Insurance friendly family cars

WHAT IS IT? 
The latest version of the Meriva has been a real step forward from the previous model. Quality and refinement have been massively improved, while the use of rear-hinge doors is something of a masterstroke. Not only have they added something ‘different’ they’re incredibly practical when getting into the back seats of the car or reaching in to fit a child seat. The small diesel engine might be found wanting in the performance stakes but with emissions of 119g/km (£30 tax per year) and economy of 62mpg, it’s not just on the insurance that you’ll save some cash.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Model - 1.3 CDTi 95 EcoFlex Exclusiv

Price (new) - £19,495

Road tax - £30 a year

Fuel economy - 62mpg

Insurance Group - 7

Rating - Four and a half stars

WHAT IS IT? 
The Doblo is one of the many van-based people carriers on offer – there’s also the Peugeot Partner Teepee and Citroen Nemo Multispace. While its origins may lie in the builder-driving variant, the passenger version is family friendly and functional with a rugged interior that will be able to handle spilt drinks and kicking children. It might not be the most attractive thing to look at but with 790 litres of room in the back for prams and all the other things that come with the little ones, do you care? The petrol is even lower on insurance but you'll want to avoid this, and the same goes for auto models.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Model - 1.6 MultiJet 105 Active

Price (new) - £15,700

Road tax - £115 a year

Fuel economy - 54mpg

Insurance Group - 10

Rating - Four stars

WHAT IS IT? 
Another unique looking car in the world of MPVs, Citroen claims the C3 Picasso offers practicality on the inside and funky styling on the outside. The former part of that statement is possibly more correct, although the styling definitely does stand it out against rivals like the Nissan Note. Things are pretty clever inside too with a boot space that ranges from 385 litres to 500 litres depending on whether the rear seats are slid fully forward or all the way back.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Model - 1.6 HDi VTR+

Price (new) - £15,395

Road tax - £30 a year

Fuel economy - 61mpg

Insurance Group - 10

Rating - Three and a half stars

WHAT IS IT? 
Skoda’s Roomster is the ultimate Marmite car. The styling is quirky, although some would just say it’s ugly. Look past the odd shape and funny looks though and you get a car that’s easy to drive and comes with flexible seating. Not only can all three rear seats be moved backwards and forwards but they can be individually removed from the car, so you can easily give the two passengers in the back more space by leaving the middle seat at home. Don’t be put off by the little 1.2-litre engine either. The small turbocharged unit performs admirably in this car and you may just be surprised by it.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Model - 1.2 TSI 85 SE

Price (new) - £13,805

Road tax - £115 a year

Fuel economy - 49mpg

Insurance Group - 9

Rating - Four stars

WHAT IS IT? 
This is Chevrolet’s first attempt at a people carrier, and for a first attempt the manufacturer has done a pretty good job of things. For a start it comes with seven-seats as standard so hopefully you should be able to fit in all the family. Things are spacious too and even passengers in the two rear-most seats will have enough space and the comfortable ride should keep complaints to a minimum.  The only downside is the 1.8-litre petrol engine which can feel a bit gutless.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Model - 1.8 LS

Price (new) - £16,410

Road tax - £190 a year

Fuel economy - 38mpg

Insurance Group - 10

Rating - Three  stars