Month: May 2019

So, it’s time to sell your car. You want to get a good price, but you also don’t want to spend months paying for a classified ad wondering why nobody wants your motor.

To make sure you shift your vehicle in a prompt manner while also getting a good deal for you and your buyer, we’ve put together a quick how-to…

1. Do your research

Considering that the price is one of the most important aspects of selling your car, it’s generally worth putting in a bit of time do your research. It might be a little time-consuming but it can really pay off in the long run.

The most important things to consider are the age, colour, mileage and condition. You can use classified ad websites and refine your search so it only shows cars that match your own on these criteria, and see what price they’re going for.

Once you’ve checked a few different sites, you should have a pretty good idea how much your motor is worth.

2. Use a free valuation tool

If you don’t fancy putting in too much time when selling your car, there are a few free valuation tools out there that can use data gleaned from car marketplaces to give you a quick estimate.

They will use a similar approach to the above, asking for info such as mileage, age and condition of the car so they can calculate its worth. This might be a good starting point, but we’d recommend double checking the results against live ads just to make sure.

3. Decide if you want the full value or a quick sale

Depending on how keen you are to sell your motor, there can be a tradeoff when it comes to time or profit. If you’re looking for a quick sale of a car that’s either not particularly desirable or there’s plenty in supply, you may have to accept taking a loss on its value.

On the flip side, if you’re willing to wait a bit if that means earning more money, holding out for the right buyer could prove a profitable move.

4. Remember: values differ depending on the buyer

The last thing to bear in mind is that the value of your car can differ greatly depending on who you’re selling it to.

For example, if you’re selling it privately you’ll be able to get a bit more for the car as reward for putting in the time and effort to advertise it. However, even if you follow the tips above to value your car correctly, how long it takes to sell your car is somewhat out of your control.

On the other hand, you could sell it to a dealership. This is a way to ensure a quick sale, but the dealer will need to make a profit when they sell it on, so you’ll get below the market value for the privilege of a quick sale.

Looking for a new car is often challenging enough, but what if you’re a keen golfer?

The need to haul a full set of clubs with you can restrict your options, and that’s before you factor the need for a prestige look that many aim for at the links.

No panic though — we’ve done the hard work for you, finding handsome, desirable cars with enough space for a set of clubs…

Volvo V90

Let’s start with something particularly practical. To be honest, pretty much any estate would work here — but you want something elegant and stylish.. You could go for a typical German options from Audi, Mercedes-Benz or BMW, but really, you want to show you don’t just follow the crowd.

That’s where Volvo comes in with the V90. It’s handsome on the outside, light, airy and a little bit quirky on the inside, and has a massive boot. The fact it’s incredibly safe and good to drive just adds to the appeal.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

You might be surprised to see a Ferrari on this list, what with it better-known for making impractical supercars you can barely fit your exquisite leather briefcase in, let alone a set of clubs.

However, that’s exactly why the Prancing Horse introduced a ‘shooting brake’ to its range. Estate-like in shape but swoopy in appearance, the GTC4Lusso offers high performance motoring with added practicality.

In fact, to prove how fit-for-purpose this car is, Ferrari even offered it with a bespoke golf club bag that could be tailored to the buyer’s specification.

Mini Clubman

To many traditionalists, the expansion of the Mini brand under German parent firm BMW is sacrilege. The standard car is bigger than ever and there are now SUV-like versions too. However, the Clubman gets away with some of the ire because it’s the revival of a body type offered on the original Mini.

It’s essentially an estate, with two doors that open like a van at the rear, making access easy. So not only do you get easy access and lots of space, it still has Mini’s premium reputation and high-quality interiors.

Porsche 911

If ever there was a sports car that could fit in perfectly at a golf club, it’s a 911. It has that reputation for quality that so many others would kill for.

However, you might be surprised to learn that despite being a relatively small sports car, you can definitely fit a set of clubs in the back. It appears most owners recommend laying them across the back seats. It’s not the most elegant solution, but it works.

McLaren GT

As with the Porsche, you might be surprised to learn there’s a practical McLaren, but there is, in the form of the upcoming GT.

It’s designed to be more of an everyday McLaren, with comfort over long distances preferred to race track performance — it’ll still do 0-60mph in about three seconds, though, so it’s no slouch.

It gets a new rear boot space, and to prove its practicality, McLaren shared photos of a set of golf clubs on-board. Practicality, crazy performance and spaceship styling in one package.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

When the Porsche Panamera was first revealed, it was rather the ugly duckling of the German firm’s range. However, the latest version looks svelte and muscular, and perhaps at its most appealing in Sport Turismo form, with estate-meets-coupe style.

Here you have Porsche brand appeal, mile-munching comfort, and space for your clubs and countless other stuff while you’re at it.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

Mercedes has various good-looking and practical estates in its range, but if you really want to turn heads at the golf club, look no further than the S-Class Coupe. It has all the luxury inside that’s to be expected from the firm’s flagship non-sports car, while retaining a decent amount of boot space even in coupe form.

It’s something of an understated, underrated gem, particularly in S 63 AMG form, where it packs 612bhp.

Bentley Continental GT

If you like your luxury motors British, looking now further than the Bentley Continental GT. It was completely revitalised recently with a new look, exquisite interior and a gorgeous 12-cylinder engine.

Given the opulence of every surface inside, though, it might be difficult to bring yourself to throw your clubs in the boot after a rainy session…

Ferrari’s latest machine has broken cover, and it’s the firm’s most powerful road car to date.

The SF90 Stradale — named as such to celebrate 90 years since the iconic Italian racing team was formed — is the manufacturer’s second electrified car, following 2013’s LaFerrari.

More significantly though, it’s both Ferrari’s first plug-in machine and series production hybrid vehicle. The SF90’s powertrain consists of a redesigned, twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 which itself produces 769bhp, mated to an electric motor that packs a further 217bhp.

Power from the V8 is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox — another first for the brand — while the electric motor sends its grunt to the front axle.

This all-wheel-drive system incorporates Ferrari’s new ‘RAC-E’ technology on the electrified axle, too. Ferrari likens it to ‘a hand guiding the car into corners’, using torque vectoring technology to optimise the percentage of power sent to each wheel at any one time.

The result of all this is a 0-60mph time of 2.3 seconds — making it Ferrari’s quickest car to date too — with a top speed of 211mph. As this is a plug-in hybrid, it’s also capable of running solely on electric power. Ferrari claims the SF90 can cover just over 15 miles between charges when in EV mode.

Though the major technical innovations for the car come underneath the skin, there’s also some trick tech visible, such as a drag reduction system (DRS) implemented on the SF90’s rear wing.

Rather than deploying a large wing like many supercars, it instead lowers a segment of bodywork in front of the wing to increase downforce under braking and hard cornering, before raising it again to minimise drag. In total, the SF90 can produce 390kg of downforce.

Inside the car, an overhauled steering wheel features bringing most of the car’s functions to the fingertips of the driver via touch-sensitive buttons. Behind it sits a new 16-inch digital instrument cluster with a fresh head-up display.

Rounding out the fresh innovations is a new key, too. The SF90 is entirely ‘keyless’ — allowing it to be locked, unlocked and started with the fob in the driver’s pocket. It’s designed to look identical to the Ferrari badge at the front of the car.

Customers looking to enhance their SF90 Stradale for the track can also upgrade to the ‘Assetto Fiorano’ package. This adds carbon fibre door panels and underbody elements, plus titanium springs and exhaust component to shave 30kg off the standard car, while its 20-inch forged alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres for increased grip.

Although Ferrari are yet to announce the price of the SF90 Stradale, as the firm’s new range-topper, expect it to surpass the previous cream-of-the-crop 812 Superfast’s £260k starting price.

In the current motoring hive mind, it is easy to get the impression that all petrol and diesel cars are as economical as using £20 notes for toilet paper, while electric cars systematically generate ice and steaks for starving polar bears.

This isn’t necessarily the case, though. In fact, an overwhelming majority of new petrol and diesel cars on sale today qualify to pass through London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) without charge.

However, some are, of course, more frugal with their fuel than others. Here are the cars that are among the most economical on sale today.

Petrol

Suzuki Celerio: 72.4mpg

While the main phrase you might use to describe Suzuki’s Celerio is ‘unremarkable’, its economy figures are certainly not to be ignored.

Utilising the 1.0-litre ‘DualJet’ petrol engine, the Celerio is quoted at a combined 72.4mpg, which is an extremely impressive figure.

Peugeot 108 (also Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo): 68.9mpg

Peugeot’s ultra-compact supermini is only available with one 998cc (or 1.0-litre, in layman’s terms) engine, which is capable of a highly impressive 68.9mpg.

The Peugeot is mechanically identical to the Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1, and as such, both of those cars also claim the same mpg figure.

Fiat 500: 74.3mpg

Fiat’s 500 benefits from the Italian marque’s extremely impressive two-cylinder TwinAir engines, which allows the stylish machine to claim some very impressive economy figures.

The highest figure quoted for the venerable Italian supermini is 74.3mpg, attributed to the 0.9-litre engine with 84bhp.

Diesel

Ford Focus: 80.7mpg

With 94bhp on tap, the base level ‘EcoBlue’ diesel Focus is unlikely to turn heads or rock your world in the performance stakes, but its economy is certainly not to be sniffed at.

Said to achieve an incredible 80.7mpg in official tests the fourth-generation Focus is certainly friendly to your wallet if you cover a lot of miles.

Honda Civic: 80.7mpg

If you’d rather go for something that provides a little less conformity than the straight-laced Focus, but you’d still like to achieve 80.7mpg, there’s always the Honda Civic, which gained a unique – if divisive – look for its tenth generation.

The Civic has a power edge over the Focus too, with it’s 1.6-litre I-DTEC engine producing 118bhp.

Volkswagen Polo: 83.1mpg

Even though Volkswagen was the straw that broke the camel’s back in the emissions scandals, they do still make some very impressive, efficient diesel engines.

A combined mpg figure of 83.1 makes the Polo a supremely economical choice among its supermini peers, even if a mere 74bhp means you’ll often be wanting for a bit more kick.

The rise of the electric car can’t be underestimated. Each manufacturer is rushing their own plug-in car to market, and demand for these new models is increasing by the hour.

But which ones are best? We’ve put together some of the ideal all-electric cars currently on sale.

Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai has changed the game with its new Kona Electric. Capable of travelling up to 279 miles on a single charge, it’s got one of the most impressive ranges of any new electric car available. And as a result of its basis on the regular Kona, it brings funky styling and plenty of in-car technology too.

It’s all put together in a compact package too, which means that it’s just as well suited to urban driving as it is to longer distance motoring.

Jaguar I-Pace

The British firm has struggled in recent years as the diesel crisis hit shortly after it invested heavily in the fuel. Fortunately, its bet on an all-electric SUV has paid off, with customers queuing up to buy one.

It’s easy to see why – the I-Pace is fast when you want it to be but a comfortable cruiser when you want to relax. It’s far from cheap at £64,495, but that’s good value compared with the Tesla Model X, its biggest rival, and with almost 300 miles of range, recharging should be a rare occurrence.

Nissan Leaf

Nissan’s Leaf is often one of the first cars that springs to mind when you think of electric vehicles. It was, after all, one of the very first all-electric cars to become popular, and has gone on to retain a lot of this popularity as the years have gone by.

These days the Leaf can still hold its own. It’ll crack 239 miles on a single charge, and is spacious and comfortable too.

BMW i3s

BMW has taken time to refine its i3 all-electric city car, ditching its petrol range extender thanks to better range. The firm has also added this – the i3s – which gives the car a little added performance.

It comes with a tuned stability system and a slightly more dynamic look – but still encapsulates all the good qualities of the regular i3 too.

Kia e-Niro

Ever since journalists first got behind the wheel of the e-Niro, they’ve praised the crossover for being good to drive and offering a battery capacity that can consign range anxiety to the past.

However, unfortunately the e-Niro has been a victim of its own success. Kia hasn’t been able to source batteries quickly enough to meet demand for the car, so wait times are now up to about 12 months.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Do you want the good news or the bad news? The good news is that the Ioniq Electric is a mighty appealing electric car. It’s practical, good to drive and surprisingly quick, too. The interior feels a little on the cheap side, but it’s far from disappointing.

The bad news, though, is that Hyundai is hit by the same battery shortage as Kia, so wait times can be up to a year. So if you want one, you’re going to have to wait.

Audi E-tron

Audi may be one of the largest carmakers around, but it’s actually been relatively late when it comes to an all-electric model. However this – the E-Tron – is its first model, bringing a premium look and feel as well as impressive electric technology.

Audi claims that it’ll do 248 miles on a single charge, but also provide plenty of space and practicality while it does so.

Renault Zoe

The Renault Zoe offers one of the cheapest entry points to EV ownership, but don’t mistake that for meaning it’s a cheap and cheerful offering that should be avoided – the Zoe is a great little supermini.

Opt for the big battery version and you get 186 miles of range, so most inner-city commuters will only have to charge it once or twice a week. Prices start at just over £17,000 with the plug-in grant.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla could be classed as one of the founding fathers of the electric car. The Model 3, its saloon car, has arguably been one of its most successful. But for many, it was just a touch too expensive and a little out of reach.

That’s where the new Model 3 chimes in. It’s designed to be a bit more affordable, but still capable of delivering plenty of range and high technology levels too.

Volkswagen e-Golf

If you’re looking for a safe bet when it comes to your electric vehicle purchase, you really can’t go wrong with the Volkswagen e-Golf. It brings the build quality and dependability you’d expect from one of the UK’s best-selling models, and simply adds an electric powertrain.

It can travel up to 144 miles before the batteries need topping up, and while that’s far from the best in the segment, it’s perfectly acceptable for the typical commuter. With plug-in car grant applied, prices hover around the £30,000 mark.

Buying a new car. It’s often referred to as one of the biggest purchases of your life, after a house. It’s why getting your hands on a new motor can be riddled with stress and anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve picked out some of the crucial ways in which the buying process can be made easier, and what to look out for.

Research the car

It may seem trivial, but you need to research everything you can about the car you’re looking at. Knowledge is power when it comes to buying from a dealer, and making sure you know everything about a certain model can make all the difference when it comes to picking one up.

Don’t be afraid to be choosy, either. Pick a colour, spec and engine and stick with that.

Choosing a dealer – franchise or independent

This is an important decision to make. Franchised dealers get first access to the latest cars and technology, and are therefore potentially better equipped at answering any questions you may have. In terms of aftersales and repairs, they have the manufacturer’s support too. They’ll also have a good selection of used vehicles that will have been well maintained in the main dealer servicing department.

There is, of course, the option to buy from an independent dealer too. They might not have the ability to offer you different options of the model you’re looking at, but they will be keen to do a deal and will offer the back-up of a well-established business should things go wrong.

Check them out online

Once you’ve picked the dealer you fancy, look through their online reviews thoroughly. You’ll be able to easily see how well they treat their customers and also how good they are at dealing with aftersales issues.

You can’t beat good old-fashioned word of mouth either – asking friends, neighbours and relatives about a potential dealership can be useful too.

Pick your purchase time

Believe it or not, you can get a better deal depending on when you buy. Dealers are often pressed to reach quarterly targets, which means the end of March, June, September and December could result in a better deal.

It’s a small tip, but one that could potentially see you saving thousands of pounds off a vehicle if the purchase is timed right.

Test drive

Once you’ve seen a car you like then it’s time to get behind the wheel. The likelihood is that the salesperson will accompany you in the car, but don’t let that stop you from pressing all of the buttons and getting a real feel for the vehicle in general.

Ensure that your test route features a range of different corners, roundabouts and road surfaces – and most importantly, check the car works for you.

Cash or finance

There’s a variety of ways to pay at a dealer. They can offer hire purchase, which sees you paying a deposit and repaying the remaining balance over monthly instalments. At the end of the payment term, you’ll own it outright.

Then there’s personal contract purchase, or PCP. Here, you’ll pay a deposit followed by monthly payments, but at the end you’ll be offered a ‘balloon’ when you can pay off the remainder of the car’s value or return it to the dealer. And then there’s personal leasing.

This is a good option if you’re planning on frequently changing your car, although you do have to usually stump up three months’ rental in advance, and there’s no option to buy it at the end of the deal. Or you could pay cash!

Haggle

It’s an age-old process, but haggling remains just as crucial today as it’s always been. Even with used cars there’s always going to be a certain amount of wiggle room. You shouldn’t ever have to pay the full price for a car, and dealers are prepared for this. Go in strong and stick to your guns – it’s only the same as they’ll be doing.

Remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get, so don’t be afraid to ask for free additions and discounts on servicing plans. The worst they can do is say no!

Don’t be scared of walking away

Remember, there are thousands of cars available on the market and hundreds of dealerships too. There is always another car, so don’t be scared to walk away if things don’t feel right. Don’t be pressured into any deal either – the final decision is entirely yours, and if you don’t like the way things are heading, walk straight out of those doors!

For many car enthusiasts, the 90s was the golden era of motoring. Cars were advanced enough to feature some fascinating technology and had giggle-inducing performance, but electronic nannying and heavy safety equipment hadn’t numbed the industry’s most exciting models.

Here we shine a light on some of the most iconic motors to be released during this glorious era for the automobile.

E36 BMW M3

The second-generation BMW M3 is the often-overlooked iteration of one of the most iconic sports coupes ever made. The E30 that started it all, and the drop dead gorgeous E46 that succeeded it tend to steal the limelight, but the E36 is just as worthy of your attention as the others.

With 286bhp it was no slouch, and although it brought new levels of creature comforts compared with its predecessor, the howling 3.0-litre engine made sure it could hold its own on the autobahn when required.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI

In all, there are 10 generations of the Lancer Evolution. Some saw bigger changes than others, but if there’s one thing most enthusiasts agree on, it’s that the series peaked with the sixth-generation.

It marked the last time the road-going model mimicked a successful World Rally Championship version, and as such gained here status for its motorsport-derived boxy body kit, lairy rear wing and simple, no frills interior. The boosty 2.0-litre engine at its heart made 276bhp, which coupled with four-wheel drive contributed to a 0-60mph time of just 4.8 seconds – which is still quick two decades later.

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

Some of the greatest cars ever made have been built so the manufacturer can go racing, and that’s the case with the CLK GTR.

Mercedes-Benz wanted to win the FIA GT Championship but didn’t have a road car that was eligible, so it built a race car before adapting a few to be road legal. The result is a true race car for the road.

Its long tail design is iconic, and houses the legendary 6.9-litre race-derived V12 engine. With around 600bhp, it would shame many modern supercars with its performance.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Incredibly, it’s been more than a quarter of a century since the Escort RS Cosworth was introduced to the world. It’s another car built to dominate the rally scene, and is perhaps most recognisable for that ‘whale tail’ spoiler at the rear.

The 2.0-litre engine might not have extraordinary power at 227bhp, but with a big, old-school turbocharger delivering gobfuls of boost all in one hit, the ‘Cossie’ earned a reputation as a bit of a beast.

Mazda RX-7

Arguably still one of the prettiest sports cars ever made, the third-generation Mazda RX-7 is a lesson in simplicity. The bodywork looks like it is wrapped tightly around the mechanical innards, with no superfluous curves and flourishes, while the lightweight rear-wheel drive platform made it ideal for back road blasts.

Its iconic rotary engine has earned a reputation for being finicky, but look after it with plenty of oil and you’re treated to a glorious unit that adores being revved out to the redline.

Jaguar XJ220

The XJ220’s long, sleek styling looks like a retro vision of an alien spacecraft. At the time, the supercar was considered a bit of a disaster – those who placed early deposits were angry when engineering and emissions requirements saw the V12 ditched in favour of a turbocharged V6, while the recession in the early 90s prompted many to pull out of their purchase.

However, with hindsight its glorious styling, impressive performance and fighty handling have made it highly sought-after. With just 275 made, its rarity has helped, too.

BMW 8 Series

When it comes to iconic shapes, the BMW 8 Series takes the biscuit. A grand tourer packed full with technology, it was an all-new model for the German firm, taking its place at the head of the company’s line-up of passenger cars.

It was available with either a V8 or V12 engine, while the 850CSi got stiffer bushings and dampers to help it in the bends.

Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 took over from where the 348 left off, and in truth it wasn’t all that different to the car it replaced. That said, engine performance was upped, and later an F1-style gearbox was fitted, operated via steering-wheel mounted paddles.

A Spider version was also introduced, giving those who wanted a F355 with the wind-in-your-hair experience an option.

Mazda MX-5

The first-generation Mazda MX-5 trickled into the 90s, having been first introduced in the late 80s. It broke the mould for small, lightweight yet affordable two-seaters – and it’s proved immensely popular ever since.

The original, pop-up headlight NA-generation car is one of the most iconic soft-tops off all time, but it backed up its quirky looks with a reasonably involving drive, and zingy engines.

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a car which needs little introduction. Back in 1998 it took the title of world’s fastest production car, thanks to an incredible top speed of 240.1mph – a speed which puts many modern supercars to shame.

It incorporated innovative new technologies, plenty of high-end building materials and an F1-style central driving position. Its engine bay was even lined in gold.

Sometimes, bigger simply is better. With engines, it’s often the case. However, with bigger engines often comes a bigger price, which is why hugely powerful cars cost quite so much – most of the time.

Though these big-engined brutes tend to cost a lot from new, they often depreciate quite heavily. It means that for under £10,000 you can easily get a hugely powerful used car – and we’ve picked out some of the best.

Audi S6

Want under-the-radar looks with incredible performance? You’ll want the Audi S6, then. The generation we’re looking at features a Lamborghini-derived V10 with 429bhp. It was capable of getting the S6 from 0-60mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Because of its relatively high running costs and appetite for fuel, the S6 depreciated quite hard. Even though there aren’t that many about, you should still be able to acquire one used for under £10,000.

BMW 760Li

Thought that a V10 would be the largest engine you’d be able to get with our £10,000 budget? Then think again. The BMW 760Li packs a gigantic 6.0-litre V12 with 445bhp, making for a deceptively brisk luxury saloon. It’s all about a high-quality driving experience here, with that V12 offering silky-smooth acceleration.

It’s worth pointing out that if something goes wrong – or if the engine hasn’t been properly maintained – then you could be set for a hefty repair bill.

Mercedes S500

We couldn’t make this list without featuring a Mercedes. It’s been building huge engines for some time, and the S500 featured one of the most iconic. It gets a sonorous 5.5-litre V8 with 380bhp, so more than enough to give most modern cars a run for their money.

As with all S Class models, the S500 is jam-packed with high-tech features. At the time, this meant it was one of the most cutting-edge models available, whereas now, it means that there’s an awful lot to break.

Jaguar XK

Though Jaguar’s XK – the replacement for the iconic XK8 – may be down on engine size compared to others in this list, it provides a completely different experience. That said, its 4.2-litre V8 still produces a considerable 300bhp, so it’s not lacking in power.

These represent an excellent used buy too. Our budget of £10,000 will nab a decent example, with not too many miles on the clock.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Now it’s time for something completely different. The Jeep Grand Cherokee may not be a sporty drop-top nor a luxury saloon, but it can offer a big engine – a 5.7-litre V8, in fact. With 322bhp sent through all four wheels, it could crack the 0-60mph dash in a claimed time of 7.1 seconds.

They’re also excellent value-for-money. As we’ve mentioned with almost all of the other cars on this list, do be prepared for increased fuel bills and maintenance if you take the plunge with a Cherokee.

Isofix mounting points ensure that a child seat is mounted into a vehicle as safely as possible. By locking a seat into the Isofix points either side of the passenger seats, it essentially makes the car seat a part of the vehicle’s chassis, ensure it’s as strong as possible.

And though many cars offer two Isofix mounting points, few have three separate points available. That’s not to say there aren’t any cars with three Isofix points – and we’ve picked out some of the best that do.

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is easily one of the more practical electric cars currently on the market, and as well as its three Isofix points offers a large boot and plenty of interior space. Of course, this car isn’t just about practicality – it’s very quick too, and an all-electric powertrain means that running costs won’t be too bad either.

It’s expensive to purchase outright, but the Tesla Model S is certainly a good way of getting into the next-generation of electric vehicles.

Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport

Vauxhall’s Insignia has proved immensely popular during its lifetime thanks to good driving dynamics and excellent value for money. As a hatchback, it packs a big boot and there’s plenty of room in the cabin too. Fortunately for this list, it also offers three Isofix points, too.

It’s available in a range of specifications, and there are a variety of engines to choose from as well, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer

The Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer is a proper seven-seater, meaning that as well as having three Isofix points, there’s plenty of space for passengers too. Alongside this, you get plenty of standard equipment and quirky French styling as well.

Interior quality may not be the strongest, but the Grand C4 Spacetourer has been created with families in mind – meaning it’s built to last.

Seat Tarraco

Seat’s Tarraco is the firm’s first large SUV, offering seven seats with its own unique Spanish styling. It’s based on the Skoda Kodiaq (itself already well-proven) and it’s available in a range of specifications and colours.

It’s also very good to drive, and comfortable over long distances too – making it ideal for family duties.

Peugeot 3008

Peugeot’s 3008 may appear dinky, but it’s another three-point Isofix option here. The 3008 is efficient and pleasantly different in terms of styling, both inside and out. The little Pug is also surprisingly good in the bends thanks to its relatively agile steering.

Running costs will be low, and so will those related to servicing. It’s a great value-for-money option.

BMW X1

BMW was quick to join the compact SUV fray, and did so with the X1. It brings the high-up driving position that people like from an SUV, but with a smaller footprint and lower running costs. It also, handily for this list, comes with three Isofix mounting points.

It may not be the quickest BMW out there, but it still offers a reasonably involving drive, as well as a variety of efficient engines.

Volvo S90

Volvo’s big S90 saloon was one of the first in a new wave of cars from the Swedish manufacturer, offering a more premium cabin as well as improved levels of in-car equipment and technology.

With three Isofix seats, the S90 will prove a great option for those who want to mount three child seats, but drive in absolute comfort and luxury.

Skoda Superb

Skoda’s Superb is one of the best all-rounders about, bringing with it impeccable build quality alongside efficiency and comfort too. The cabin is logically laid out, and the main infotainment system is one of the most intuitive around.

Plus, it has three Isofix points, and it’s jam-packed with safety features.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes recently updated its GLE SUV, bringing more equipment and technology to the table. As is the case with others on this list, it has three Isofix points too, as well as a range of assistance systems which utilise semi-autonomous technology.

It also comes with that all-important premium bading plus a sporting drive and plenty of standard equipment.

Volkswagen Touran

The Volkswagen Touran is an MPV with a surprising amount of space to offer. As well as seven seats, it’s got a big boot and excellent all-around visibility. The overall build quality is good, and all of the controls have a decent, weighty finish to them.

Three Isofix points? Check. It’s also got a suite of airbags and driver aids to help it stay as safe as possible, too.

Need plenty of space, both for luggage and occupants too? You’ll want a seven-seater then. Fortunately enough there are plenty of options currently on the market, offering a variety of body styles from a variety of brands.

But which are best? That’s what we’ve been investigating – and here are the results.

Land Rover Discovery

This list was always destined to feature Land Rover’s go-anywhere Discovery. As well as seven comfortable seats, it’s packed with off-road tech to make it just as capable at scaling steep inclines as it is making the weekly run to the shops.

Expensive it may be, but the Discovery comes loaded with equipment and is available with a range of engine choices, too.

Volvo XC90

When the first-generation XC90 was released, it stormed the market thanks to its rock-solid build quality and efficiency. The latest edition continues the legacy, albeit with a whole lot more technology and equipment.

It’s also one of the safest cars on the market thanks to a raft of assistance systems. For families, there are few better options than the XC90.

Seat Alhambra

If you’re after the best possible passenger space, then look no further than the Seat Alhambra. It may be a little outdated inside, but the Alhambra makes up for it with a huge amount of interior room. It’s also surprisingly good to drive, and frugal, too.

As the Alhambra has been around for a little while now, you’re likely to find good deals on it at the forecourt – bolstering its appeal.

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda hit the nail on the seven-seater head when it released the Kodiaq. Rock-solid build quality and incredible value-for-money meant that this Czech SUV enjoyed immediate popularity and has continued to do so.

It’s available with a range of efficient engines too, while a new performance-orientated model – the Kodiaq vRS – means there’s something for those with the need for speed as well.

Audi Q7

Audi’s big Q7 flies the flag for premium manufacturers here, offering that top-notch driving experience you’d expect from a car with four rings on the front. A high-quality interior and silky-smooth petrol and diesel engines seal the deal.

There’s the all-conquering SQ7 available too – which puts many ‘normal’ performance cars to shame.

Tesla Model X

Representing the electric contingent is Tesla’s Model X. Spaceship-like in design, it’s a real looker out on the road but, fortunately for this list, it’s available with seven seats. A realistic 300-mile all-electric range means it’s usable for long-distance drivers, too.

Though it may be expensive to buy outright, the Model X justifies its high price tag with minimal running costs and plenty of performance.

Mercedes GLS

The Mercedes GLS takes the fight to the Audi Q7, and having recently been updated, packs more tech and features than ever before. A longer wheelbase than the car it replaces means there’s more space than before, and improved legroom for all occupants.

The interior of the car has been vastly overhauled, with a full widescreen infotainment system helping to give the cabin a particularly high-tech feel.

Ford S-Max

Though Ford’s S-Max has been around a little while now, it’s still one of the best-driving seven-seaters around, and offers genuine practicality as well. A range of frugal engines help to keep trips to the pump at a minimum, while solid build quality should mean it holds up to family duties too.

A range-topping Vignale is now available, though even lower trims get a vast amount of standard equipment.