A GROUP of car experts have recommended a handful of motors that are perfect for the school run – as the new term fast approaches.
Parents or guardians taking their kids to school this September will likely rely on a car to get there, and if it’s time to switch models then a set of wheels ideal for the school run might be the top priority.
Speaking exclusively to Sun Motors, car gurus at the AA have picked out a variety of suitable options that can be purchased at a variety of budgets.
The evergreen Vauxhall Corsa is a staple of British roads, and has established a reputation for value, accessibility and ease of use.
The AA reveal that for a low £3,000 budget, drivers will be able to get “a very respectable Corsa example” that, despite being relatively small, can deliver a very usable level of space and practicality.
The Volkswagen Up! proves that school run drivers don’t need to splash out on a large SUV.
The AA experts believe a compact car like the Up! “delivers an impressive amount of space”, while its boxy dimensions mean that it’s got a useful amount of headroom for taller passengers and drivers.
What’s more, for kids nearing driving age, the Up! could be the ideal first-time learner car thanks to its small engine and low insurance group.
Built around the traditional MPV bodystyle, the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso provides acres of interior room and even with all of its seats in place delivers a well-sized boot – big enough for bags, sports equipment and instruments.
However, the AA do advise that, at this price, the C4 Grand Picasso may have quite a number of miles on the clock, so it could be worth considering getting a full inspection completed.
Hybrids have become a lot more popular for school-run cars as a result of their low-speed efficiency and good CO2 figures.
The AA experts have picked out a good example with the Lexus NX – which features sharp styling touches with a “pleasantly made interior.”
If a hybrid isn’t quite what you’re after then Lexus did – for a short period – offer a regular turbocharged petrol version of the NX.
A large estate car has always been an ideal choice for families and school-run drivers thanks to their large boot.
The AA believe the Audi A6 Avant is a fine choice in this area, thanks to its solid build quality and efficient range of engines.
Plus, when the schools do break up again, the A6 Avant is great for those long-distance holiday trips.
James Hosking, Director of AA Cars, has compared finding an ideal car for your family to “finding the perfect pair of shoes – it needs to fit just right, handle daily wear and tear, and not break the bank.”
He added: “In today’s fast-paced world, families need vehicles that can smoothly transition from school runs and daily commutes to weekend adventures, all while keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
“But the reality of family life often means balancing needs with budgets. This is where the used car market shines, offering a treasure trove of options for savvy parents.”
This comes as modern classic cars expert James Russell of The Motor Grid revealed to Sun Motors an iconic car of the early 2000s that is the ultimate inconspicuous performance motor – that also happens to be great for the school run.
Elsewhere, parents were livid when a new road law was introduced that could potentially put their children in danger when walking to school.
