Family on tour

Keeping the whole family happy this Christmas is about as likely the mother-in-law staying sober but travelling between turkey lunches in style and solace will help.

Think back to the classic seven-seater Volvo with reversed positions for the kids in what was essentially the boot and you will see how far Volvo have come. Yet they hang tight to the very same ethics that created the foundations for that ground-breaking vehicle; safety and efficiency. Now add to that raw power, a savvy design and all the latest technology available to the motoring market and you might get somewhere close to this quite remarkable SUV. The seven-seat capability can manage up to 64 seating configurations to keep the kids amused before presents arrive and in order to optimise safety in the Volvo XC90 and, in particular, reduce the risk of a roll-over, Volvo has fitted as standard a Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) with Roll Stability Control (RSC) technology. This uses a gyro-sensor to register the car’s roll speed and roll angle to instantly calculate the terminal angle and risk of a roll-over, and automatically activate the DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) anti-skid system, if required, to help the driver maintain control. Without doubt, a white Christmas would cause no problem to this mile- munching SUV.

If you prefer to give Father Christmas a bit more of a challenge (no chimney on this abode) then VW’s latest offering is well worth looking into. Five seats, two, two- berth sleeping areas and a fully operational kitchen area – this is no ordinary family wagon, but the opportunities on these wheels are endless and space is certainly no issue. With Cool Britannia and the ghost of VW’s past (albeit an nostalgic one) well behind us, the futuristic California banishes the need for camper van purveyors to break sweat in persuading everyone else that this vehicle is more than just a hippy’s toy.

Its high tech innovative interior gives you maximum flexibility, ensuring escaping is easy, whether you want to follow the surf or the sun, or take the open road and sleep where you like. The electrically powered roof rises at the touch of a button to reveal the spacious upper berth and second double bed. With mosquito nets to give you all the fresh air you need, and a blind to separate the upper berth from the lower cabin area, you can be sure of a great night’s sleep in the new California – leaving you refreshed for the next adventure. The new California is a real home from home, with everything you need for cooking ready to hand – including a two-burner hob, sink with a drawer and cutlery tray beneath, and handy fridge. Treat yourself this Christmas to a safe, powerful and mobile new home. 

Renault invented the people carrier back in the 70s and still to this day are one of the leading MPV producers out there. The Grand Scenic does nothing to steer this reputation in any other direction that straight ahead. Spacious, sleek and salubrious, it offers the perfect formula for carting the family about with minimal fuss. With low carbon emissions and an on-the-road cost that is around half that of a motor-home or top-of-the-range SUV, this is the straight-forward answer if you and the family are sticking to the road this Christmas with kids tucked up in a bed somewhere that Santa can locate them easily. Of course, a car like this is not just for Christmas and will serve you well throughout summer and beyond for years to come. The second generation of Renault’s seven-seat Grand Scenic (no five-seat version in the UK) delivers more interior space, comfort, style and performance than ever before with increased cabin dimensions to ensure more room for everyone on board and 40 stowage spaces totalling at 83 litres before the boot with a volume of 564 to 2,063 litres. Accessories include the debut of integrated Carminat TomTom® navigation system, rear parking camera and adaptable front and rear headrests.