Selection Guide

Versatile and affordable family cars: five alternative options

Spacious and economical, usable both in the city and on journeys, but above all affordable. In short, a well-considered choice that has to come to terms with a thousand needs. Here is what the market offers today.

12 May 2024

3' min read

Family cars are above all functional vehicles that can accommodate more passengers on board than the planned five if necessary. They must also have as large a boot as possible and above all not be out of budget. Here is an impossible identikit of the five types of cars that can fulfil so many requirements.

Citizens, but not only, certainly ecological

In the city, but especially in city centres, the priority is to have small, environmentally friendly cars, such as the Honda Jazz, which has the shape of a compact MPV, but what distinguishes it from other small cars is the hybrid-only motorisation with automatic recharging when slowing down on the basis of the 1,500 cc petrol engine and two electric units in most cases the car switches between these two modes.

Honda Jazz

The result is smooth but fuel-efficient driving plus the convenience of the automatic transmission. The equipment is impressive, especially when it comes to safety: there are 10 airbags, including one between the front seats to protect the occupants' heads in the event of a side impact. Prices from around 26,900 euros.

Skoda Kamiq

High wheels, but not too high, and lots of practicality

It was a forerunner of the city SUVs that are now popular, but despite being on the market since 2019 the Skoda Kamiq remains a reference model. Front-wheel drive, compact but spacious as well as with many solutions that increase its practicality, either standard or optional, such as the umbrella in the driver's door panel and the motorised tailgate, but also the cargo nets in the boot, which is ample for the type of car and above all of regular shape. In addition, the trim is of remarkable quality and the fittings are precise. It offers a multimedia system that is connected to the web. Soundproofing and road roughness absorption are taken care of. The thousand turbo petrol engines are lively, but above all they consume little. Prices from 24,700 euros.

Mitsubishi Colt

Berlinetta no frills, but with everything as standard

The new Mitsubishi Colt is a rather personal little five-door also because it re-proposes with slight aesthetic changes the look of the Renault Clio, especially at the front: the two brands have long been known allies. On the other hand, it adds a three-year warranty to the legally obligatory two-year warranty, provided that it does not exceed 100 thousand kilometres. The standard equipment, then, is very good, in relation to the price: as standard the versions offer air conditioning, rear-view mirrors that are electrically adjustable and automatic emergency braking with recognition of both pedestrians and cyclists even at night. The Colt's drive is precise with the option of a 1,600 cc full hybrid. Prices from 17,900 euros.

Citroen e-C3 (Copyright William Crozes @ Continental Productions)

Electricity as possible, thanks to price

If the price of the new Citroen e-C3 is below the 25,000 euro mark, considered by all manufacturers to be a kind of threshold to make the electric car attractive to the general public, but also to incoming Chinese competition, it means that the car from the Stellantis brand is the right answer at the right time. In fact, the e-C3 costs less than 25,000 euro at the entry level of the range, the You which is also offered with 36-month financing that as soon as the new incentives come into force will be offered with no down payment, with instalments of 49 euro per month for a final maxi payment of around 12,500 euro with the wallbox to be installed at home included. And a reduced battery variant is planned for 2025 at minus 20,000 euro. Prices from 23,900 euro.

Dacia Jogger

Station wagon for larger families

The Jogger's price is as tempting as any Dacia, but the seven seats are a solution that can become very useful for families needing much more space. The last row, in fact, composed of two seats that are removable or foldable is so accessible that it can even accommodate people 170 cm tall. And already with five seats in use the boot space is enormous. Added to this is the simple but effective multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. The interior is finished with sobriety and economical-looking materials, but not too much. There is a wide range of engines on offer, petrol or LPG or the most recent novelty is the full hybrid version with robotised gearbox, a 1,600 petrol and two electrics. Prices from 18,250 euro.