The car remains the easiest way to explore Britain on holiday – indeed, over the Easter weekend alone this year, an estimated 14 million leisure journeys were made on UK roads according to a new study from the RAC and INRIX. If you’re looking for a new motor with one eye on how it’d hold up for a road trip on your next break, there’s plenty to consider, from features and specifications to how you purchase it in the first place. If you buy a car on finance, for example, it’s worth considering gap insurance to cover the difference between the car’s value and the amount owed in case it is totalled or stolen.
For the vehicle itself, though, we look below at some of the main aspects that’ll make it most suitable for a holiday journey.
Table of Contents
Comfort is king
When spending long hours on the road, you’ve got to be comfortable. Look for cars with adjustable seats that offer good lumbar support, which can help prevent back pain during extended drives. Heated seats are a bonus, especially in the UK’s cooler climate, while a smooth ride quality, quiet cabin and climate control systems can greatly enhance the driving experience.
Cargo capacity
If you’re going on a longer break – or, let’s be honest, going anywhere at all with children – you’ll need plenty of boot space. Make sure your car can accommodate all your luggage and equipment, including essential items that you can keep there in case of an emergency on the road.
Technological integration
The right tech features can make long drives go by like a breeze. To keep everyone entertained with music or podcasts during the trip, look for vehicles with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity features. You’ll even find screens mounted on the backs of seats in some models so that back-seat passengers can watch movies or TV.
Additionally, a robust internal sat-nav system can be a life-saver, alongside other practical tech like adaptive cruise control and parking cameras that can take some of the stress out of the experience.
Safety features
One of the first things you should look into is a car’s safety features. You’ll want to ensure your vehicle has everything from airbags to anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). Advanced safety technologies like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring can also significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for road trips, as it directly impacts your travel budget. Opt for cars that offer good mileage to reduce the frequency of fuel stops and overall costs. Hybrid and electric vehicles are excellent choices for their impressive fuel efficiency, and the good news is that these vehicles are more environmentally friendly as well as kinder to your wallet.
