The Family Car category is one of the most fiercely contested in the market. These vehicles are genuine all-rounders, offering not only spaciousness, but efficiency, luxury and performance in neatly-styled SUV bodies. While the Chinese brands have found favour in this segment, Kia claimed victory with its acclaimed Sportage.
A medium crossover or SUV, which we’ve categorised under “family car” ever since the #CarsAwards programme began in 2015, must perform a wide variety of duties; it needs to be a practical all-rounder. The 2024 Best Family Car should excel on the school run, but also be able to transport a family to a distant holiday location. In this category, interior flexibility, comfort and, of course, safety are paramount.
The Family Car category
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R600 000 and R800 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023). The following features must be standard: ABS and electronic stability control (ESC), aircon, a minimum of 6 airbags, split-folding rear seats, as well as a service plan.
Pillars of success for this category include powertrain flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, comfort and safety and in-car entertainment.
2024 Best Family Car: The CarsAwards WINNER
Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi EX
The 5th-gen Kia Sportage burst onto the scene with bold and futuristic good looks, but under its shapely sheet metal you’ll find a well-packaged family SUV. Initially offered with petrol engines only, the Sportage range was bolstered by the addition of a turbodiesel powerplant, which promises excellent fuel economy. The EX grade includes most of the convenience features expected of a mid-spec derivative.
Read a review of the Kia Sportage
Find a Kia Sportage for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNER-UP: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDi 390 Executive
Chery recently enhanced the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which was quite a compelling offering to begin with. The 2.0TGDi 390 Executive represents incredible value for money (considering it has a standard 7-year/90 000 km service plan) because, when it comes to features and comforts, it is comprehensively specced.
A 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine provides plenty of performance and it appears the Chinese carmaker has addressed some of the fuel-economy concerns. With its keen price point and 3rd row of seats, the latter of which is the exception to the rule in this popular segment, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is a strong contender in this category.
Read a Launch Review of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
Find a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNER-UP: Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury
The H6 is one of 2 models that have propelled Haval up SA’s new-vehicle sales charts. This is not a run-of-the-milll H6 derivative, however – it’s a self-charging petrol-electric hybrid. The 2.0-litre turbopetrol has been swopped for a 1.5-litre engine with an electric battery and motor. The result is a similar level of performance, but better fuel economy. Ultra Luxury trim includes a dazzling array of features and tech.
Watch a Video Review of the Haval H6 HEV
Find a Haval H6 for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) were named on 29 February 2024.
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