Five family cars to watch out for in 2023
As one year ends and another begins, it is time to turn our attention to the fresh metal arriving on British shores in 2023.
Although there has rightfully been much fanfare surrounding forthcoming sports cars like the Ford Mustang, Maserati Gran Turismo, Porsche’s 911 Dakar and the overhauled Aston Martin range (including the all-new mid-engined Valhalla), there has been less noise about more practical models.
Thankfully, if you want a new car to ferry your family around, you are spoilt for choice.
A vast number of new family-sized cars are being launched in 2023 – from radical all-electric crossovers to reinventions of familiar linchpins.
Whether you love the look of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, are intrigued by the Polestar 3 or are already sold on the new BMW 5 Series, here are five family cars to watch out for in 2023:
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Traditionally the makers of beautiful sports cars, charming hatchbacks, and class-leading super saloons like the Alfa Giulia Quadrofoglio, Alfa recently jumped on the SUV train with the Stelvio.
The car was enough of a success for them to release a second SUV – the Tonale.
As you can see, this is smaller than the Stelvio and is positioned as a rival to the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. It’s still big enough to house a couple of car seats in the back and is ideal for a young family.
Of course, like any Alfa Romeo, looks are the greatest selling point. Although we are more accustomed to traditional Alfa styling cues on sleeker models, the combination of family practicality and Italian style is compelling.
So, if you’re a family-orientated petrolhead looking for a way into Alfa ownership, this could be the car for you.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale range is set to start at £35,000.
SsangYong Torres
Another family-sized car to watch out for in 2023 is the SsangYong Torres, which is set to rival the Toyota BZ4X.
Does the Toyota sound familiar? Well, that’s because it was displayed at the British Motor Show this year!
Now, back to the SsangYong.
If you are after an electric family car which is big enough for the entire family – furry friends included – and tough enough to withstand all the spilt fruit juice and dog paws you can throw at it, this SsangYong is a great choice.
The Torres is a fully electric SUV with aggressive looks that hint at its ‘go-anywhere’ abilities. This rugged approach can already be seen on the new Musso, launched at the British Motor Show 2022.
The adventurous ethos behind the Torres could also position it as a more affordable alternative to the Land Rover Defender. It even has similarly practical external storage boxes if you embark on a family camping trip.
You can expect the SsangYong Torres to cost around £30,000 when it goes on sale in the UK next year.
Polestar 3
One brand which has made a significant splash in recent years is Polestar. The Swedish EV maker – which has close links to Volvo – has been a hit with journalists and buyers, with many considering it as a European Tesla alternative.
If your children are quickly growing up, the Polestar makes a lot of sense. Its low-slung looks are ideal if you want a practical car that doesn’t look frumpy but retains enough space in the back for your children and pets.
To bolster the range, Polestar is releasing a crossover SUV in 2023. Its sleek, minimalist shape cleverly disguises its size with a swept-back windscreen and a coupe-like roofline. The SUV segment may be awash with choices, but this stylish Swede will surely be a hit when it lands on UK shores next year. Prices start from £79,900.
BMW 5 Series
This couldn’t be a list of family cars to look out for in 2023 without mentioning the new BMW 5-Series. The Bavarian icon – which is now in its fiftieth year – will enter its seventh generation with the unveiling of the new model next year.
Although BMW hasn’t said as much yet, you can expect a Touring to follow – which will be the variant of choice if you have a family pet.
Incredibly, the new 5 Series will be one of the final petrol models before BMW fully embraces its electric future.
Now might be your final chance if you’ve ever wanted to own a ‘traditional’ 5-Series.
Peugeot 408
If you want your family car to have Gallic style, then the new Peugeot 408 might just be the ticket.
Having just launched in the UK (with deliveries set to start in the new year), this new Pug is a blend of hatchback, crossover and saloon styling.
This means you will get the best of all worlds – practicality, a high driving position and the attractiveness of a traditional saloon.
A range of petrol and PHEV engines are available, starting from £31,050.
