Latest news with #familycar
Auto Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Comfy and chic Renault Scenic electric SUV for under £235 a month
Spacious and very practical 381-mile range Just £233.21 a month The electric family SUV class is fit to bursting but there is one offering that has risen to the top – the Renault Scenic E-Tech. The French brand has reinvented its famous family-friendly MPV to an equally family-suitable SUV, complete with a practical interior, great tech, and keen pricing. You can get behind the wheel for as little as £233.21 a month right now, thanks to this deal from VehicleFlex through the Auto Express Find a Car service. Advertisement - Article continues below This two-year deal requires a £3,038.50 initial payment, and has a cap of 5,000 miles a year. But if you need more mileage, then that's not a problem as the broker offers an 8,000-mile-a-year deal for under £20 more a month. Most will likely go for the longer mileage deal as the Scenic makes for a great family car thanks to its long range. The 87kWh battery pack is claimed to give 381 miles before needing to be recharged, and in our tests we've found 300 miles to be a reasonable average. Meanwhile, the pack can be charged up to 150kW from a rapid-charger, meaning you can be on your way in under 40 minutes. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The Scenic drives just the way you'd want a family car to – and that's quiet and comfy. It's supple around town and absorbs bumps with ease, and it's superbly refined. That said, thanks to its relative lightness (for an EV) and sharp steering, the Scenic is also good to drive on twister roads. This deal nets you the entry-level Techno, which is no bad thing as it's packed with kit as standard. Renault throws in things such as 19-inch diamond-cut alloys, a 12-inch touchscreen with a slick Google operating system, and a clever rear armrest that will keep the kids entertained on long journeys. Interior space is excellent for this type of car - there's bags of room in the rear seats, and the boot is massive at 545 litres. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Renault Scenic leasing offers from leading providers on our Renault Scenic hub page. Check out the Renault Scenic E-Tech deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data There are now very few manual cars available to buy, a trend that's been exacerbated by the rise of EVs Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It's our Deal of the Day for 25 May
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Edmunds recommends these under-$40,000 SUVs for new parents
As if the impending arrival of your first child isn't stressful enough, you're undoubtedly shopping for a seemingly endless list of baby gear. Cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, sound machines and whatever the heck a MamaRoo is. You'll likely get most of that stuff from a baby registry. But the biggest baby gear item requires a more significant cash outlay: a new vehicle for your growing family. We can't help you pay for that, but we can point you toward five great SUVs of different sizes that all start for under $40,000. Edmunds' car experts focused on three qualities: 1) lots of space between the first and second-row seatbacks for bulky rear-facing infant safety seats; 2) big rear door openings to make it easy to get your newborn in and out; and 3) a roomy cargo area for all of your baby gear. The pricing below includes destination fees. 2025 Volkswagen Taos Subcompact SUVs are not usually top choices for young families because of their limited space for cargo and child safety seats. The Volkswagen Taos is an exception. It's one of the roomiest models in its class and even rivals a Mazda CX-5 for all-around baby-toting usefulness. Got a rear-facing infant seat, or even a convertible seat, combined with a stroller and a travel crib? No problem — they'll all likely fit without having to slide the front seats far forward. The 2025 Taos also receives some welcome improvements such as an updated interior with a bigger center touchscreen and a more powerful engine that gets up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined. 2025 Taos starting price: $26,420 2025 Kia Niro The Niro is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicle. The hybrid comes oh-so-close to matching the Toyota Prius' fuel economy by getting up to an EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined. It also costs less than the Prius and has a more spacious back seat. The cargo area is nice-sized too. There are a lot of hybrid-powered SUVs available and the Niro is one of the least expensive. The plug-in version and the Niro Electric are considerably more expensive than the regular Niro hybrid, but otherwise they share the same family-friendly utility. 2025 Niro starting price: $28,385 2025 Honda CR-V The CR-V has long been a go-to choice for parents and rightfully so. It's an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. It has a vast back seat, so you won't likely have to move the front seats up to accommodate the infant car seat in any of the rear positions. The CR-V's rear door openings are huge, and cargo space is among the roomiest you'll find for a compact SUV. The entry-level versions of the CR-V come with a 190-horsepower engine, while the more expensive trims have a 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain that gets up to an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined. 2025 CR-V starting price: $31,495 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV The Equinox EV is Edmunds' top-rated electric SUV under $40,000. It has loads of space between its first and second seating rows for fitting a rear-facing child seat. The cargo area is also of a decent size, though ultimately you'll find more in the CR-V and other compact SUVs. Its electric vehicle credentials are also excellent. It traveled 356 miles on a full charge in the independent Edmunds EV Range Test and has enough power to zip around town without issue. Basically, the Equinox EV is a great family-friendly SUV, and a great EV, at a reasonable price. 2025 Equinox EV starting price: $34,995 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe The Santa Fe is the most expensive vehicle on our list, but it is a great choice if you foresee multiple children and want to get a head start with a slightly bigger vehicle. It has three rows of seating. That's good for future-proofing and just generally handy for those times when you're going out to dinner with the grandparents and want to take just one vehicle. The Santa Fe isn't quite as large as Hyundai's Palisade, but it's roomy enough for new families and is less expensive. It has also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award for crash test results and is available with a hybrid powertrain that gets up to 36 mpg. 2025 Santa Fe starting price: $35,775 Edmunds says These are great SUVs to start your search with. Make sure to bring along your car seat and any other baby gear on a test drive to know for sure what will work for you. _____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. James Riswick is a contributor at Edmunds.
Car and Driver
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse has a Tahoe-sized interior in form factor that won't devour your entire garage, making it a little easier to own without compromising space for the family. There's even enough space in the third row to seat adults, should the need arise. Practicality is the Traverse's strongest point; sadly, its road manners and powertrain lack the refinement found in the best mid-size SUVs. A turbocharged four-cylinder is the only engine option and while it makes a stout 328 horsepower, acceleration performance is merely average for the class. Handling is also bland, but at least the Traverse's ride is even and steady. If you can compromise a little on interior space, we suggest taking a look at rivals such as the Kia Telluride and the Mazda CX-90. What's New for 2026? The Traverse is still fresh, having been redesigned for the 2024 model year. This year, we expect to see no significant updates to the three-row SUV. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is expected to start around $43,000 and go up to $56,000 depending on the trim and options. LT $43,000 (est) Z71 $50,000 (est) High Country $56,000 (est) RS $56,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k Despite the shift in the lineup, we still think the LT represents the best value. It includes several niceties, such as second-row captain's chairs, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power rear liftgate, and a trailering package. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving feature is available, and we'd also suggest adding the Driver Confidence package. Engine, Transmission, and Performance A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the hood of every Traverse model and the only transmission is an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is optional, otherwise, the powertrain drives the Traverse's front wheels. The gussied-up Z71 trim offers more capability off-road and comes standard with a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, different suspension damping, all-terrain tires, and terrain-specific driving modes. During our test drive, we weren't impressed by the Traverse's steering, which feels slow and truck-like. While the Traverse isn't particularly engaging to drive, its ride is comfortable and family-friendly. A firm brake pedal provides plenty of reassurance and body roll is kept in check nicely by the suspension. 0–60-MPH Times Acceleration feels adequate, but the throttle response is on the lazy side. The turbo four also emits some uncouth noises and vibrations when you get deep into the throttle. The all-wheel-drive Traverse we tested got to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is slower than the old V-6 model managed. View Photos Chevrolet Towing and Payload Capacity The Traverse can tow up to 5000 pounds with its standard Trailering package, which includes a heavy-duty cooling system, a 220-amp alternator, and a special "Hitch View" to the exterior camera system. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Traverse yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings as high as 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. We'll also take the new Traverse on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route when we can test for its real-world mpg. For more information about the Traverse's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo If you're hauling a big family, the Traverse is nicely set up for such a task thanks to its massive interior. All trims can accommodate seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs. A second-row bench is offered on the LT trim, increasing the capacity to eight passengers. The third row is even spacious enough to handle a pair of adults should the need arise, and the seat bottom is high enough off the floor to avoid the squatting seating position that forces your knees up toward your chest. There are several large storage bins, including one on the center console ahead of two large cupholders and another below the console that is accessible from both the driver and passenger side. With all seats folded down, the Traverse is among the most cargo-friendly SUVs in the class, with over 97 cubic feet of space. When we get a chance to test it, we'll pack the Traverse's interior with carry-on suitcases to see how much cargo it can hold. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity A massive 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on all Traverse models and uses Chevrolet's latest Google-based software interface. An 11.0-inch digital gauge display is also standard and provides the driver with a few configurations to display information of their choosing. A wireless smartphone charging pad is included and an onboard Wi-Fi connection is available. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Chevrolet provides a host of driver-assistance features as standard, including pedestrian and bicyclist detection systems and automatic high-beam headlamps. For an extra fee, you can order a Traverse with GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving mode on LT and Z71 models; it's standard on the RS and High Country. For more information about the Traverse's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection Available lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control Available hands-free driving mode Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The only thing that distinguishes the Traverse from its peers in terms of maintenance coverage is a free initial maintenance visit. Otherwise, the warranty coverage offered by Chevrolet is average for the segment. Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit Specifications Specifications 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $57,595/$57,495 Options: credit heated wiper park, -$100 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection Displacement: 152 in3, 2494 cm3 Power: 328 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc Tires: Continental CrossContact LX20 275/45R-22 108V M+S TPC Spec 3190 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 120.9 in Length: 204.5 in Width: 79.6 in Height: 70.9 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 60/53/40 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 98/57/23 ft3 Curb Weight: 4865 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.3 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.6 sec @ 92 mph 100 mph: 18.4 sec 120 mph: 34.1 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.1 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 125 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 22 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/24 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
How the BMW X7 elevates everyday life for families
As most busy families will understand, a car isn't just about getting from one place to another. It's a moving extension of the family home. It has to be safe – a buffer between loved ones and the elements outside. But it also needs to be a place of calm, particularly for younger kids who might need to nap or mellow out. It should present distractions for longer trips, preserving parents' sanity as the miles clock up and also have the flexibility to accommodate the bulk of everyday life, be that buggies and food shops or surfboards and pedal bikes. Acclaimed chef and BMW 'friend of the brand' Paul Ainsworth knows this as well as any busy father. Based in Cornwall, where long drives are standard practice and the weather is unpredictable, his BMW X7 M60i has become the lynchpin of both family life and work logistics. First and foremost, the focus is on safety. 'My daughter's school is 30 miles away, so we're on the A30 a lot,' Ainsworth explains. 'You need to feel the car's solid, that it's got you covered – and the X7 gives you that. It feels strong and sturdy. You just know your family is secure.' The X7 is full to the brim with safety-first features, such as Lane Control Assistant, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and the optional Driving Assistant Professional, which includes steering and lane control support. For those who regularly drive longer distances, especially with children in the car, these features are invaluable. Add to those the Surround View and Parking Assistant Professional – letting you spot even the smallest obstacle and manoeuvre accordingly – and it's easy to see why the X7 offers peace of mind. Then there's the matter of keeping the screeching down and everyone entertained. 'In terms of how they travel, we definitely had them in the right order,' Paul laughs. 'CiCi, my elder daughter, is quite chilled and goes with the flow. She always has. Audrey, my younger one, is completely different. She's all about the routine. If that routine gets disrupted, you know about it.' Keeping the whole family happy on the road has never been so easy or pleasurable. The X7's third-row seating gives space for up to seven people in comfort, which is a boon for the Ainsworths. With two kids in the back, the rear entertainment screens are also a lifesaver. Plus, the four-zone climate control, the eight USB-C ports and generous storage compartments throughout means everyone can settle into their own comfort zone. The optional panoramic Sky Lounge sunroof is another road trip hero. On the A30 school run, it turns early morning drives into a visual experience. 'It's a long drive, and often we're doing it while it's still a bit dark, but we get sunrise over the moorland and that's a real favourite of Cici's,' Ainsworth says. And then, of course, there's the space. Living in Cornwall means loading up the car, which isn't just during a once-a-week grocery shop. 'I need a big boot,' says Ainsworth. 'You've got the wetsuits, the dog, Cici's skateboards, bikes, buckets – all the stuff. It just gets loaded in.' The BMW X7's electrically split tailgate and height-adjustable air suspension makes it easier to load heavy gear. The third row of seats folds away at the touch of a button, freeing up more than 750 litres of cargo space when needed. 'When I'm not filling the boot with produce for the restaurants, I'm filling it with all the stuff our life demands,' Ainsworth says. 'I think it's almost a prerequisite of living in Cornwall – you have to have hobbies that involve a lot of kit.' His wife Emma, he notes, is the only low-maintenance one in the household. 'She just needs a pair of fully charged AirPods and she's off for a long walk along the coast with her favourite podcasts.' His daughter CiCi, on the other hand, is constantly levelling up her interests. 'If it's not surfing, it's skateboarding. And now her surf coach has recommended surf-skateboarding, so adding yet another board to add to the pile.' The flexibility of the X7's boot space, combined with its thoughtful family-first features, makes it uniquely suited to this kind of lifestyle. Whether it's heading to school, the beach, or London for a work meeting, the car adapts seamlessly. What stands out about the BMW X7 is its ability to merge performance, space and comfort in one attractive package. 'It's really everything,' Ainsworth says. 'You've got the height, the views, the comfortable seats – but also that family-friendly flexibility. It doesn't feel like a compromise. It works for us.'
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Best used cars to buy: Discover which motor will suit YOU best, from a used car expert
FROM the most boring family saloon to super exciting single-seat sports cars, I've driven my fair share of cars, and it's helped me to understand some of the things that make a great motor. In this guide, I've selected some of my favourite used cars. 8 The criteria include cost, practicality and performance. It's also my personal choice, so feel free to disagree. Whether you're a single person looking for a performance car, a country dweller looking for wet road traction and action, or a new parent who wants some peace and quiet on the way back from the nursery, we've got you covered. These cars are the used cars I'd buy (and, in some cases, have owned). Let's start with my top choice of used car in the UK. What is the best used car to buy? All these things – and more – can be used to describe my favourite used car, the old(er) Dacia Duster. 8 Model: Dacia Duster It's a great family car that's also a fairly capable country car (especially if you invest in the rarer 4x4 version). In the city, the elevated driving position provides great visibility. As a crossover, the carrying capacity is great. It's pretty economical, too, with the (now unpopular) diesel version doing over 40mpg. It gets even better when you realise you can pick up a 10-year-old car for £3,000, and a modern, low-mileage 2021 Duster for £13,000. Dacia owners are like Millwall fans. Everyone hates them, and they don't care. Don't judge them until you've driven a hundred miles in their shoes… If you do, you'll probably buy a Dacia too. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here. Which used car should I buy? You're an adult (we hope) and have control of all your faculties, so you can choose to buy any car you want. Here are some of *my* favourite used cars for each of these core categories. Best used city car 8 The Skoda Fabia is a great-looking little car that's practical, safe and reliable. You'll have no trouble getting in and out of tight parking space. So, it's small, but it is actually reasonably sized inside and will carry four people in relative comfort. The Skoda Fabia isn't a blow-your-socks-off city car like the Audi A1, for example, but it's cheaper to buy and run. When it inevitably loses a wing mirror or picks up a dent or scratch, you won't be as bothered. We really like the bolder colours like this striking blue 2019 Skoda Fabia 1.0 TSI for a few quid under £10,000. Best used for rural driving 8 Model: Subaru Forester FIND HERE Modern Range Rovers aren't the rugged beasts of the past (unless you're paying for premium models), so we're going for the Subaru Forester. These are a farmer's favourite, with a bullet-proof engine and incredible build quality. Top Gear calls it 'comfy, spacious and dependable', which is what you want from a rural runaround. Reliability, too, is amazing. It's not the most refined driving experience and the interior can leave you a bit cold, but countryside folk aren't worried about looks. Resale value is great as well. The most recent hybrid engine Foresters are good cars, but we're going old school with the 2015 Subaru Forester 2.0i XE. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £150 on Sun Motors here. Best used car for first-time drivers 8 FIND HERE Join generations of new drivers with the Ford Fiesta. First-time drivers will want a low-cost car that's affordable to insure. You'll also want a small and reliable motor to keep running costs and insurance down. The Fiesta does all this (and more). It was a sad day in 2023 when Ford pulled the plug on the Fiesta, but that means you can pick up a bargain. New drivers should focus on the smaller 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine Fiestas, like this sporty and pretty stunning 2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec S. Best used family car 8 The Citroen C3 is a cool and compact city car that's just about big enough to fit a young family in. Classed as a supermini, it's surprisingly spacious. The quirky, box-style shape works (for me) and the proportions are great. When you drive it, it's fairly basic and a little bit boring, but it will get your family from A to B without much fuss. Citroen has shrugged off its reputation for poor reliability, says WhatCar?, with the brand building some excellent cars. Check out this nearly new, 2022 Citroen C3 1.2 PureTech 110 Shine Plus. It's a lot of car for £15,499, and with just 4,000 miles on the clock, it's ready for a few more family holidays… Best used luxury cars 8 Model: Range Rover Evoque FIND HERE This is where personal preference takes over, so feel free to ignore my choice. But, if you're looking for a car that will do everything, go anywhere and look good while doing it, then you're talking about a Range Rover Evoque. It's the smallest Range Rover, but you still get the premium feel and prestige badge you want. This 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is at the affordable end for a Range Rover. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which pushes out 249 bhp. That will help you achieve a top speed of 142 mph and hit 60mph from a standing start in 7.4 seconds Best used small car 8 Model: Kia Picanto FIND HERE Kia changed the game with its massive 7-year warranty, which was either huge confidence in the quality of its cars or the worst business mistake of all time. Turns out to be the former and we're huge fans of its small car, the Kia Picanto. It's small, smart and built to a high standard. It could easily have been our choice of the best city car. While small engine Picantos might run out of puff on the motorway, the 1.2-litre engine is more than enough to keep up with traffic. The Kia Picanto 1.0 T-GDi GT-Line S is an affordable and sporty small car with extra points for the go-faster stripe on the side. Car buying FAQs Here are some of the most common questions we're asked about buying a used car. When is best to buy a used car? When you need one and can afford one! In the end, the market for used cars is, like any market, about supply and demand. You'll find that campervans and convertibles are cheaper in the winter. But not by much. If you're looking for the perfect time to buy a used car, it's today… What's the best mileage on a used car? In the past, high mileage was a huge warning sign. Today, not so much. What's more important is a full-service history and an understanding of how the miles were driven and by who. A low-mileage hire car driven (badly) by hundreds of users will be a worse buy than a high-mileage vehicle that's mostly done on long motorway runs. Ask questions of the dealer, check out the MOT history and (if possible) inspect the car for signs of wear and tear. Where to buy used cars Obviously, the answer is Sun Motors! You'll find the UK's best selection of used cars, including popular makes and models from Ford, Kia, Skoda, Dacia, Audi, BMW, Range Rover and any number of other brands I can't remember. Sun Motors makes buying a used car stress-free. Select your model, chat with your dealer and apply and agree on finance in one place. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
