Buying a family-friendly car that is safe and affordable might seem like a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. The following are just a few new UK makes and models that are easy on the wallet yet do not compromise passenger safety.

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback

The three-door coupe starts at £13,610, and the five-door £14,195. Safety features abound in the Golf: stability control helps to prevent accidents in the first place. In the event of an accident, however, front, side, and curtain airbags, along with another airbag to protect the driver’s knees are also standard with the vehicle. This model is well known for its good resale value, which makes it a wise choice for anyone hoping to trade it after a few years.

Mazda6

For the driver who’s looking for adventure, the Mazda6 is a family-friendly car with the handling of a sports car. One notable high-tech safety feature is Rear Vehicle Monitoring, which alerts the driver to any obstacles in the blind spot. This works both in reverse as well as in drive, and it particularly comes in handy when the driver is trying to change lanes. The Hatchback body style starts at £17,795, and the Estate body style starts at £20,095.

Kia Sorento

For more passenger space, the Kia Sorento is a 4×4 SUV that can accommodate up to 7 people. Kia is known for their generous warranty packages, and the Sorento is no exception with its 7-year 100,000-mile warranty. Currently, it is the only 7-seater SUV in its class to offer this extensive guarantee. Standard safety features include ABS and side airbags, and upgrade options include cruise control and satellite navigation. The Sorento’s pricing starts at £17,800 for the base model.

Toyota Verso
The compact 7-seat Toyota Verso was recently recognised as the safest MPV in the UK. Over each test category, the Verso also has the highest combined percentage scores. Euro NCAP’s testing standards will be modified by 2012 to require a 60 percent score in the crash test and assessment programme to ensure a five-star rating; however, the Verso already exceeds this standard. With advanced safety features as standard, including seven airbags, ABS, and traction control, this MPV is the ideal choice for the safety-conscious. Pricing for the Verso starts at £16,525.

These four models are just a few of many options available for families, but they go to show the variety of driving experiences available to suit every driver’s own tastes while accommodating any driver’s budget.