Room for more.
Buying a car for ourselves is already a challenge. So, when it comes to picking a great car for the family, it is a bigger bundle to handle.
Forget about getting a car simply because it is fun to drive. Or opting for a convertible as you wouldn’t want a hair-raising experience when your children start clambering all over the place as you are zipping down the expressway.
When buying a family car, practical priorities take over. Yes, adulting.
From the number of seats to the amount of boot space and safety features, we steer you to a few major things to consider when it comes to choosing the right car for your family.
What should I look for in a family car?
1. Size
How big is your family? Are you mainly driving your children or have elderly folks along for the ride? How often do you plan to use the vehicle as a family car?
If you have a small family, you can get away with a small car but remember that kids grow up fast. You need to have “kicking” room for their legs in the back seat … and even more room when they become teenagers and ask if you can also give their friends a ride.
The BMW X7 is luxe meets large
For those always going around with an extended family, consider a large-size SUV or a practical MPV. While MPVs may not be as visually appealing as other vehicle types, they do the heavy lifting with loads of interior space. Most come with automatic sliding doors, which makes it easier for the family to get and out of the car, even in tight parking spaces.
2. Safety
The safety of your loved ones is paramount and should be one of the basic things to look out for when choosing a family car.
When you have fidgety kids in your car, you can become distracted from your driving. Some car manufacturers have taken note and included safety features in their models.
BMW offers standard driver assistance systems in their models such as the BMW X3. These include Lane Departure Warning; Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function (which also alerts the driver when a cyclist is detected); Lane Change Warning; Rear Collision Prevention and Cross-Traffic Alert.
Peugeot also offers a Speed Limit Sign Recognition which detects and reads speed limit signs, and displays them in the instrument panel. The system also features speed limit recommendation; the driver has the option to adapt their speed via the car’s cruise control.
3. Seating
If you have young children, look for vehicles that come with ISOFIX ( International Standards Organisation Fix). This car seat fitting system automatically locks a child seat securely into place with its clips.
Some people may want to consider SUVs as the higher position of the seats make it easier for buckling in younger children. On the other hand, if you ferry grandparents or older family members around, they have very different needs. For example, some may struggle to get in and out of seats that are positioned too low or too high.
4. Storage
When you’re driving with family members, you aren’t just bringing the passengers along. Think prams, school bags, groceries, bicycles or even wheelchairs.
The family car you decide on will need to have loads of storage space. As a guide, we say a family car should have at least 300 litres of boot space. Most people tend to go for SUVs for this reason as most come with spacious boot space. Just be aware if you only get a larger capacity when the back seats are folded down.
We have also heard of parents who like SUVs because the boot was high enough to double up as a diaper changing table. And we are all for versatility of use when it comes to the perfect family car.
Driven to get more useful content from us?
By subscribing, you’ll receive occasional email from Sime Darby Motors Singapore. You always have the choice to unsubscribe later on.
5. Smart features
More and more smart and useful features are being added to cars these days. You’d want to pick one that makes your life easier, your driving safer, and the rest of the family entertained.
For example, contactless locking and unlocking of doors is useful when you have your hands full with all your kids’ barang-barang.
Children especially can get restless during a long drive. Some cars offer great infotainment systems that can be integrated with smartphones. Back seat charging ports would be useful, and your kids can get access all the streaming services that is needed to keep them occupied and entertained.
Family first and foremost
Deciding on a perfect family car with all the right features for you and your family can be quite challenging. Practical considerations do have to be at the top when narrowing down your choices. With these tips in mind, make a trip down to our dealership with your family members. Book a test drive and feel free to ask questions to help you determine the best choice for your family’s transportation needs.
Photos (unless otherwise stated): BMW, BYD, Peugeot
