Choosing the right car for your family is about more than just picking a vehicle that gets you from A to B.
As a family, you need a car that keeps everyone safe, offers enough space and convenience for your busy life, and includes features that make road trips and daily commutes smoother. Whether you’re running school pickups or heading out for a weekend getaway, having the right features can make all the difference.
Keep reading to see the top 10 car features that every family (or soon-to-be family) should consider before purchasing their next vehicle.
1. Advanced Airbag Systems
When it comes to family safety, having the right protection in place is non-negotiable, and modern airbag systems are designed to offer exactly that.
Airbags dramatically reduce the risk of serious injury in an accident. This feature is particularly valuable for families, as it safeguards all passengers, including children seated in the back.
No longer limited to the driver and front passenger, today’s advanced airbag systems provide full coverage, extending to rear-seat passengers as well.
Many cars, including Škoda models, are equipped with side curtain airbags, which offer additional protection in the event of a side-impact collision. With Škoda’s comprehensive airbag systems, you can drive confidently knowing your family is well-protected on every journey.
2. ISOFIX and LATCH Systems for Child Seats
For families with young children, making sure car seats are securely installed is essential. Properly secured car seats dramatically increase safety for children in the event of an accident.
That’s where ISOFIX and LATCH systems come in. These systems make child seat installation safer and simpler by allowing you to attach the seat directly to the car’s chassis. This reduces the risk of incorrect installation—a common issue with car seat safety.
All Škoda models come equipped with ISOFIX anchor points for rear seats. These anchor points ensure that car seats and boosters stay firmly in place, offering peace of mind during sudden stops or collisions. However, it’s important to make sure that your child’s car seat or booster is compliant with Australian safety standards — look for the AS/NZS 1754 sticker to ensure it meets Australian safety regulations.
3. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane-Keeping Assist
When it comes to keeping your family safe on the road, advanced driver-assist features like AEB and Lane-Keeping Assist are invaluable. These systems act as an extra set of eyes on the road, helping prevent accidents before they happen.
In Škoda models, you’ll find Front Assist (the same thing as AEB), which is a system that uses sensors and cameras to monitor traffic ahead, applying the brakes if a potential collision is detected.
In addition to this, Škoda vehicles also come with Adaptive Lane Assist, an advanced version of Lane-Keeping Assist. Adaptive Lane Assist not only helps keep you within your lane but also actively adjusts the car’s position to ensure you remain centred, especially during long stretches of driving or when fatigue sets in. This system provides gentle steering corrections if the car begins to drift without signalling.
4. Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear-View Cameras
Navigating busy roads or parking lots can be stressful, especially when children are seated near the side of the vehicle—a vulnerable position prone to common car hits. That’s why having features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear-View Cameras can make all the difference.
Blind Spot Monitoring (called Side Assist in Škoda vehicles) uses sensors to detect vehicles in hard-to-see areas, alerting you when it’s unsafe to change lanes, greatly reducing the risk of side collisions.
At the same time, Rear-View Cameras provide a clear, wide-angle view of what’s behind your vehicle, making reversing into tight spaces or parking lots safer and easier.
Škoda models come equipped with both of these family-friendly features, ensuring safer, smoother driving in all situations—whether you’re merging on a highway or backing out of the driveway.
5. Spacious Interiors and Flexible Seating
For families, space is everything. From school bags and sports gear to groceries and strollers, a roomy interior ensures everyone and everything fits comfortably. Flexible seating arrangements add even more versatility, allowing you to adjust the car’s layout to suit your needs
Škoda SUV models like the Kodiaq or Karoq are designed with families in mind, offering spacious cabins and adjustable seating options. With features like split-folding rear seats and optional third-row seating, you can easily create room for passengers or expand the cargo area. This adaptability makes life easier, keeping your vehicle ready for busy family routines and longer journeys alike.
6. Easy-to-Clean Upholstery and Surfaces
Life with kids can get messy fast, and that’s why easy-to-clean upholstery and surfaces are a game-changer for family cars. From snack spills to muddy shoes, durable, wipeable materials help keep your car looking fresh without constant hassle.
Stain-resistant fabrics and leather seats make cleaning up quick and stress-free, ensuring that your interior stays in great shape despite daily wear and tear.
Škoda models come with family-friendly upholstery options designed to handle the chaos of family life. These materials not only resist stains but are also tough enough to withstand spills, dirt, and crumbs.
7. Hands-Free Tailgate and Keyless Entry
Juggling groceries, kids, and car keys can be a hassle, but hands-free tailgate and keyless entry features simplify the process. With a hands-free tailgate (called Virtual Pedal in Škoda models), you can easily open the boot with a simple motion, such as a foot swipe under the rear bumper. This is especially useful when your hands are full, making loading and unloading much smoother.
Keyless entry allows you to unlock your car without fumbling for keys—as long as the key is nearby, the doors will unlock with a simple touch of the handle. Both of these features are designed to make life more convenient for busy families.
8. Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems
Keeping kids entertained on long drives can be a challenge, but rear-seat entertainment systems make it much easier. Built-in screens, tablet mounts, or even integrated entertainment options allow passengers in the back to watch movies, play games, or stream their favourite shows. This keeps kids occupied during road trips or even short drives, making for a more peaceful journey.
Škoda models offer smart entertainment solutions, including rear USB ports and device connectivity options, so kids can easily charge their tablets or devices and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment. These features turn family road trips into a smoother, more enjoyable experience for both parents and children.
9. Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
In today’s connected world, staying in sync with your devices while driving is essential, especially for busy families. Smartphone integration systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to connect your phone directly to the car’s infotainment system. This lets you easily access navigation, music, calls, and messages—all through the car’s display—while keeping your hands on the wheel.
10. Climate Control with Rear Vents
Keeping everyone comfortable, especially on long drives, is essential for family trips. Dual-zone or tri-zone climate control allows both front and rear passengers to set their own preferred temperatures, ensuring that everyone stays comfortable, regardless of the weather outside.
Škoda models come equipped with climate control systems with rear vents, giving backseat passengers direct airflow and the ability to enjoy a comfortable ride, no matter the temperature. This feature is particularly useful for families with kids who may want different temperatures, helping to avoid complaints about the car being too hot or too cold.
A well-regulated cabin climate keeps the entire family happy, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.
Find the Perfect Family Car at Škoda Perth
Choosing the right car features can make a world of difference when it comes to family life.
If you’re in the market for a family-friendly vehicle, the Škoda Karoq and Škoda Kodiaq offer a perfect combination of space, safety, and convenience, making them ideal choices for families of all sizes.
Book a test drive with Škoda Perth City today and experience how these models can make your family’s driving experience better than ever.
