Volvo all the way. Not so sure about the 4-cyl thing, but I dont care. That thing is just too sexy.
But honestly, the V60 is better in every regard for a family mover with a hatch.
You mean aside from passenger space, the ability to carry seven people, cargo space, and towing capacity, right?
yes yes yes those things
How often do you carry seven people in any car? I have NEVER been in one nor seen one fully loaded. Passenger space...sure. Found back seats to both be comfy and roomy. A wash. And I never tow. And would you tow with a 4cyl? Me neither. So again, a wash. Cargo space? Sure, it has a bit more. How often do you fill yours up to the brim? The V60 has plenty of room for whatever you want IMO.
I know not everyone's needs are same as mine, but honestly, do you really need all that stuff to ferry you, the wife, and your kid around?
I always love how the peeps with no kids pipe up about not needing the space with kids. Throw a dog in the mix also. Of course the v60 is better in every regard.
We got by with a small sedan and coupes with the kid. *SHRUGS* Would have been the same with 2 kids.
However, we were different in that we didn't bring a weeks worth of supplies to drop the kid off for a play date or something. So there was never a need for anything bigger.
exactly...thank you for speaking sense. You dont need a giant barge to ferry about your little ones. I was raised in the back of a Camaro & then a Pontiac Sunfire coupe with my brother, no problem. We also had a dog! He sat in the middle, happy as a clam.
I have had kids in the back of my "tiny" midsize sedans, both the Saab 9-3 and the Alfa 155, and the dog too. Everything was fine. There is a trunk for their stuff and groceries etc. Lots of room. A wagon just means the dog doesnt have to share a bench seat with the kids.
I may not have kids, but I take care of the nephews often, and the little sedan does just fine. No need for HMCS Landbarge to drive about the wife and 2 kids. 3 or more kids...yeah you need a bus. And a vasectomy
I know my scenario is not like everyone's - rarely for extended multi-hour trips with the nephews, and dog used to only come if gone for more than a few days [roommate would take care of her otherwise]. But just because you have one child, doesnt mean you have to give up on driving enjoyment, fuel economy, etc. by getting a giant tank/baby stroller. Be practical and economical, you dont need to bring the whole house just for a trip to grandmas