The summer of 2021 is set to be the season of the staycation, with millions of people in the UK set to head to Britain’s many delightful coastal or city attractions. Top destinations are sure to include the rugged landscapes of the Lake District or Snowdonia, while many will seek the sun in the southern havens of Devon and Cornwall.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a brand-new model or hop in your old reliable vehicle, we look at some of the best cars for indulging in that summer road trip – from plug-in electric SUVs to roomy family vehicles, there’s a whole lot of choice within motor trade dealerships for the consumer right now.
Versatility is the name of the game, with many of Britain’s holiday spots benefiting from windy roads, scenic terrain to explore and plenty of rugged mountain or hillside roads that will take your breath away.
With that in mind, you need a vehicle that will eat up the tough climbs and purr along the smoother roads with ease, all while hauling your family in comfort and style.
The Nissan Qashqai is a favourite among the new and used cars markets. It boasts a huge boot space, ideal for your holiday luggage, and is one of the nation’s top crossover options. It drives well, has reasonable fuel efficiency and there’s lots of legroom for the rear passengers to enjoy on any longer journey.
As you’d expect, there’s also ample choice of entertainment options, with a range of connectivity on offer to suit everyone’s music and charging needs.
Perennial small family favourites such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus do offer the usual impeccable drive experience, especially for a smaller number of passengers, with diesel options providing a huge amount of mileage per refuel.
These vehicles will also handle most types of terrain with ease, with the twisty roads of Snowdonia or the Lake District a breeze. However, if a slightly edgier experience is your thing, a VW T-Roc offering huge amounts of luggage space and practicality, while the punchy 1.5 TSI unit offers plenty of power to churn up those miles.
If you’re seeking an environmentally friendly option, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a top choice, affording impressive hybrid economy figures more than 130 mpg on a full charge.
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You’ll need to plan your route to take advantage of charging points to get the best out of the vehicle, but charging is rapid (up to 80% in around 30 minutes), there’s a huge amount of power in the 2.4 litre engine, and its green credentials are reviewed as class leading.
The Ford Kuga provides a similar experience to the Focus, though this mid-size SUV comes into its own when faced with hilly routes and windy journeys – there’s plenty of punch, even from the plug-in versions, and lots of sporty options to please the gadget lovers.
The Kuga is also among the more affordable vehicles in its class and won’t break the bank at the petrol station either, good news when fuel prices are on the increase.
There is a whole cluster of small to mid-sized family cars and SUVs across the motor trade industry which offer the great combination of comfort and practicality for any UK staycation.
If you’re after a more luxurious option, a mid-range BMW such as the X series or a Mercedes Benz GLC will provide everything you could need at a step above the other options listed: a small increase on your insurance policy premiums may be a small price to pay for luxury and that extra bit of class on your road trip.
Wherever you’re off to, hopefully, you won’t get tired of hearing are we nearly there yet coming from the back seat passengers!
