Skip advert
Advertisement

Best family car

Our guide names the best cars for fine driving dynamics, value and reliability.

1. Skoda Octavia (new)
2. Rover 75
3. Mazda 6 (new)

“Just perfect - spot on in quality, reliability, performance, practicality, dealer service. Really fit for purpose. Going to get another one soon.” Mr Chris Walker, Bristol, Avon.

You voted Skoda’s new Octavia as the top traditional family car. Few could question its practicality, but the model also offers fine driving dynamics, value and reliability.

Advertisement - Article continues below

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"79276","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

In second and fourth are two old Longbridge favourites: the Rover 75 and MG ZT. Owners gush with praise and pride about these cars, which are now real bargains on the used market. Sandwiched between the British pair is Mazda’s second-generation 6. Both hatch and estate versions deliver masses of space, and the car shares much of the appeal of the Mondeo on which it’s based, but manages to finish one place ahead of its Ford rival.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV will be boxy and electric
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV will be boxy and electric

The new Land Rover Defender Sport will sit below the existing Defender in both size and price, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
23 Feb 2026
Electric cars vs winter: Audi A6, Mercedes CLA, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV4 and MG IM5 megatest
Winter range test - header

Electric cars vs winter: Audi A6, Mercedes CLA, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV4 and MG IM5 megatest

What does winter do to the capabilities of five long-range EVs? Our brutal 370-mile trip reveals everything - but did they all make it?
Features
23 Feb 2026
Are EVs really cheaper to run? Exclusive electric vs petrol running costs analysis
Are EVs really cheaper to run?

Are EVs really cheaper to run? Exclusive electric vs petrol running costs analysis

EVs have been sold primarily on their low running costs; we do the maths to see if the benefits are genuine
Features
24 Feb 2026