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Strapping little fellow

We have a new baby arriving at the beginning of November. We've been used to driving round in our 3-door Corsa for the past few years, or me on my motorbike, but now obviously have to change to accommodate baby, baby chair, pram, nappies etc. etc. Though I'm a petrolhead (motorcycle journalist) I don't really know too much about cars from the last 5 years that would suit us and the baby. I'd prefer an estate though my wife worries about it being too big for her to park (though we had a Vauxhall estate ten years ago and she managed ok). Though I realise it's important too worry about fuel consumption and so on, I don't want something gutless and completely uninspiring to drive. We'd prefer nearly new, and budget can be from 3,000 to 8,000 pounds. It would also need to be able to take us to Italy in comfort to visit the in-laws (my wife is Italian). Can you help with any recommendations?

Asked on 28 November 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
I've done the baby in hot hatchback number, changing nappies on the roof and on the rear parcel shelf, all that stuff. But the most crucial things are your and your wife's backs, and the worst thing for that is lifting a child into a child seat in a 3-door hatch. The taller the car is, the better it will be for you. On the other hand, seriously, if you ride a bike you will be into handling, and the best 5-door hatch for handling and performance within your budget is a Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX 5-dr. Just about tall enough not to slip a disc putting the kid in the childseat. And that is best anchored to the seatbelt bolts in the centre of the rear of the car, not in the side ISOFIX mounts, because then he/she can see forwards so won't be sick down your necks and is also safer because centre rear of the car is the safest place to be.

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