Families choose Astra over larger saloons
The most popular cars for families are the size of a Vauxhall Astra as UK drivers shun bigger saloons, according to new research.
A survey by insurance company Aviva looking at cars over the past 30 years show the average UK driveway is now home to much smaller cars than previous decades.
Aviva car insurance director Heather Smith said: "Thirty years ago the big saloon and the small 'runaround' sitting side by side outside Britain's family homes was a ubiquitous sight."
She explained families were more likely to buy two Vauxhall Astra-size cars for mum and dad - or even opt for a compact car such as a Vauxhall Meriva compact MPV or models such as the forthcoming Vauxhall Mokka compact SUV.
The reason for the change is because, traditionally, dads bought larger cars such as the old Vauxhall Cavalier, while mums went for smaller superminis.
As times change, dads have moved towards more frugal, smaller cars to save money, while mums have met them in the middle as more space and practicality has become desirable, according to Aviva.
Smith added: "As families' lives become more busy and complex, with two working parents and children to be dropped off at school, it appears multi-tasking mums need a vehicle fit for both work and family life while cost and fuel efficiency are increasingly important to dad."
The news highlights the importance of mid-size family cars such as the Vauxhall Astra, which matches five-doors and a large boot to low running costs.
Despite the space offered with the new Vauxhall Astra, it also comes with a selection of petrol and diesel engines. The most efficient diesel, named the Ecoflex version, offers free road tax in the UK and fuel economy in the region of 70mpg.
Standard new Vauxhall Astra prices start from £13,000 in the UK. Ecoflex versions are available in higher trim levels, starting from £16,000.