Best family cars 2022

While the Corolla's rear seats are cramped for six-footers, this hybrid family car offers super-low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions that make it an excellent choice for both private buyers and company car drivers. In addition, the Corolla's ride is cosseting and its standard spec generous.

For many, the Golf is the definitive family hatchback and, much like its predecessors, this latest version offers buyers many of the premium features they'd expect to only get in a more expensive car. The Golf is exceedingly comfortable, too – especially if you opt for adaptive suspension. Only distracting controls and the quality of some interior plastics disappoint.

Among today's premium family cars, the 1 Series is great if you're looking for entertaining handling blended with decent ride quality. You also get a classy if understated interior and the most intuitive infotainment system around. The boot is on the small side, though.

The Focus is even better to drive than the BMW 1 Series; it's truly great fun. What's more, this entertainment is complemented by a fine ride and spacious interior. However, the iffy plastics and slightly lacklustre performance stop it finishing higher on this list.

The practicality of the ID.3 is up with the roomiest family hatchbacks, plus predicted resale values are superb and it’ll be cheap to run – particularly if you're a company car driver or can charge at home. Like the Golf it's let down by its fiddly infotainment system, though.

Cupra's Born takes all the good bits from the Volkswagen ID.3 and adds a slightly more polished interior and an upgraded infotainment system. If you go for a mid-range V2 58kWh version it’s also very well priced against an ID.3, so the Born is certainly worth a place on your shortlist.

The Scala ticks almost every box for a family car, with low pricing, a smooth ride, decent handling, a good infotainment system, amazing rear seat space and an excellent boot. If you're looking for a great all-rounder, few cars can beat it.

First and foremost, the latest Octavia offers generous space for occupants and a massive boot that dwarfs most competitors from the class above. It's far more than just a big box on wheels, though; its plush interior, cosseting ride and frugal engines make it a fantastic car for covering big distances in.

While the latest A3 isn't as well finished inside as the previous model, it still rates well against the premium competition of the day. What's more, the A3 offers a comfortable, enjoyable drive, has space for the family and a range of punchy petrol, diesel and hybrid engines. We're particularly keen on the 40 TFSIe model for its long electric range, low company car tax and gutsy performance. It’s one of the best plug-in hybrids out there and a fine car in its own right.

As good as the A3 is, though, it's beaten by the latest Seat Leon. This five-star family hatchback is great to drive, offers loads of space for both passengers and luggage, and is well equipped, too. Add in attractive pricing and running costs, a smartly finished interior and a strong range of engines, and it's a brilliant choice. If you want the best family car around, look no further.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here