Skip advert
Advertisement

Family car World Cup

Assembling 43 vehicles for our family car World Cup was no easy task. Just like the footballing equivalent, we came up with a deserving winner...

Family car World Cup

The 2010 football World Cup came early to Auto Express – in Issue 1,102, we celebrated with our very own knockout competition... to find the best family car. It was our biggest test of the year, with no fewer than 43 models taking part. 

England underperformed at the summer’s showpiece event, and our shoot-out had its fair share of disappointments, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Talented machines like the Honda Jazz, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Mondeo all failed to get beyond the group stages as we searched for the best buy in eight different family car sectors – from supermini estates to crossover models. 

Once we’d decided on our quarter-finalists, the pairings for the last eight were drawn out of a hat. That threw up some interesting encounters – and thenthe first semi-final was between the Citroen C3 Picasso and Renault Scenic. The more spacious and dynamically accomplished Scenic secured the first place in the final – but which model would it face? The other semi pitched Volkswagen’s Golf against the mighty Skoda Superb, and the latter squeezed through in a tight clash.

The final was another close-run thing, but the Superb took a deserved victory on account of its overwhelming all-round talents. And it pointed to good times ahead for Skoda.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,794 off RRP*Used from £6,320
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,391 off RRP*Used from £11,900
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,219 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range
Auto Express team standing with a selection of EVs underneath a lightning storm

Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range

Five EVs under £24k have joined Dacia’s Spring on the UK market. How far can you go on a budget? We find out
Features
30 Jul 2025
New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k
Citroen C5 Aircross - front

New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k

Citroen’s revamped flagship C5 Aircross SUV is available to order now with hybrid or electric power
News
28 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price

The ‘car with no rear window’ is looking seriously cheap on lease right now. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 28
News
28 Jul 2025