Three young children
* What car suits your family? * We've got it covered here * Cars for all budgets and families...
Whether youre a young family on a budget or have a home-made football team to taxi around, youll find the best buys here.
Have a look at the following families and see which one matches your automotive requirements the best
Young family of three
Small urban car required
Growing family
Space for clutter is vital
Activity central
Taxi for two teenagers
Big brood
Large six- or seven-seater
Three young children
...but no MPVs please
Three young children
The Stevensons
Names
Richard (41)
Jessie (35)
Molly (7)
Fred (6)
Alice (3)
Annual mileage 11,000
We need space for three child seats, but we cant stand the look of MPVs
Budget available: 17k
Nissan Qashqai +2 1.6 Visia
**List price 16,695 Target price 15,953
Saftety Rating** Not tested
The seven-seat Qashqai is ideal for families with three kids in child seats. This new entry-level 1.6 petrol model makes sound financial sense, too, with an economical engine and low carbon dioxide emissions. Chunky crossover styling avoids any hint of an MPV look therell be no mistaking this family car for a bus with windows.
Budget available: 17-20k
Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 HDi 110 Sport 7st
**List price 20,555 Target price 19,681
Saftety Rating** Child 81% Adult 82%
MPV practicality in the body of an estate. Its not cheap, though, because only top-end Sport and SE models can be had with seven seats, a 510 option. The extra seats are wide enough for most child seats, but headroom for older kids is tight. Third-row legroom can be improved by sliding the middle row forward, and the boot is huge.
Budget available: 20k-25k
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi 1 2WD
**List price 22,495 Target price 21,215
Saftety Rating** Child 84% Adult 87%
Based on the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Sorento is just as practical but has a dash more style. Theres plenty of headroom in the rearmost seats, so even adults will be comfortable on short trips. This front-wheel-drive model wont cost a fortune to run, either it manages 43mpg. Like all Kias, the Sorento has a seven-year warranty.
Budget available: 25k-30k
Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 Active
**List price 30,995 Target price 28,009
Saftety Rating** Child: not tested Adult 5 stars
If youre spending this kind of cash and need space for three child seats, the XC90 is your best bet. It has been around a while, but its still classy and comfortable. Huge discounts are available, which makes it even more tempting. Wed stick with entry-level Active trim. Otherwise, the price creeps into Land Rover Discovery territory.
Budget available: 30k-35k
Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 GS
**List price 35,295 Target price 33,647
Saftety Rating** Child 4 stars Adult 4 stars
One of the greatest all-rounders ever. Many Discovery buyers will spend extra on XS trim which adds leather seats and sat-nav but this GS model is just as practical and 6000 cheaper. The Disco will take three child seats with ease, but its just as adept at playing swanky executive transport when youre not in family mode.
Used bargains
From 11,495
Chevrolet Captiva
2.0 VCDi LTX,
07/57, 15,000 miles
This 4x4 has a roomy and comfortable cabin, and seven-seat models will take three child seats with ease. Used models are rare, but worth finding.
From 25,250
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
quattro SE, 07/07, 31,000 miles
This classy 4x4 is good to drive and well equipped. It comes with seven seats as standard, plus leather trim, climate control, electrically adjustable seats and air suspension.
Best estate cars 2024 – the top choices for luggage capacity
An estate car needs to be practical, but the best models are also comfortable, well equipped and affordable to run. Here we reveal our top 10 buys – and the estates to steer clear of
