City car or family car?

Can you use a city car as a family car?

 

City cars and family cars have distinct characteristics, each designed to meet different needs. But what do these terms really mean?

It is a type of bodywork whose size is particularly suited to driving around town.

 

There are two types of city cars: superminis or subcompacts and flexible models.

 

• A mini-compact or small city car is referred to as A-segment and is the classic city car. This type of city car has an average length of 3 metres and seats four people. When it is less than 3 metres long, it is called a supermini or subcompact.

• Flexible city cars are classified as B-segment. In terms of size, they fall between a small city car and a saloon at around 4 metres in length. They can carry up to five passengers and are both practical in an urban environment and suitable for taking longer journeys by road.

When we talk about a “family car”, this does not refer to a body type but rather a characteristic; the vehicles in question have features designed to meet the needs of a family: at least five seats, storage spaces, a large boot capacity, etc.

 

Different types of bodywork therefore work for families.

 

• Family saloons - Also called a “mid-size car” are classified as D-segment. They are generally less than 5 metres long and can carry up to five or six people.

 

• Estates - The shape of an estate is like an extended hatchback saloon as the roof continues above the boot. Estates can carry between five and nine people depending on the model.

 

• People carriers or MPVs - MPVs are taller than estates and were for a longtime considered to be the ultimate family car. This is less the case now due to the increasing popularity of SUVs.

 

• SUVs - The ground clearance and the bulky appearance of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) make them look like a 4x4, however, they are not four-wheel drive. SUVs share some of the features of a 4x4 whilst being better suited to driving in the city and on motorways; so they are often referred to as an “urban 4x4”.

 

• Flexible city car – Positioned between a small city car and a compact saloon, they are classified as B-segment and can carry up to five people.

 

Good to know: crossovers are designed to fall somewhere between an SUV and a saloon.

The Dacia Range includes city cars, flexible cars, crossovers and estate/MPV or SUV type family cars. Here are some ideas of models for different situations:

 

I am single/ in a couple with no children and I mostly make short journeys in town

 

Suggested vehicle:

 

• The 100% electric Dacia Spring (4 seats ; electric powertrain) – Equally compact and boasting an ergonomic interior, Dacia Spring combines practical, economic and ecological benefits. Its 100% electric powertrain helps you make savings during its use and it emits no CO2 or pollutants while driving. Its WLTP driving range of 186 miles in an urban environment lets you drive for up to 6 days of urban journeys between charges.

 

I am single/ in a couple with no children and I make urban journeys but also travel further by road

 

Suggested vehicle:

 

• The flexible city car Dacia Sandero (5 seats; petrol or petrol-LPG powertrains) – With generous storage space and seats for 4 passengers as well as the driver, Dacia Sandero is a good example of a car that is equally at home in the city or on the road. You can fit several suitcases in the boot if you are going away for the weekend.

 

I am single/ in a couple with or without children and I like to go on road trips with friends

 

Suggested vehicle:

 

• The crossover Sandero Stepway (5 seats; petrol or petrol-LPG powertrains) – With its compact yet robust profile, Sandero Stepway lets you travel long distances as a couple or with friends. A flexible vehicle with the option of a panoramic sunroof.

 

I am in a couple with one, two or three children

 

Suggested vehicle:

 

• The Dacia Duster SUV (5 seats; full hybrid, mild hybrid or petrol-LPG powertrains) – Dacia Duster is a trailblazing, 4x4 that can drive both on roads or on rougher tracks. Duster’s modular interior and rather generous boot capacity make it well-suited to families with one, two or three children, or for couples with no children who are looking for a car capable of off-roading.

 

I am in a couple with several children and I am looking for a big family car

 

Suggested vehicle:

 

• The Dacia Jogger family car (5 to 7 seats; full hybrid, petrol or petrol-LPG powertrains) – In terms of external design, Dacia Jogger takes its inspiration from two types of popular family cars: hatchbacks and MPVs. This inspiration is reinforced with a spacious, modular interior and ample boot space. It is THE Dacia model for big families!

 

See all the Dacia models in stock

 

There are different types of city cars and family cars, as well as bodywork. Whilst some models are more suitable, many vehicles can actually be appropriate for families with up to three children. Accessories such as roof boxes can also help to compensate for any lack of space.

 

When making your choice, you should start by defining your needs and your future plans. If you are unsure, just ask your retailer for advice.