In a world of ever more complex lifestyle needs, this is a tough question to answer. Years ago, such a statement would be answered in only a few words: safe, efficient & practical. Whilst it hasn’t changed for some, for others the needs of a family car are now far more difficult to put into only a few words.

Now your car needs to be safer than safe, at least Euro 6 compliant, have things like Apple Carplay, probably 7 seats, surround view cameras, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise, keyless entry… the list goes on. So what sort of car can give you all of that? Is there such a car? Here are 5 cars which can come with all of the above, from varying price points and still look cool on the school run.

1. Volvo XC90 – D5, B5 or T8

With prices starting as low as £23,000 for older examples, you’ll find these are equipped with all the ‘family’ requirements mostly as standard. Volvo are known for making literally the safest cars on the planet, twinned with 7 seats, great styling and economy… yep, Volvo are in for a win.

2. Citroen Grand C4 – BlueHDi

You can’t get much more family friendly than a Grand C4. Why? Interior space for days, more than enough technology to keep you occupied and a relaxing drive. Expect reasonable economy out of the 2.0 diesel, with better out of the 1.6 diesel unless you like to drive quicker. Not the most stylish of the bunch but it gets the job done in a truly exceptional way.

3. Mercedes eVito Tourer – 100kW

Here me out here, because I know this is an extremely expensive option. The standard Vito is an exceptional van, and the tourer has been hugely popular with those moving lots of people everywhere for some time – but now the eVito is here and actually has good range, a massive interior, great tech options and it looks… normal! The only issue? Expect to pay no less than £600 a month for one, though the running costs may offset this figure somewhat – being electric and all!

4. Skoda Kodiaq – any variant

Skoda make some of the best and most affordable family cars on the planet, I believe in them so much so we own an Octavia vRS as our own family wagon. The Kodiaq comes in a variety of trims and engine types but ultimately is always the same: spacious, stylish, comfortable, safe, reliable and cost effective. With older models costing as little as £15,000 with a good specification, it truly is the definitely of a perfect family car. Want to spend more money and look even cooler? They do a vRS model with a bi-turbo 2.0 diesel which can be remapped to around 300bhp.

5. Audi RS6

Yep, it doesn’t have 7 seats, it’s not massively cheap, it doesn’t get good fuel economy… so why have I added it to the list? Simple, because I love to throw in a curveball. The RS6 is ultimately a spacious estate car, with all-wheel-drive, which can get 30mpg, look absolutely stunning anywhere it goes and it will make you the happiest person in the world. It’s in the list because it merges practicality and fun all under one guise. Older models will cost you around £30,000 and don’t expect more than 20mpg under normal circumstances – but this is a car which can do absolutely everything and still melt your face with acceleration after the kids have been dropped off.