Owning a car is convenient so that we can get where we need to be with ease. It means we don’t need to rely on others and gives us a sense of freedom. Many of us need cars for the school run or to get to work, and the model that you choose should make the commuting experience more bearable.
So, whether you’re looking for a vehicle that can provide you with high levels of comfort and safety on long journeys or a model that can help you improve your carbon footprint, there is something to suit all types of commutes. Below, we’ll look at some of the factors to consider when buying a car for both short and long journeys.
What To Look For In A Commuter Car
With many of us returning to the office this year, commuting to work every day means you are going to need a vehicle that is reliable to get you from A to B. If you’re looking for a new car that will mainly be used for commuting purposes, there are a few things you’re going to need to look for when it comes to making the best choice to suit your journey.
You should think about the journey itself; how long is it and does it include driving in a city? This can be a big help when trying to decide whether you’d benefit from an electric, hybrid or fossil fuel-powered car due to the new low-emission zones that are popping up in cities across the country.
If you’re using your car for the school run before heading off to work, you may need something a little more spacious for your family, or if your journey is a long one, you may need to work out which car is going to be efficient when it comes to fuel economy and comfort.
As well as this, if you’re looking for a car that won’t take up all your wages, looking for a value model may be the best option for you. Below, we’ll look at some of the best cars for shorter and longer commutes, for comfort, luxury, and value.
Best Commuter Cars For Short Distances
If your commute is short, or inner-city, you may benefit from choosing an electric or hybrid car. These types of vehicles are both powered by a battery that can be charged. You can charge them at home, and at various points around a town or city, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power before you get to your destination.
They can reduce your carbon footprint massively as they release less emissions into the air, they work perfectly if your commute is stop-start when driving in a city, and they are exempt from any additional ultra-low emission zone charges, so not only can you save the planet, but there is something for everyone, even car finance for bad credit. Here are some of the best cars for short-distance commutes.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan leaf is an electric car that could be perfect for your inner-city commutes. It can travel around 200 miles before it needs to be recharged, so you don’t need to worry about running out of charge throughout the day.
If you’ve never driven an electric car before, most of them are similar to your average fuel-powered car but run a lot quieter than others, so you will barely be able to hear it. They work well in a start-stop environment, so if you’re environmentally conscious or looking to save a bit of money on your commute, the Leaf could be the best option for you.
Toyota Prius
If you’re looking for a car that offers both comfort, safety and affordability, a Toyota Prius could be the best car for your commute. The Prius goes hand in hand with commuters and is already a popular choice when it comes to hybrid models.
Although the Prius is a compact car, there is still plenty of room for passengers if your car share, or if you need to carry anything with you. When it comes to comfort, you can choose from various additions like speakers and multimedia options to make your journey more enjoyable.
As well as this, the Prius offers safety features like pedestrian protection and pre-collision systems so that you can commute seamlessly in busy, built-up areas.
Best Commuter Cars For Long Distances
Some of us must commute over longer distances and need a vehicle that will allow for this. If you’re spending a large portion of your day behind the wheel, you’re going to need an efficient car, that doesn’t guzzle your fuel, and is good value for money. Read on to find out which models are best when it comes to long-distance commutes.
Ford Mondeo
The Mondeo has been somewhat of a game changer when it comes to commuting and for good reason! There is a range of model options you can choose from with this vehicle, whether you’re after a car with high safety and security, comfort, or high-quality entertainment options.
You can save money by choosing a hybrid option that allows you to switch from electric power to petrol too, so if you’re driving on the motorway and then through a city to get to your workplace, the hybrid model would be perfect. With a smooth driving experience and low fuel consumption, the Ford Mondeo can take you further.
Nissan Qashqai
Another Nissan on the list of top commuter cars is the Qashqai. This vehicle is larger than the Leaf and can be a great option when it comes to commuting. Not only is it a contender for one of the best when it comes to fuel economy, but it can also be used for commuting and the school run as a family-friendly option.
Driving long distances can be tiring and means that you must spend a good chunk of time behind the wheel, but the Qashqai provides you with comfy front seats so that you can focus on getting to your destination with no distractions.