Family: a species that is not ready to disappear
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 answering, a well 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 considered as a family-oriented vehicle whose silhouette is not really attractive. 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 supply the very title taken 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 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.
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.
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 Jetta
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo V50
Volvo XC70