will live up to it. Maybe Mom only became a mom recently, and isn’t ready to give up the MINI lifestyle just yet. The Clubman is everything one has come to expect from MINI, but in grownup form, offering space for kids and all their stuff. Surprisingly enough, reasonably tall adults are comfortable in the back as well - the MINI Clubman is the same length (-2 mm) as the Volkswagen Golf. The Clubman's quirky barn doors reveal a nice big boot, spacious enough for baby’s pram. In the MINI Clubman, she’ll be the coolest young mom about town. From R353 570.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé

If Mom has an eye for beauty, and relishes the finer things in life, the athletic new C-Class Coupé is a drool-worthy choice. With a rear end that is reminiscent of the more opulent S-Class Coupe and an interior so comfortable and cosseting, the C-Class Coupé will be her new favourite place. Those rear seats are tiny, and best left unoccupied, but the boot is huge. It doesn't easily get much more luxurious than this! From R 551 100.

Lexus RX

The flamboyant Lexus RX is a beautiful, suave, safe creature. 10-way electrically powered, ventilated seats that cool you down while you drive, super-futuristic styling and design, a 12-speaker sound system, wireless charging for your smartphone… to name but a few. These are all standard spec in the lustful Lexus RX. If Mom is a successful, leisure-seeking individualist, the RX will suit her perfectly. And if safety is high on her agenda (which it will be if she plans on taking her offspring along), there’s also traction control, Hill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control, and front and rear park distance control with a rear-view camera. Ten airbags, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a Blind Spot Monitor further help keep her loved ones out of harm’s way. From R839 000.