5 of the Best Fast Family Cars in 2022

Fast Family Cars?

Can you purchase a family car that's fast? Classic stereotyping suggests that as soon as you have children you have to go all sensible and buy some drab, slow, boxy and unappealing car that's not exactly going to set your pulse racing when you reach for the keys.

Luckily, times change and we're now spoilt with a mixture of fantastic cars that can not only take care of family business, but can also raise a smile or two when behind the wheel. Whether you're after a do-it-all hatchback, trendy SUV or state-of-the-art electric car, we have you covered when it comes to a fast family car.

• Ford Focus
• BMW 3 Series
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• VW Golf
• Hyundai IONIQ 5

Ford Focus

Nothing says textbook like a Ford Focus. The dependable hatchback has been on sale since 1998 and continues to sell in huge numbers for Ford with each new generation.

It comes as no surprise as it's a joy to drive, comes loaded with kit, features plenty of safety equipment and looks decent, too. Throw in a big boot and the possibility of five doors and the Focus' success speaks for itself.

In 2002, Ford gave the Focus the 'Fast Ford' treatment with the birth of the Focus ST and spicier Focus RS. The rest is history, with both models getting faster and more impressive with each new generation.

With power ranging from around 276bhp for an ST and up to 350bhp for an RS, these 'Fast Fords' don't hang about with the 0 to 62mph sprint taking as low as 4.7 seconds when piloting the RS, whilst the ST takes a second longer.

You can even get a diesel version, which although is a few seconds slower to 62mph, it will return nearly 60mpg, which is much easier on the wallet than the petrol ST's 35mpg.

BMW 3 Series

Another car which sells in huge numbers due to its excellent all-rounder ability is the BMW 3 Series, a car famed for its sharp driving dynamics. With saloon and Touring (estate) bodystyles, you have plenty of choice when it comes to this handsome 'bimmer'.

The standard cars are a joy to drive, but being a BMW, there are also plenty of hot versions which are sure to tempt the petrolhead mothers and fathers that walk amongst us.

The M340i and M340d fit into this category with between 335bhp and 369bhp, the 0 to 62mph sprint is dealt with in around 4.5 seconds, or less in some cases. With up to 46mpg, these pair deliver performance not far off a full-fat BMW M3, but are also a lot easier to live with on a daily basis.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

With the nation's love of SUVs showing no signs of slowing, this list was always going to include at least one of them. However, an electric SUV Mustang? The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a risky move from Ford naming an electric SUV after the genuine Ford Mustang, a car made iconic by its beastly and thirsty V8 engine, but it may have just been a genius move to make the car appeal more.

With 0 to 62mph occurring in as little as 3.7 seconds for the range topping GT Performance model, whilst the regular RWD and AWD take 7.0 seconds and 5.8 seconds respectively, means this 'Mach Daddy' (sorry) ain't slow, that's for sure.

With between 280 and 379 miles of range, along with various quick and easy charge times, the Mach-E also makes family life easy.

There's a large 402-litre boot, which grows to 1,420 litres once the rear seats have been folded down, along with being able to seat five adults in complete comfort thanks to the generous levels of headroom and flat floor.

VW Golf

Another bona fide legend in the family car ranks, a used Volkswagen Golf could quite possibly be the best all-rounder car out there.

With smart looks, plenty of variants, excellent economy, impressive performance, cutting-edge technology and not forgetting decent practicality, it's no wonder the humble Golf is popular the world over. Better still, there are some properly fast versions available, too.

One of which is the legendary Golf GTI, a car that looks at home parked outside a fancy hotel just as much as it does outside a supermarket - a classless hero, that's also brilliant to drive, and quick.

But if you want the quickest Golf, you'll want the ballistic Golf R. With all-wheel drive, 3 or 5-door availability and circa 300bhp on tap, you'll be hitting 62mph from a standstill in under 5.0 seconds.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

How's this for an interesting entry onto the list. Fast Hyundai models these days come with an N badge on them, but here we have a practical and fast Hyundai family car, only this time there's no N badges in site, and there's no engine for that matter either, as the IONIQ 5 is fully-electric.

Is it fast then? Well, with 302bhp on tap it can get a move on, with 0 to 62mph occurring in just 5.2 seconds, so yeah, it is. Team this with five doors, plenty of interior space for five people and a total 588-litre of front and rear boot space, and you're onto a winner.

And if you are worried about charging, there is no cause for concern thanks to the possibility of a 350kW ultra-rapid charger, allowing 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes and 62 miles of range in just five minutes.

Find your perfect fast family car with Evans Halshaw

Whether you are after a dependable hatchback, trendy SUV or cutting-edge electric car, the possibility of a fast family car is now more tempting than ever. With a fantastic range of quality used cars on offer, let Evans Halshaw help you in finding the perfect car for you.

Alternatively, we have a great selection of new cars too, of which there are many cars which will have you reaching for the keys with any excuse.