January 30, 2018
You have been married for a little while, and now decide it is time for children. Perhaps this is a time to upgrade to a car that can handle both of you and the planned newcomers?
Below are ten family cars available in South Africa in 2017.
The 225i Active Tourer has a TwinScroll BMW engine that develops 170 kW of power, and is equipped with a smooth, 8-speed steptronic auto transmission. There is the option of Servotronic steering, which greatly assists steering at high speeds. Superb road-holding is due to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC). Other options that can be selected are the M Sport Suspension, where the springs are firmer, and the Dynamic Damper Control, where the ride of the car can either be stiffened or made softer at the touch of a button. The 5-seater is a real family car, providing mommy with a comfortable and practical ride. Extra vehicle settings are made available via the Driving Experience Control.
The top-of-the-range 225i is powered by a 4-cylinder, 2-litre petrol engine, enabling the car to do 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, and reach a maximum speed of 249 km/h.
The Honda Jazz is particularly popular with families, because its seats can be changed into all sorts of positions. Although its small outside appearance may be off-putting, the inside has much room. The 2015 Honda Jazz had the option of two engines – either a 1,2-litre, or the well-known 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine. For greater efficiency and performance, the Honda’s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system is used. One has a choice between a 5-speed manual gearbox or a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT).
What makes the 8-seated Kombi an ideal family vehicle are the sliding doors, and stability and traction control. During a trip, for instance, mom can get up as a front-seat passenger, and give the children at the back something to drink.
This Kombi is powered by a 2-litre, TDI engine, delivering 103 kW of power via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The Kombi is more like a bus, and thus quite a challenge to drive in congested city traffic, especially when it comes to parking. The optional Park Distance Control (PDC) does help greatly. Although Volkswagen claims a fuel consumption of 8 litres/100 km, some drivers have experienced over 10 litres/100 km.
The undeniable popularity of the Toyota Fortuner may be attributed to its spacious interior that suits the family and dogs, as well as being able to handle difficult terrain in off-road areas. Families enjoy the 7 seats that can be folded to accommodate several different positions.
The 2015 Toyota Fortuner 2.5 D-4D has been replaced by the 2.4 GD-6, and is available in South Africa in 2017. The old 2.5 engine had a power output of 106 kW, but the 2.4 GD-6 now has a 110-kW engine. The improved torque of 400 Nm (instead of 343 Nm), means that the acceleration and pulling power of the car is greater. The fuel economy of the manual GD-6 is 7 litres/100 km, and the automatic model 7.9 litres/100 km.
This Hyundai car provides a superb interior, with lots of space and comfort, which is ideal for families and all that goes with that. The turbo-diesel is pretty silent. The ix35 1.7 CRDi has been replaced by the 2017 Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi. The 1.7-litre engine provides 85 kW and 280 Nm. The smooth, 6-speed manual gearbox is easy to operate. The claimed fuel consumption is 6.8 litres/100 km.
The Chevrolet Captiva is a highly practical 7-seater, excellent for outdoor activities. The Captiva comes either as the 2.4-litre, petrol model or the 2.2-litre, turbo diesel model. The petrol engine has a power output of 123 kW, and is connected to either a manual or 6-speed auto transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 8.8 litres/100 km. The manual model takes 10.5 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h, and has a maximum speed of 190 km/h. The automatic model reaches 100 km/h in 11 seconds, and reaches a maximum speed of 181 km/h.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine provides 135 kW, via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The car consumes fuel at a rate of 7.8 litres/100 km. It takes the diesel model 9.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h, and its top speed is 192 km/h.
The 4 x 4 Renault Duster is great to handle, and has a great diesel consumption at 7 litres/100 km. SATNAV comes as a standard feature. What has made the Duster attractive is the low price as well as the solid mechanics of the vehicle. The 1.5-litre, turbo-diesel engine has a power output of 80 kW, with fuel consumption being at a low 4.8 litres/100 km. This spacious car with a large boot certainly is ideal for any family.
The Quest has lots of space for any family and is really reliable. Its interior and boot are spacious. The car is powered by a 1.6-litre, 90-kW, petrol engine, which is connected either to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic.
The Grand Tourneo Connect is equipped with 3 rows of seats, providing much room for the family. Sliding doors and overhead shelves make the car a great pleasure to travel in. The only automatic transmission in the whole range is the Ecoboost 1.6-litre model. Electronic stability control, traction control, tyre pressure monitors, and torque vectoring control are just some of the amazing features available.
All 2017 models of the Toyota Avanza have great safety features such as EBD, which works together with ABS. The Avanza is available with two different engines, namely, the 1.3-litre, 70-kW, petrol engine and the 1.5-litre, 77-kW, petrol engine. The fuel economy of the 1.3 litre is 6.1 litres/100 km, whilst it is 6.3 litres/100 km (manual) for the 1.5-litre, petrol engine.
Family cars are fantastic for creating wonderful memories together. You can spend more time and money on your family when you have affordable car insurance.
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November 7, 2023
November 7, 2023
