Want to take a family road trip this Summer and still be smiling at the end of it? There are some cars more suited to road trips than others advises Geraldine Herbert
Who can resist the appeal of the open road? As the school holidays loom the promise of adventure beckons. But whether it is for a day away, a weekend escape or a longer holiday family road trips bring out the best and the worst in everyone. The endless scrabbling, the incessant bathrooms stops it’s enough to make Jean-Paul Sartre revise his idea of hell.
Last summer, we planned the ultimate family road trip, Dublin to Dover with two kids, two adults and an assortment of cuddly toys! Nothing sparks a marital meltdown like packing the car for a long road trip so with the art of Tetris packing mastered we were off. Two thousand miles, four national monuments, three hotels, two cathedrals and a safari park later I have a tip for you – there are definitely some cars better suited to road trips than others.
While a perfectly organised trip can still hit a few speed bumps along the way having the right car can make the difference. As someone who has hauled my two boys around in every type of vehicle imaginable from convertibles to super sized MPVs having a car that keeps driver and kids happy is key.
We’ve got four cars to suit a range of budgets that will make any road trip a lot more bearable.
RENAULT CAPTUR
RENAULT CAPTUR
Renault Captur Dynamique dCi 90 €21,190
If space and practicality is needed but with a dash of French style, the Captur may just the one you are looking for. Essentially a Renault Clio on steroids, it is a little longer so there is more space and it is higher off the ground so better visibility all-round.
Inside the Captur is funky and there are some really nice details and clever touches. Families with small children will love the zip off seat covers that you can remove and wash and the sliding rear seat will help juggle leg and boot space. There is also the wide opening tailgate complete with a waist-level load lip while the reversible boot liner is perfect to stow wet and sandy buckets and spades. On the road the Captur is good to drive and cruises effortlessly on the motorway. Pick of the bunch is the dci 90 diesel engine with a combined fuel economy of 3.7 litres per 100 km or 76.4 mpg.
SEAT LEON
Seat Leon ST SE 1.6 TDI 105 €24,405
If a family estate is measured on how much stuff it can hold then the Seat Leon Sports Tourer version scores highly. The boot is enormous, 587 litres which can be increased to 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded flat. There are 13 smaller cubby holes to tuck away your goodies and bags of space for five adults to travel in comfort.
SEAT LEON ST
But all this practicality doesn’t mean Seat has compromised the styling, with smarter edges and sassy grille there is a sufficient amount of Spanish flair to make you stand out from the crowd.
Available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, from a 1.2litre 86bhp petrol engine to a 2.0litre 184bhp our choice is the 1.6 Tdi. On the road the Leon is just so great to drive, the diesel is smooth and delivers power effortlessly. Plus, it’ll save you plenty of trips to the pumps by returning 3.8 litres per 100 km or 74.3 mpg.
MAZDA CX-5
Mazda CX5 2.2 Diesel MT €31,445
With families as its target market the CX-5 will certainly appeal with its flexibility and versatility. While it looks like a rugged country warrior underneath the brawny exterior is an efficient car that won’t damage the environment or your pocket.
Inside there is plenty of room front and rear and a child seat or two can be popped in the back no problem. The boot holds 503 litres so it’s big enough for bulky prams or over-packed suitcases but if you need more space the seats fold down easily to give you an almost flat load area.
MAZDA CX-5
Thanks to SKYACTIV technology that ensures maximum economy the 2.2 diesel quotes a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 4.6 litres per 100 km or 61.4 mpg.
With car-like handling and impressive fuel economy the CX-5 is refreshingly good and proof that you can have fun and still have room for the kids.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Diesel 4WD Manual €43,245
Whether you’re plodding through rush-hour traffic or zipping around rural roads, Hyundai’s Santa Fe is a joy to drive. Put your foot to the floor and it surges forward despite its size, sticks to the road and corners with the agility of a small car.
The interior is just as good looking as the exterior and the cabin and dash wouldn’t look out of place in a more expensive vehicle.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
There is more than enough room inside for five adults. But the two rear seats are best kept for the kids. When those rear seats aren’t being used, the boot space is enormous. But even with all seven seats in place, there’s still 585 litres of luggage space. Fold down all of the back seats and you could embark on the shopping spree of a lifetime.
For the size and sheer bulk it is also surprisingly economical and the 2.2 diesel returns 6.1 litres per 100 kms or 46.3 mpg on a combined cycle
With great new styling inside and out and generous equipment the Hyundai Santa Fe is a very impressive option.
A version of this article, by the author, appeared in the Sunday Independent
Geraldine Herbert
18th June, 2014
