The 5 Family Cars That Can Do It All

Like all industries, the car industry has suffered a lot during the pandemic. But, more and more countries are finding ways to get their economics moving and get back to work. The manufacturing sector has been in a lot of trouble lately, but car manufacturers are continuing to pump out some great cars. For families seeking to buy a new car, what kind of machine should they entertain? We believe it should be 5-door family cars. But why 5-doors? This gives you more space and more access to the seats behind you. So it’s a design which will be good for children of all ages, i.e. longevity. The family car is also a unique type of product. It’s supposed to do everything, i.e. high mpg, good town driving, good highway performance, comfort, space, trunk space, etc. So what are your choices?

Stylish subcompact

Okay, so you’re not in the mood for a hatchback because you want more space. Then go for a subcompact executive car! Wait a minute, can a subcompact be an executive car? Well, according to the Mercedes A-Class, yes it can! 

So a subcompact is just a fancy word for a hatchback, but not quite. The main difference is, the subcompact is a shortened version of the original which is a sedan. Whereas a hatchback is simply compact. The A-Class of 2018-present, is the former, in that it has a longer wheelbase and slightly less trunk space than the sedan. The W177 has petrol engines from 1.3-liters to 2.0-liters. It has diesel engines from 1.5-liters to 2.0-liters. All engines have a turbocharger. Each car comes with 7-speed and 8-speed transmission options. The most economical engines produce about 47 mpg and the more powerful produce 32-38 mpg. The diesel produces 60 mpg, which isn’t shocking at all, but nonetheless very good.

6-door Mini

The Mini brand just won’t vacate the throne of affordable family 5-door cars. The Mini Clubman is a worldwide hit. It can provide room for two infants, two adults, and about two medium-sized suitcases. For a younger family, this is perfect, because it’s fun to drive, it’s compact, and it is one of the more good-looking models on the market. 

Like many British brands, the handling and quality of response from the steering wheel are very good. It’s actually one of the better cars in its class, so for those that don’t wish to sacrifice their love for driving for the sake of space, this is something right up your alley. The trunk doors open horizontally, making it even easier to load. Go with the 1.5-liter petrol for the most economical choice. However, if you would have more pep, then go for the 2.0-liter turbocharged BMW engine, which produced 302bhp instead of 189bhp. Space-wise, it has about as much volume as 1.5x Ford Fiesta. So, small but very roomy for its size.

An American explorer

American brands have always known to focus on the family car as a matter of consumer loyalty. Nowhere else in the world, are family cars bought and sold so much as the States. It’s obvious why the bigger population equals more families. But, of all the choices the SUV type of car is the most popular.

The Jeep Renegade has brought the brand back into the limelight because of its space, comfort, and running costs. These are the three categories which are the most important to families. So if you click here, you can read all about the exact dimensions. The interior has massively improved and is far above other American brands that may be it’s rival. The center touchscreen is pretty standard and easy to use. The backseats can be folded down, so you can carry something large and bulky. It does about 22 mpg in the town and 32 mpg on the highway. It’s a 2.4-liter engine produces 180 bhp and roughly the same amount of torque. It’s a modern terrain traction system makes it a decent dirt road traversing machine. 

Medium SUV

The Audi Q2 is a pretty simple SUV on the face of it. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find this to be more than just a box-standard crossover. Yes, it’s design is ripped straight from the A2, but it’s been made taller, fatter and great for excursions or just doing the grocery shopping in.

Go for the 1-liter engine for a more economical approach, but don’t be afraid to go with the 1.5-liter engine with 150bhp. It’s still a very clean and economical engine, because of its adaptive cylinder control. If you’re driving at slow speeds it won’t be firing on all cylinders, but when you put your foot down the sleeping cylinders kick in for that extra power. Unlike many SUV crossovers, the Q2 is also a handsome beast that looks like a hunchback version of the original models.

Porsche Taycan

We’re going to throw in a Porsche, because why not!? The new Taycan Turbo S has an incredible 760 bhp with 280 miles in range. It’s very roomy as you would expect and is designed for the backroads and highways. It’s a big old beast, so don’t drive in tight city streets if you don’t want to scuff the bumpers or the sidewalls. It’s not so much of a crossover than a shooting brake. A long sleek car, it has buckets of style. 

You can also get an all-electric version with about the same range, only you are limited to about 560bhp. It does handle a lot better than the conventional power unit, because the batteries are fitted low in the chassis, for better center of gravity. 

5-door family cars are supposed to do it all and put a smile on your face. These 5 models do all of these things but each car has its own personality and feel. We recommend that you test drive all of them before making a purchase; especially the last one!

Alicia Baker
Alicia is a Canadian writer whose enthusiasm for cultural and automotive are combined in her writing. Her background includes links to insurance, finance, and automotive safety.