Best 5 Family Cars in 2023 - Mr Micanico

Best 5 Family Cars in 2023

 What makes a good family hatchback and which models should you be considering? Here we count down the top 5 – and reveal the ones to avoid...

what makes a good family hatchback? Well, it has to be practical, cheap to run, enjoyable to drive and well equipped; in other words, it needs to be good at pretty much everything.

Here we count down the top 5 – and reveal the models that are best to steer clear of.

 

5- Mazda 3 

Although Mazda trades on a sporty reputation, the 3 doesn't get anywhere near to the Ford Focus in terms of handling. However, it's impressively refined and comes very well equipped, while interior quality is a match for prestige brands and the infotainment system is great.

Target Price from 28.000$

Pros:

• Plenty of standard kit 
• Refined and quiet at speed 
• Great build quality

Cons: 

• Average handling    
• Cramped rear seats   
• Boot could be more versatile

 

4- Mercedes A-Class 

Safe, good to drive and with a truly special-looking interior, the A-Class is one of the most desirable family cars on sale today. And while the entry-level diesel (A180d) makes good sense for buyers covering lots of miles, the powerful A200 petrol is also worth considering. A BMW 1 Series is more exciting in the bends, though.

Target Price from 33.828$

Pros: 

• Strong safety rating     
• Feature-packed infotainment system    
• Good to drive and very comfortable

Cons: 

• Not cheap to buy outright or on finance   
• Restrictive and pricey option packs    
• Poor reliability record

 

3- Toyota Corolla 

The Corolla's rear seats are cramped for six-footers, but 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.

 

Target Price from 31.599$

Pros:  

• Seriously low CO2 emissions           
• Comfortable ride         
• Loads of standard kit

Cons:    

• Cramped in the back      
• Below-par infotainment system        
• Lots of road noise

 

2- BMW 1 Series

 

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.

 

Target Price from 33.690$

Pros:

• Superb build quality        
• Sporty handling     
• Class-leading infotainment system

Cons:

• Mercedes A-Class is safer    
• SE trim not that well equipped   
• Road noise at speed

 

1- Volkswagen Golf

 

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 in a more expensive car for a sensible price. It's exceedingly comfortable – especially if you opt for adaptive suspension – and offers tidy handling too. Only its distracting controls and the quality of some interior plastics disappoint.

 

Target Price from 30.600$

Pros:

• Exceedingly comfortable ride with adaptive suspension      
• Tidy handling   
• Strong and frugal 1.5 TSI 150 engine

Cons:   

• Frustratingly fiddly infotainment system is full of software bugs     
• Interior quality could be better  
• There are more spacious rivals