Buying a family car and not sure what to look for? Here are some of the key ingredients you may want to factor in.

Safety

Safety can be a priority for many people buying a family car. Newer cars tend to have much better safety features than older cars – a few modern features that have become popular include passenger airbags, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The safety rating can often be a reliable indicator of how safe a model is. There are also sites that can give you an accident report on specific models in your area. Manufacturers that are known for having a better track record for safety such as Volvo, Hyundai and Volkswagen.

Passenger space

If you’ve got kids, you’ll need ample passenger space. Make sure that back seats have enough legroom. A four door car could also be beneficial when it comes to putting young kids in car seats and not having to constantly adjust the seat. For those with big families, a people carrier may be necessary - the Ford Galaxy and Citroen C4 Picasso are two reliable models

Storage space

On top of passenger space, it can help to have a lot of storage space. A good-sized trunk could be useful if you need to carry a pram. Estate cars tend to have a lot of boot space and may be a good choice for those that see this as a priority. Having storage space elsewhere could also be useful for packing snacks and toys on a long car drive – some cars come with large side pockets and storage under the rear middle seat.

Mod cons

Mod cons aren’t essential but can make for a comfortable ride for all. Air conditioning and radio are two good examples – but you can aim beyond this. Many modern family cars have in-built Bluetooth, heated windscreens, built-in Sat Nav and even integrated TVs. These could be fun features to look into when buying a car. Be wary that not all new models will have these available to purchase as standard.

Cost