Navigating the Family 'Carguments'

As school half-term approaches, two-thirds (64%) of parents are gearing up for long drives with their kids.

But before you hit the road, a recent study by Vauxhall highlights the common pitfalls that can turn your family adventure into a battleground of complaints and squabbles.

Research shows that hunger reigns supreme as the top complaint among little ones, with 34% of parents reporting that their children are most vocal about being peckish. This is closely followed by the infamous question: “Are we nearly there yet?” which begins to grate on mums and dads after just three repetitions (26% of respondents). And it doesn’t stop there -14% of kids reportedly lose the plot the moment they lose phone signal, proving that modern connectivity is no small matter when it comes to keeping the peace.

In light of these findings, it’s no wonder that over half of parents (55%) admit to being hesitant about embarking on family road trips. Nearly half (47%) even believe that driving with children can be more stressful than taking a holiday abroad. The stakes are high: 52% of mums and dads have threatened to turn the car around due to unruly behaviour, and a notable 34% have actually followed through on that threat.

But fear not; there are ways to make the road trip experience more manageable. A spacious vehicle is a game changer, with 52% of parents believing that extra room in the back makes a world of difference. Vauxhall’s new Frontera is tailored for families, boasting a roomy interior with an impressive 23 litres of storage, along with a state-of-the-art 10-inch touchscreen, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What’s more, the Frontera’s user-friendly designs, such as wide-opening doors and a centre console that comfortably secures larger devices like tablets, can ease some of the stress that often accompanies longer journeys. Parents have also pointed out the importance of ample boot space, with 30% saying it alleviates the tension of travelling with kids. The Frontera presents a clever solution: despite having a similar footprint to the Astra hatchback, it offers a whopping 1,600 litres of boot space when the rear seats are down – surpassing even the Astra Sports Tourer Electric.

For families that need extra seating, the Frontera’s option for a third row of seats on its GS and Ultimate Hybrid versions makes it the most compact seven-seater out there, catering to 14% of parents who consider too few seats a dealbreaker for long journeys.

The study revealed that boredom (50%), sibling squabbles (37%), and the ongoing challenge of entertainment (35%) are the main hurdles parents face on long drives. To counteract these issues, 71% of parents prepare snacks to stave off disputes, while 22% prefer to travel during their children’s nap times.

On average, mums and dads would drive 103.5 miles before needing a break – well within the 253-mile range of the Frontera Electric Extended Range 54kWh. When it comes to selecting the perfect family car, 74% agree that comfort is paramount. With Vauxhall’s Intelli-Seat feature to relieve pressure on the tailbone, electronic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, the Frontera ensures that long journeys are not only possible but also pleasant.

The Top 10 Family ‘Carguments’ to Anticipate:

Snacks/hunger
Sibling space disputes
Seat allocation
Music or radio preferences
Windows up or down
Forgotten items
Favourite seat arguments
“Are we nearly there yet?”
Toy disagreements
Traffic frustrations

So, as you prepare for your next family outing, remember that a well-planned road trip can yield more joy than strife – especially with the right vehicle by your side. If you’re keen to learn more about the Vauxhall Frontera, make sure to do a bit of research before hitting the road!