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

Car Deal of the Day: Omoda 7 exhibits big value at £204 a month
Omoda 7 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Omoda 7 exhibits big value at £204 a month

The 7 is one of Omoda’s latest models in its ever-expanding range of cars for Brits. It’s our Deal of the Day for 1 July.
News
1 Jul 2026
Car of the Year 2026: Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf - Auto Express Car of the Year

Car of the Year 2026: Nissan Leaf

The all-new Nissan Leaf is the Auto Express Car of the Year for 2026
Awards
3 Jul 2026
New Kia Sportage and EV5 Storm models to steal the GT-Line’s thunder
Kia Sportage and EV5 Storm - front and rear static

New Kia Sportage and EV5 Storm models to steal the GT-Line’s thunder

The Kia EV5 and Sportage are now available with the new Storm specification, while the former also now gets a dual-motor option
News
1 Jul 2026