If you’ve just started a family or awaiting a new addition, chances are you’re thinking of getting a new child friendly car.
But with so many brands and models in the market it’s not easy to make a decision. Which safety features are absolute essential? What about convenience and comfort? What about economy?
When you visit a car dealer, take a list of must-have features and a wish-list to help you decide which car is right for your family.
The Buzz Car Insurance compiled a list of top features to consider when looking for a new family car to help you weigh up your needs and choose a new car that will keep you and your family safe and entertained on road.
1. Crash Safety Safety come first with little ones and how the car performs a serious crash can be vital. Check the car’s ANCAP rating and look for a five star rated car. Safety is more than how many airbags the car has but make sure the car has side curtain airbags that cover the rear passenger windows.
2. Electronic Stability Control. This may be known by other names (ESP, DSC etc) but is very effective in help preventing you losing control of the car in the first place. Many cars have it as standard but if it’s optional, it’s well worth paying for.
3. Rear parking sensors and rear-mounted camera give you a check on what's behind you when you're reversing.
4. Anti-lock braking system or ABS stops a car’s wheels from locking up or spinning out of control, when brakes are applied heavily. ABS also helps you maintain steering control of your car under strong braking. Many newer cars have additional systems called brake assist which helps you apply the brakes quicker in an emergency and reduce the car’s stopping distance.
5. Child proof safety locks on doors and power locking windows so kids can’t accidentally open the door or windows.
6. Spaciousness and storage is on top of every parent’s mind when looking for a family car. Consider the number of luggage clamps/blinds, hooks and tie down in the boot. Is there enough room for strollers? Under-seat storage is also handy.
7. Spare tyre. Many cars no longer have a spare tyre but have an emergency tyre or a puncture repair kit. This could be a major inconvenience if you’re travelling long distances with kids.
8. Flexible seating. Some cars now have innovative features to help get easy access to the back seats, such as sliding second row to adjust legroom, stow-and-go seats which can be stashed in the floor to enlarge the boot areas. Swivel-and-go seating allows the second row seats to turn and face the third row- very useful when taking a break on a long drive with kids.
9. A rear seat entertainment system is a safety feature disguised as entertainment. The Buzz kiddy distraction study found that 1 in 5 parents are distracted by kids while driving, leading to an accident or a ‘near miss’. A DVD system keeps the little ones people busy, so you can fully concentrate on the road.
10. Dual zone climate control to adjust the heating and cooling needs of kids is important in a kid friendly car specially during very cool and hot months.
11. Fuel efficiency. In addition to the upfront cost of a car you'll want to consider long terms costs. Maintenance and fuel costs over life of the vehicle are just as important to consider as the initial cost for a family car.
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The content, thoughts and opinions stated in this article are of the relevant contributors. The Buzz Insurance do not necessarily share or endorse those opinions. Neither The Buzz Insurance nor any of its employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process disclosed.
