Choosing the right family car is an important decision and there are some key factors to take into consideration. First, what sort of family does the car need to accommodate? This does not just mean the number of people – although this is clearly important - but factors such as age. Will it be used for toddlers or teenagers? Frequency of use – is it for short runs to school and the shops or for work travel? You may also want to consider whether you will need to transport pets or any other articles on a regular basis.

Once you're clear on all these points, the other big considerations will be the price, running costs, insurance and maintenance. As a family car you will almost certainly also want to look at safety features.

Small families, those comprising two adults and a young child, can usually manage adequately with a smaller vehicle. Smaller vehicles are generally better on fuel economy and often cheaper on tax because of low CO2 emissions. The Fiat Panda and Hyundai i20 are good entry level models, available at under £10k and both also come as 5 door models – a must when trying to manoeuvre small children and car seats.

If the family needs something with a little more interior space, then a family saloon style vehicle is always a good option. The Mazda 6 and VW Golf are popular choices in this category, combining competitive pricing with style and safety features. Alternatively, many families choose a mini-MPV, such as the Renault Grand Modus, which is both practical and economical and has ample space for a growing family's clutter.

Estate cars are also a consideration if you want that extra bit of space but don't want to head to the realms of a 4x4 or people carrier. The extra rear space is particularly useful and models such as the Ford Mondeo and Volvo XC60 are also packed with safety features and up to the minute gadgets and gizmos. Odd as it may appear, gadgets are a serious consideration – not just those designed for the comfort of driver and passengers but in an age of computer games, DVDs and MP3s, the ability to transport such technology on your journey has become paramount. If the vehicle doesn't come with them as standard, you can almost always purchase them as additional add-ons.

If a 4x4 is more your scene than the now somewhat ubiquitous MPV – Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot head the field in that category - then the Land Rover Discovery has long been top of the list for smart, spacious and comfortable family travel. It's perhaps not quite so high on the affordable price list, but for quality and distinction, you get what you pay for. If you want to go for something a little less pricey, almost all manufacturers now produce a 4x4 at reasonable entry prices, including the Volvo XC90, comfortably seating up to seven and complete with Volvo's full range of safety features.