Family: Not really an endangered species ...

Rest assured, even if we are talking almost exclusively SUVs and especially new vehicles of crossover type, so-called traditional family is here to stay and so much replying to specific needs.

Moreover, for some manufacturers, it represents yet and still an important part of their sales in Europe or even in North America. For example, Volvo and Subaru are two manufacturers with sales of their family are very high.

Everything is in style

For many motorists, the family is still perceived as a vehicle that responds to specific family needs whose silhouette is hardly taken into consideration. Bearing the latter has evolved over the years to present henceforth in a more rejuvenated style, or even pleasant, without minimizing its cargo spaces which make its reputation.

In this chapter, several European manufacturers even offer family very muscled beneficiant of aesthetic additions and efficient engines, which grant them the title taken very family sport. Even Cadillac has ceded a new trend in marketing a sport wagon, based on the CTS range.

Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 have that little something that sets them apart from all others, allowing them to know the ever-growing success, and even become references in their respective niche.

Large cargo areas

Notwithstanding the large SUVs and crossovers, the family remains a car that offers plenty of cargo space, while being more economical than the latter. Yesterday they were found mainly on the side of cars intermediate category, whereas today it seems to be gaining ground on the side of the compact.

Although their style is less interesting than the popular five-door hatchback car, the family is in a separate much more generous cargo space, especially when the seat is raised, including the following examples:

Family, Hyundai Elantra Touring, 1848 689 li.

Hatchback, Mazda3 Sport, 481 to 1,240 li.

Sedan, Toyota Corolla, 348 liters

Crossover, Kia Rondo, 2083 185 li.

Rating of compact crossover vehicles, there is in Europe the release of several models can accommodate up to seven passengers. Moreover, we at Kia Rondo offers this opportunity and next Mazda5 will do the same.

16 family offered in 2010:

Acura TSX Sport Wagon (coming soon)

Audi A3

Audi A4 family

Audi S4 family

BMW family Serie3

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Chevrolet HHR

Chrysler Pt Cruiser

Hyundai Elantra Touring

Mercedes-Benz E-Class family (coming soon)

Mini Clubman

Subaru Outback

Volkswagen Golf Wagon

Volkswagen Passat

Volvo V50

Volvo XC70

In summary

The family still has its place on the car chessboard. Unfortunately, it is very rare that we see a builder to advertise directly focused on its family-type models, Hyundai notwithstanding that gene not to publicize its new Elantra Touring.