Do you need a car to fit a gazillion kids?
When a woman falls pregnant, her first thoughts are likely to be about her bundle of joy – and all the fun she’s going to have shopping for baby clothes, toiletries and other accessories. It quickly becomes clear that those sporty little two door cars that were perfect for the DINKy (double income no kids) life will no longer do the job.
Babies and children might be small, but they come with a lot of baggage, from bulging nappy bags when they’re tiny, to big school bags and sports kits when they’re older.
There are a few points that you should ask about any car that you’re buying with a view to transporting your family, like checking the car’s safety rating, whether the seats will be easy to clean, and whether the boot is big enough for a pram, the shopping, and a bag full of toys too!
Imperial Auto has done a round-up of some great family vehicles – and it’s worth noting that none of the vehicles are the boxy types that so many moms have felt compelled to buy in the past. They’re all smart, sexy, and offer a whole lot of fun. Just like moms, really.
The New VW Jetta
The New Jetta is more stylish and dynamic than its predecessors, and combines responsive steering with refined handling to deliver maximum driving enjoyment – no matter who is in the car with you!
Technology add-ons include radio satellite navigation and a parking sensor pack, helping with those awkward moments when one needs a little extra assistance arriving (and getting into your bay) at your destination. Seats can be finished in fabric or leather, and there’s a choice of eight colours for the exterior body work.
Multiple safety features have seen the New Jetta achieve a five star Euro NCAP security rating. The car is delivered with a five year, 90 000km service plan.
RRP: from R259 900
Power output: 77 kW at 5000 rpm
Torque: 175 Nm @ 1500 – 4000 rpm
Carbon emissions: 134 g/km
Fuel tank size: 55 litres
Yummy mummy rating: Solid, sensible, and a boot big enough to fit the whole nursery!
The Mazda CX-5
The latest model of the Mazda CX5 has been revamped and revitalised, including LED headlamps and 19 inch alloy wheels in its fun design. The CX5 line-up includes four models, with the 2.0 litre four cylinder petrol engine using as little as 6.4l of fuel for every 100km. The diesel model may produce less power but its torque makes up for it, as does its fuel consumption of as little as 5.7l per 100km.
The car is powerful and athletic in appearance, with elegant lines and graceful details, setting it apart from other vehicles within the SUV class. Smart systems save fuel, while technology inside the cabin keeps you in touch with the world through concert quality Bose speakers.
The CX-5’s rigid body integrates a multi-load path structure to redirect crash energy away from the car’s cabin, and it has six built air bags. Don’t think you’re going to forget to secure your seatbelts (and those of your children) because the car simply won’t let you!
Dynamic Stability Control incorporating Traction Control, as well as ABS, EBD and EBA help this car keep you safe and secure – while driving around in style! The car is delivered with three years of roadside assistance, a three year service plan, and a five year corrosion warranty.
RRP: from R319 500
Power output: from 121 kW at 6000 rpm
Torque: from 210 Nm at 4000 rpm
Carbon emissions: 149 g/km
Fuel tank size: 56 litres
Yummy mummy rating: Super sexy and fun – the power of an SUV with the handling of a sports car
Toyota Avanza
The Toyota Avanza is available in 1.3l and 1.5l models, including the 1.5l SX Automatic, for added driving pleasure. All models come with power steering, electric windows and an air conditioner, as well as a Toyota Service Plan for four years or a maximum of 60 000km, with an option to extend this if you require.
Roomy and sleek, the Toyota Avanza can seat up to seven people comfortably, meaning that granny and grandpa can come along on weekend trips too!
RRP: R 196 800
Power output: 67 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 117 Nm @ 4400 r/min
Carbon emissions: 172 g/km
Fuel tank size: 45 litres
Yummy mummy rating: Perfectly practical for a big family
Ford Tourneo Custom
The Ford Tourneo Custom elevates family travel to a new level of luxury, and was named by CAR Magazine as its Top Buy for 2015 in the Best Large MPV Category.
Seating eight passengers in comfort and style, with the LWB model offering super luggage capacity, the Tourneo Custom has been engineered for durability and tested for toughness. The seats can also be moved and configured just the way you need them to transport people or goods or a combination of those.
Its interior materials have been chosen to minimise the risk of an allergic reaction, while an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat makes sure that the most important person – the mom driving the vehicle – is as comfortable as can be.
Able to tow up to 1600kg, the Tourneo Custom is the perfect solution for long road trips, while the Ford SYNC communication and entertainment system makes for absolute driving pleasure –keeping communication completely hands-free.
Loaded with intelligent features that make life easier and lighten the load of moving the family from home to holiday, from sports practice to ballet, the Tourneo Custom is in a class of its own.
RRP: from R437 900
Power output: from 74kW at 3500 rpm
Torque: from 310Nm at 1300 rpm
Carbon emissions: 172g / km
Fuel tank size: 80 litres
Yummy mummy rating: Big, bold, and ready to move the whole family wherever they need to be.
If you’re looking for a practical but fun, sensible but exciting car to carry your family around, visit www.imperialauto.co.za to find the dealer closest to you that can introduce you to the car of your dreams!