Growing families in Australia often face the challenge of finding the perfect car to accommodate their growing needs. With an increase in family members, priorities shift from style and performance to safety, space, and reliability. This article presents a list of the top six cars that cater to Australians with growing families, offering ample space and features tailored to provide both comfort and security.
When examining the options available in the Australian market, factors such as seating capacity, fuel efficiency, and safety ratings are considered to ensure the best choices for families with children of various ages. Furthermore, versatility and affordability also become significant considerations for parents on a budget or desiring a future-proof car.
Throughout this article, each of these top six cars will be discussed in detail, revealing their unique features and advantages for expanding families. By taking into account the needs of both parents and children, these vehicles collectively provide a comprehensive selection for Australian families making their next car purchase.
Top 6 Cars for Growing Families
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival offers plenty of space to accommodate a growing family. This vehicle features eight comfortable seats and a large boot, making it an excellent choice for both city driving and long journeys. With its safety features such as the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), families can enjoy peace of mind on the road. The Kia Carnival is available in both petrol and diesel engine options, offering families a range of choices based on their needs.
Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger is a popular choice for families seeking a spacious and reliable vehicle. With seating for up to seven passengers and ample storage room, the Kluger is perfect for those requiring versatility. The vehicle boasts advanced safety features, including the Toyota Safety Sense suite, ensuring a secure drive. With its powerful V6 engine, the Kluger also delivers impressive performance and fuel efficiency.
Mazda CX-9
Mazda's CX-9 is a stylish and practical SUV for expanding families. With seating for seven passengers, this vehicle provides ample space and comfort. Key features of the CX-9 include:
i-ACTIV AWD system for improved handling
Advanced safety features such as Smart Brake Support and Lane-Keep Assist
A range of connectivity options to keep everyone entertained during long drives
This combination of style, space and performance makes the Mazda CX-9 an excellent choice for growing families.
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is a versatile SUV with enough room for seven passengers. It offers a spacious cabin and flexible seating arrangements, making it ideal for family outings. The Tiguan Allspace is equipped with advanced safety features such as Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, ensuring the utmost security for your family. Add in its efficient engine options, and this vehicle is a great all-rounder for expanding families.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a popular choice for adventurous families, with its rugged design and off-road capabilities. In addition to its all-wheel drive system, the Outback offers generous space for five passengers and a large boot for storage. Key features include:
Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology for added safety
Comfortable interiors with versatile seating arrangements
Efficient fuel consumption from its petrol engine
Honda CR-V
Lastly, the Honda CR-V is a well-rounded SUV offering a pleasant driving experience for growing families. With seating for up to seven passengers, along with ample cargo space, the CR-V caters to a variety of needs. Its advanced safety features, such as the Honda Sensing suite, provide added security on the road. Furthermore, its efficient petrol engine and smooth handling make the CR-V an ideal choice for everyday family use.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Family Car
When selecting a family car in Australia, several essential factors need to be taken into account. Four primary aspects to consider are safety features, seating capacity, boot space, and fuel efficiency.
Safety Features
Ensuring the safety of your family should be a top priority. Look for cars equipped with advanced safety systems like:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Helps prevent collisions by automatically applying the brakes when detecting an impending crash.
Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver when the car unintentionally starts to veer out of its lane.
Reverse Camera: Provides a clear view of what is behind the car when reversing.
Additionally, research the car's safety ratings from organisations such as the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) to ensure the vehicle meets industry standards.
Seating Capacity
The family car should have enough seating to accommodate all family members comfortably. Options include:
Five-seat vehicles: Suitable for small families or families with one or two children.
Seven-seat vehicles: Ideal for larger families or families with more than two children.
Remember to consider the car's layout and arrangement as well, ensuring that car seats can be easily installed and accessed.
Boot Space
Ample boot space is crucial for family outings or trips. Evaluate whether the boot is spacious enough to hold prams, luggage, sports gear, and more. Keep in mind that some seven-seater vehicles may have limited boot space when all seats are occupied.
Fuel Efficiency
Family cars should offer reasonable fuel efficiency to help save on running costs. To compare fuel consumption, check the combined cycle fuel consumption (in L/100km), which incorporates both city driving and highway driving. Choose a vehicle with a lower figure, indicating better fuel efficiency.
By focusing on these four key factors, families in Australia can make an informed decision when selecting the perfect family car.