The top 5 family-friendly cars of-the-moment

The family car – is there anything more important when you're ferrying the troops from school to swimming to playdates? Of course, it depends on the size of your family and what you use your car for, but there are a few models that are stand-out for roominess and convenience. Boot capacity is important for buggies, bikes and all the stuff children come with, but even more important in my book is access to the kids and all their stuff. You can have a huge boot, but if the rest of the car is cramped and it's impossible to click in the belt on the baby's car seat, then it's not going to fly in my book. Here are 5 that are winning on space and easy access: 1. Volkswagen Golf Estate Comfortline 1.6TDI, €30,193 Reliable, sturdy and with a huge boot, this is top of our list. It has all the same smoothness the Golf's are renowned for, plus it's efficient to run. The rear seat belts don't get tangled, which is a major plus in my opinion, and cruise control makes it super-easy when driving on motorways with loud kids in your ear! 2. ŠKODA Octavia RS '230' €35,995 Topgear once said that this car is one of the best cars in the world, and it still has that reputation. Skoda has lost its 'budget brand' feeling, it's now acclaimed for being brilliant value for its premium feel plus it has 590 litres of boot space (that's a lot!) and still plenty of room for the kiddos. It has an electronically controlled front axle wheel-lock, that was originally developed for motorsport that gives excellent traction and grip. 3. SEAT Alhambra 2.0TDI SE €38,595 The SEAT motto is 'technology to enjoy' and it sums up this cool family car. It has loads of high-tech gadgets and gizmos like blond-spot monitors, electric sliding doors and boot, plus built-in blinds and really easy to fold and slide individual seats. The seven seats mean it's perfect for big families or parents who want extra room to pick up other kids from school and playdates too. 4. Ford Galaxy 2.0 €38,600 If you're looking for a people carrier, this is the car for you. Practical and spacious, it has loads of cool extras like the boot opening with just a wave of your foot and the option of a large panoramic roof. There's second-row seat airbags and a new 'Intelligent Speed Limiter' that scans the traffic signs to make sure you never break the speed limit – handy when you have a car-load of noisy kids! 5. Toyota Auris 1.8 Hybrid, €24,990 If you're a family of four or less, this is a brilliant choice for a small family run-about car. It's brilliant value and drives like a dream (trust me, I cruised to Cork and back in this effortlessly). Because it's a hybrid, it's super-efficient to run, especially if you're just driving it in traffic in a city. The latest model has been redesigned, and now has a lick of sophistication to it, mainly down to its lower and wider appearance that gives the illusion of almost hugging the road. Looking to upgrade the family car, come talk to Permanent TSB. PTSB offers simple and straightforward car loans, 3-hour* car loan approval, and 100% car finance. Terms range from 1 to 5 years and customers can borrow anything from €1,500 to €75,000. Upon full loan approval customers will also receive a Motorcheck voucher (valued at €35) so that they can do a car history check on the new car they're buying (if it's a second hand car) and buy with peace of mind! * Full approval in 3 hours applies to phone applications made during business hours (Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm) and for outbound phone calls made in response to online applications. PTSB salary mandated customers only. The 3 hours applies from when full application details have been provided over the phone to PTSB's car loan sales team. Applicants must be 18 years or over. Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.