Can't quite decide which family car to buy? Where do you even start looking at cars, and what are your criteria?
For me, a family car should be safe, practical, reliable, and offer good value overall. It should be cost-effective to run and to service. If you need to replace a part, you need to be able to find this part without waiting for weeks, and you certainly don't want to pay through the nose for it.
With all of this in mind, I pick my favourite non-premium brands, listed below in alphabetical order.
Ford
The American automaker also has a manufacturing plant on South African soil, so you know that you're not going to have problems finding parts for your Ranger or Everest (see image above). If you need space, an Everest (any gearbox) or Kuga (manual) will do, while a Tourneo Custom is a wonderful bus if you're transporting a larger group of people or many schoolchildren. Small families will find favour with the Figo Freestyle and Fiesta models, preferably with manual gearboxes if you want to limit issues later.
Honda
Hondas aren't all that affordable anymore but you are getting quality and the knowledge that your car is built to last! Hondas make good used buys if you can't quite stretch to a new model. We definitely prefer manual models over the CVTs with longevity in mind.
Family favourites include the new Honda Fit (or used Jazz), Ballade, Civic, BR-V, CR-V, and WR-V.
Hyundai
Kia's Korean cousin, Hyundai, has proven its worth and its cars are looking (and driving) better than ever. These South Koreans have a lot going for them and you'd be silly to overlook this brand when hunting for your next family vehicle! Hyundai's solid warranty is also worth its weight in gold.
Whether you opt for a compact SUV like the Venue or a 7-seater like the Palisade (pictured), you won't be sorry. Other Hyundais to take for a test drive include the Grand i10, new i20, Creta, Kona, Tucson and Santa Fé.
Kia
Kia has risen to stardom thanks to its beautiful, progressive design language, quality interiors, and sophisticated technology, which one would expect in premium brands such as Audi and Volvo. The new Kia Carnival and Kia Sorento are two prime examples of stunning cars that are excellent for families!
Smaller Kias include the new Picanto, Rio, Sonet (my segment favourite), and Sportage.
Mazda
Mazdas look good, drive well, and last long. They have user-friendly infotainment systems, are dynamic, and they're safe. Used CX-5s are very well priced. Also look at Mazda2/3 models, CX-3 and CX 3.0. Watch out for high servicing and maintenance costs in the long run, though.
Suzuki
If you're shopping for a Suzuki, you'll be pleased to know that whichever model you choose, value for money is at the order of the day. Suzukis are notoriously light on fuel too, and they're fun to drive. Whether you opt for a Swift or a Vitara, you can be sure of quality motoring.
Small families will love the Suzuki Baleno, Ciaz (pictured), Vitara Brezza, and sophisticated, yet affordable (especially when used) Vitara.
If you need a people mover, the Suzuki Ertiga seats seven. Another interesting fact and plus point about Suzuki is that their cars are not on the hijackers' A-list!
Toyota
Toyota has the largest dealer footprint in South Africa. You're never going to have issues with servicing, you'll never struggle to sell a Toyota, and your chances of getting stuck at the side of the road are rather slim.
Some firm family favourites include the Toyota Corolla Quest, Corolla hatch and sedan, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Fortuner, Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 300.
Volkswagen
With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kariega, Volkswagen is going from strength to strength and their cars car getting ever more sophisticated. VWs are known to be affordable when it comes to parts and servicing, and they have proved how reliable their cars are. Stringent EuroNCAP testing ensures that VWs are as safe as they are pleasing to the eye. If you can afford an Audi (also from the VW group) the brand is known for excellent aftersales service, but bear in mind that mechanical repairs can be rather pricey (especially since it is charged by the hour)
The VW Polo is built at Kariega, and it's always a sensible buy. Other VWs that make great family cars include the Polo sedan, T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg, as well as the Transporter Kombi (pictured).
