Gone are the days when family vans were seen as boring, boxy vehicles that sacrificed style for practicality. Today’s family vans are a whole different breed – sleek, stylish, and packed with features that make family life on the road a joy rather than a chore. If you’re in the market for a new family vehicle in the UK, a van might be the perfect solution you never knew you needed.
Why Choose a Van for Your Family?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing a van, let’s talk about why they’ve become such a popular choice for families across the UK. First and foremost, space is the name of the game. Vans offers an abundance of room, not just for passengers but for all the stuff that comes with family life – from pushchairs and sports equipment to holiday luggage and the weekly shop. If you’re considering making the switch, it’s essential to value my van to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Assessing Your Family’s Needs
Before you start test-driving vans, it’s important to sit down and think about what your family needs from a vehicle. How many seats do you require? Do you need easy access for younger children or elderly relatives? Are you likely to be carrying bulky items regularly?
Consider your daily routines and occasional adventures. Do you do a lot of city driving, or are you more likely to be cruising down motorways? Will you be using the van for work as well as family life? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and focus on the features that matter most to your family.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Van Size
Family vans come in a range of sizes, from compact models perfect for navigating city streets to larger vehicles ideal for big families or those who need extra cargo space. In the UK, you’ll typically find three main categories:
Compact MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are the smallest option. These are great for families who need more space than a standard car but don’t want something too large. They’re easy to park and economical to run, making them ideal for city-dwelling families.
Mid-sized MPVs offer a bit more space and are a popular choice for growing families. They usually seat five to seven people comfortably and provide a good balance between space and maneuverability.
Full-sized MPVs are the largest option, often seating seven or more people with plenty of room left over for luggage. These are perfect for larger families or those who regularly need to transport bulky items.
Features That Make Family Life Easier
Modern family vans come packed with features designed to make life on the road smoother for parents and kids alike. Here are some to look out for:
Sliding doors are a game-changer for families. They make it easy to get kids in and out of the van, even in tight parking spaces. Some models even offer power sliding doors that can be opened with the push of a button – perfect when your hands are full of shopping bags or toddlers!
Safety First: Essential Safety Features
When it comes to family vehicles, safety is paramount. Modern vans offer a wide range of safety features, and it’s worth paying attention to these when making your choice. Look for vans with a high Euro NCAP safety rating, which indicates how well the vehicle performs in various crash tests.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
With rising fuel costs and growing environmental concerns, it’s worth considering the efficiency of your family van. Diesel engines have traditionally been popular for larger vehicles due to their fuel efficiency, but many manufacturers now offer petrol and hybrid options that perform well in terms of both power and economy.
If you do a lot of city driving, a hybrid van could be a great choice, offering excellent fuel economy in stop-start traffic. For longer journeys, a diesel engine might still be the most efficient option.
Test Driving: The Ultimate Decision Maker
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time for the fun part – test driving! Nothing beats getting behind the wheel and seeing how a van feels on the road. Try to recreate your typical journeys during the test drive. If you do a lot of city driving, make sure to test the van’s maneuverability in tight spaces. If you frequently take longer trips, try to include some motorway driving in your test.
The Perfect Family Van Awaits
Choosing the perfect family van might seem like a daunting task, but it can also be an exciting adventure. Remember, the ideal van for your family is out there – it’s just a matter of finding it. Consider your needs, do your research, and take your time with test drives. Whether you end up with a compact MPV perfect for city life or a spacious full-sized van ready for epic family road trips, the right choice will make your family adventures smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
