Who says that a family car has to be boring? The idea of a rather sedate, staid vehicle designed to remove anything remotely interesting is rather outdated. Modern family cars can combine everything you need in a family car – space, comfort and safety – and dress them in a package that means you won’t be too ashamed to be seen driving them by yourself.

So which are the most fun family cars you can find on the market? Here is our pick of 9 of the very best.

1. Skoda Yeti

This car is fun from the moment you hear its name. Who wouldn’t want to be driving around in something called a Yeti? It’s a big beast of a car, hence the name, with a huge amount of space inside the cabin. You’ll easily fit a buggy and baggage in the boot.

Now sadly replaced by the Skoda Karoq, you can still find these excellent vehicles on the second hand car market. And because they have been built so well by Skoda, a decent used Yeti (that hasn’t been too child-damaged) is a worthy investment.

2. Porsche Macan

‘What car do you drive?’

‘Oh, I drive a Porsche.’

Just being able to say your car comes from the iconic German sportscar brand is enough to impress most car lovers. You don’t even need to give the full name. But the Porsche Macan is a fantastic SUV that has been designed for the connoisseur who just happens to have a family.

The Porsche badge means you know it’s a fantastically fun car to drive, with responsive handling and a centre of gravity that allows you to attack corners. But maybe not with a little one in the back!

3. Volkswagen Golf

Want to have a family car that lets you relive your days as a young carefree driver? The Volkswagen Golf might not immediately come to mind as an obvious choice for a family car. But if you have a young family, with one or two kids, then it’s a perfectly fun choice.

More adventurous than a Fiesta or Corsa, plus you have a range of efficient engines to choose from. Combine that with how fun it is to drive, and it won’t just be the nostalgia that puts a smile on your face.

4. SEAT Alhambra

Another car whose name is fun to say, the SEAT Alhambra is an MPV that packs of plenty of fun in its spacious interior. It makes excellent use of the amount of room inside, with each passenger having enough space available to make them feel like they are not sat on each other’s laps.

Safety is a priority, with seven seats having seven airbags, each designed to provide maximum protection for the occupant of that seat, adult or child. The Alhambra has won many awards for its overall quality, meaning its not just about the size and the safety. The drive is great too.

5. Subaru Outback

If you are more of the adventurous type, then why not go for a car that wouldn’t look out of place on safari? The Subaru Outback is an all-wheel drive estate that takes everything great from an SUV and puts it in a more elongated model.

It’s a lot of fun to drive, not just from imagining you are out on the Serengeti searching for wildlife. Its distinctive look will make it stand out from the crowd, especially as this model is nowhere near as popular as it could be. And while you may not venture far into the great outdoors, the Outback will make for an intriguing vehicle when it comes to tackling the urban jungle.

6. Toyota Prius

The hybrid that started it all, the Toyota Prius has refined and enhanced its overall quality since it first hit the market. What was once a bit of a joke has become a car comparable with any other of similar size.

What makes it great as a family car is two things. At low speeds, the electric engine means you have very little ride noise, making it ideal for keeping those young and restless children calm in the back. And when you factor in the money you save on petrol and tax with the hybrid engine, then you’ll have more to spend on those little bundles of joy (and sometimes yourself!).

7. Fiat 500L

If there’s a car known for its bold, fun styling, then it’s the Fiat 500L. Bigger and more spacious than the standard, iconic 500 model, you don’t lose much of the charm with the size upgrade. And what you gain is space for everyone to fit comfortably inside.

This is especially key for the front passengers, who will have a great view of the road, thanks to the excellent high seating position. Bellissimo!

8. Ford Focus

Okay, so this might not be a surprising entry on the list. After all, the Ford Focus has regularly topped the bestselling car charts in the UK. But is it fun? Well there must be a reason for the car to be so popular. And that’s because its fun to drive, simple to use, and removes a lot of the headaches that come with driving. Simple really!

9. BMW M5

For those who get the biggest thrill from a stylish car with precise engineering and excellent attention to detail, then the BMW M5 is our pick of the fun family cars. This super saloon is more common in the office car park than the school run. But its spacious interior is perfect for a family of five.

So it doesn’t look like a family car. But does it tick the family boxes? Well the seats are ergonomically designed for the front and rear passengers, meaning your kids will be comfy and so will you. State-of-the-art safety technology means you can rely on the car to protect your family. While this car is a bit pricier, it’s worth it for the sheer joy you’ll experience driving it – with or without the kids in the car.