I’m a car expert and I’ve driven every family car on sale – here are the best for three child seats
LIFE tends to get more expensive with three kids and something people often forget about is what car they need.
With two kids you have a huge range of options, but having to safely transport three young children instantly reduces your choice.
That's the bad news, but the good news is the options aren't all boxy MPVs - there are some sleek SUVs in there too. There's even an EV.
The cars we're focusing on here all have three separate seats in there middle row, each with its own separate Isofix point.
Isofix uses metal anchor points built into the chassis of the car, allowing a compatible seat to click into place.
Most read in Motors
It minimises the chance of a child seat being installed incorrectly, as is more easily done when just using a seatbelt.
The first car to have Isofix was the VW Golf in 1997, but since 2004 all cars have had Isofix as standard.
Most cars come with Isofix points on the outside rear seats, but some have three points across the back and are best for transporting three kids.
Some child seats come with a base that clicks in first, while others have the Isofix element built in.
For a full run down on types of child seats and how old they need to be for various types, see our explainer.
READ MORE ON CHILD SEATS
Ford S-Max
The Ford S-Max is a rare thing: it manages to be an MPV that's great to drive and even looks half decent too.
Importantly, despite the arcing roofline its extremely practical, with room for seven adults onboard and a big boot. If you need even more boot space, Ford's bigger Galaxy is the better bet.
Still, like the Galaxy the S-Max's middle row has three individual seats each with its own Isofix point and a range of child seats will fit side-by-side.
Volkswagen Touran
The VW Touran has been around for a little while now, but it's very much a case of it it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Its comfy to drive, there are seats for seven and the Touran's middle row gets the all-important triple Isofix layout on individual pews.
Fold the rearmost seats and it also offers a boot big enough for a growing family.
There are loads of used options about if a new one is a bit rich.
Audi Q7
If you can't bear the thought of driving about in an MPV and love a premium badge, the Audi Q7 is for you.
It's expensive, but it's also a superb family motor, with Isofix points on no less than six of its seven seats and individual seats on its middle row.
It's not far off Rolls-Royce like in terms of comfort and quite, gets strong engines and there's even a sporty SQ7 version that'll trouble sports cars.
Citroen E-Berlingo
The Citroen Berlingo recently ditched its petrol and diesel engines to become electric only. Happily that didn't change its family-friendly interior.
It'll travel up to 171 miles on a charge and with the right kit you'll be able to charge to 80% in just half an hour.
Inside there are seats for five or seven depending on which model you go for. In both cases there are three Isofix points on the middle row.
If you aren't ready to go electric, you can pick up a petrol or diesel Berlingo on the used market easily as there's plenty of choice.
Peugeot 5008
Another SUV, but with a keener price - yet no less style.
The Peugeot 5008 has been around for some time now but recently had a facelift bringing more style and better tech.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Its versatile interior didn't change, which can seat seven and provides three Isofix points in the middle row with enough room to get three bulky child seats inside.
With the rearmost seats folded down the boot is a healthy size too.
