Top 10 Rural Cars for Countryside Driving

Range rover driving through countryside

Whether you’re cruising past flower-filled meadows, snaking your way along winding lanes or going completely off the grid, the British countryside is one of the most enjoyable places to drive. Sure, you can enjoy the scenery in any car. But certain models elevate your experience to the next level. So, what are the best rural cars for countryside driving? Read on for our roundup.

1. Range Rover SUV

While the iconic Range Rover SUV is eternally popular with urbanites, its true home is the great outdoors. From rocks and potholes to unexpected river crossings, there’s nothing this car can’t handle. Driver visibility is fantastic, making it easy to keep tabs on your surroundings. This is important in the countryside, where you’ll encounter a unique set of hazards.

The Range Rover SUV is built for muddy boots, but it doesn’t scrimp on luxury. Off-road capabilities are best-in-class thanks to the advanced Pivi Pro system. All-wheel drive improves traction on slippery terrain, while the rear-wheel steering system helps you maintain total control in the most challenging conditions.

2. Ford Fiesta

You don’t need a rugged SUV to head to the countryside. Compact vehicles like the Ford Fiesta are more than capable of navigating country roads. The budget-friendly supermini isn’t just affordable. It’s surprisingly comfortable for longer rides. Think you might want to venture off the beaten track? Upgrade to the Fiesta Active to unlock extra clearance and a suite of offroad-friendly features.

3. Mazda MX-5

If you’re more into high teas at country estates than wild camping, you’ll love the Mazda MX-5. Sporty by nature, this sleek and streamlined model is one of the best rural cars for style-conscious motorists. It’s got plenty of class but is tough enough to get you down muddy country roads with ease. The driver’s seat is low to the ground, giving it a sporty feel. Choose the fabric-roof convertible version to make the most of the summer sunshine.

4. Porsche 718 Cayman

Now we’ve dabbled in sports cars, let’s take things one step further with the Porsche 718 Cayman. If budget is no obstacle, this is the ultimate set of wheels for country driving. The supercharged four-cylinder engine delivers almost 300bhp and can take you from zero to 62mph in just over five seconds. Needless to say, this makes getting from A to B an absolute pleasure. Quiet country roads are the perfect place to let the car flex its muscles.

5. MINI Countryman

The name says it all really. This nifty SUV is one of the best rural cars on the market. It builds on the much-loved MINI design with a spacious interior, excellent ground clearance and fantastic handling. There’s a big improvement in traction, making this model ideal for tough driving conditions. Clever features like Dynamic Stability Control provide intuitive braking when things get hairy. At the rear is a cavernous 450-litre boot that can be extended to 1390 litres with the back seats folded flat. There’s more than enough space for camping gear, suitcases, furry friends and more.

6. BMW X3 

Luxury meets capability in the BMW X3. Smooth suspension and excellent traction make this ultra-capable SUV well suited to countryside driving. Even better, it can tow up to 2600kg. Perfect for if you have a trailer or small caravan. Twists, turns and hairpin bends are a cinch thanks to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. And of course, as it’s a BMW, there’s luxury everywhere you look.

7. Audi Q7

Powerful yet luxurious, the Audi Q7 is one of the best rural cars for adventurous drivers. With up to seven seats, it’s well-suited to families looking for a good balance of space and comfort. The 865-litre boot is enormous so there’s no need to stress about overpacking. Engage all wheels using the quattro four-wheel drive system and tow up to 3500kg with ease. With a stellar NCAP rating of five stars, safety is front and centre.

8. RAV4 

Capable and reliable, the RAV4 has been winning over British motorists for years. If you want to keep your emissions as low as possible, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is an eco-conscious choice. The combination of a 2.5 litre petrol engine and hybrid powertrain technology offers total peace of mind when it comes to range. With rural cars like this, you won’t need to think twice about setting off on an adventure to remote destinations like the Isle of Skye or Snowdonia National Park.

9. Suzuki Ignis

If you’re looking for an SUV that’s compact and affordable, the Suzuki Ignis is a savvy choice. It may not be as sleek as models like the Range Rover, but it gets the job done. Throw in a few upgrades and you can enjoy features like wheel arch extensions, roof racks and 4WD functionality. You’ll be flying over potholes with ease. As for space… The boxy silhouette makes the most of every inch. There’s plenty of room for four adults, plus all your outdoor gear.

10. Dacia Duster

The tough as nails Dacia Duster is right at home on country roads. It offers an impressive 210mm of ground clearance, as well as four-wheel drive functionality for when terrain gets tough. It may not be the most luxurious SUV on the market but when it comes to performance, the Dacia Duster punches above its weight. This makes it one of our top picks for rural cars.

Car financing for rural cars

Got John Denver stuck in your head? We don’t blame you! With so much to see, do and experience, why not head to the British countryside for your next getaway? If you’re thinking about upgrading your wheels, our car loan APR estimator is a great place to start.

Use our custom-built car finance calculator to crunch your numbers and figure out how much you can borrow when shopping for rural cars. It’s a clever way to stretch your down deposit further and ensure your country getaway is as comfortable, safe and luxurious as possible. 

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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The Best of Both Worlds: Top 10 Fast Family Cars

Range Rover in Autumn
Starting a family doesn’t have to mean switching down a gear when it comes to your car. On the contrary, you’ll be amazed at how many auto manufacturers offer family-friendly cars with track-inspired features. Read on as we spotlight the top 10 family cars that are fast, with options for every budget. And yes, you can absolutely strap a kid’s car seat into the back of a Porsche!

1. Volkswagen Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf R may be small, but it packs a punch underneath the compact body. Under the hood is a monstrous TSI engine that will take you from 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds. Wherever you need to be, the Volkswagen Golf R will get you there fast.

You won’t want to hit the top speed of 155 mph with the kids in the back seat, but you can definitely put this model through its paces on an adults-only drive. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system offers lots of traction and control, while an impressive 977 litres of cargo capacity (including the boot and rear seats) offers plenty of room for all your luggage.

2. Porsche Taycan

If budget isn’t a barrier, it’s hard to look past the Porsche Taycan as one of the best family cars that are fast. We love the 4 Cross Turismo model, which combines sporty styling with a spacious interior and an extra-large boot. The powerful engine propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in a little over five seconds, so you’ll want to make sure your shopping is secure before you set off.

3. Mercedes AMG E-Class Saloon

If you’re looking for speed, the Mercedes AMG E-Class Saloon will knock your socks off with acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. It’s all thanks to a huge 612 horsepower engine designed to unleash serious power. Don’t worry, there are plenty of practical features packed into this beast.

The MBUX infotainment system makes getting from A to B a cinch. Perfect for if your Saturday morning involves trips to various different sports fields! Whether your kids insist on The Wiggles or Little Mix, the Burmester® surround sound system will make them sound incredible.

4. Audi RS6 Avant

The high-performance Audi RS6 Avant has well and truly earned its place on our countdown of the best family cars that are fast. From music lessons to football games, the 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo TFSI engine will get you there in double time. To be more specific, you can hit 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds. Fold down the rear seats and you can unlock a huge 1680 litres of luggage capacity.

5. Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC

This sleek model combines design, performance and, you guessed it, family-friendly features. With a 421 horsepower engine and a top speed of 168 mph, it’s basically a supercar you can do the school run in. One thing’s for sure, it’ll definitely get heads turning as you pull up at the gate.

6. BMW M5 Competition

When it comes to performance saloons, it’s hard to look past the BMW M5 Competition. The outrageous BMW M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder petrol engine packs in a huge 625 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. As well as being a great family car, it can get you from 0 to 62mh in a mere 3.3 seconds.

7. Audi e-tron GT Quattro

Powered by the same electric motor and battery as similar Porsche models, the Audi e-tron GT is more track-inspired than you might think. You’ll get from 0 to 62mph in just over four seconds. The spacious interior is perfect for growing families, making this one of the best family cars that are fast.

8. Citroën ë-SpaceTourer Electric

On the hunt for an electric MPV that ticks all the boxes? With space for nine people, the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer Electric offers enough space for your whole family, plus furry friends and extra luggage. It’s packed with safety features, making it a top choice for eco-conscious families.

Now let’s talk about speed. It doesn’t exactly offer the same lightning-fast acceleration times as other models in this roundup of family cars that are fast. But it is more than capable of maintaining speeds of 80mph. When you consider the size of this model, that’s a pretty impressive feat. Even better, you’ll enjoy a benchmark range of 136 miles. This makes it great for longer trips with the family.

9. BMW Alpina D3 S

If you love the idea of a family-friendly diesel car that doesn’t compromise on speed, you’ll adore the BMW Alpina D3 S. The Touring version is perfect for fast-paced families, with loads of storage space and a top speed of 168 mph. Put your foot down and you can take this model from 0 to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds. In just over 18 seconds you can hit 124mph – though, of course, not with little ones in the back seats!

10. Range Rover Sport SVR

Marketed as one of the fastest Range Rovers of all time, this model delivers big power from its 5.0 litre V8 engine. The muscular design immediately captures attention, with superior handling making it great for city driving and longer trips.

And let’s not forget performance. The supercharged engine brings a huge 575 horsepower to the table. Pair this with a top speed of 176mph and acceleration of 0 to 60mph in 4.3 seconds and the Range Rover Sport SVR is essentially a race car disguised as an SUV.

These family cars that are fast prove that family life doesn’t mean you have to slow down the pace. Ready to upgrade your tired estate car and get behind the wheel of something a little more exciting? Use our car finance loan repayment calculator to crunch the numbers and see how far your budget can take you. Whether you’re shopping for a second-hand MPV or a shiny new Range Rover straight from the showroom, we can help you pile your family into your dream car.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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What are the Best Cars for Young Professionals?

Young professional going to work

While a second-hand Fiat Panda or a banged-up Hyundai i10 may have served you well during your student days, eventually you’ll be in a position to upgrade. If you’re no longer struggling to stretch your student loan as far as possible, you’ll love our countdown of the best cars for young professionals. Featuring vehicles for every budget, our list is cherry-picked to meet the needs of working Brits aged between 20 and 40.

BMW 1 Series

Launched in 2004, the BMW 1 Series is a luxury small hatchback with sporty lines and high-end features. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a “beamer”, this is a fantastic entry-level model. The latest 2019 edition will delight you with a modern silhouette, sporty suspension and sumptuous interior that feels worlds away from your university days. Under the hood is a powerful engine that will literally leave your dinky student car in the dust. With style and speed on the table, this is one of the best cars for young professionals.

The model is now in its third generation, meaning it’s relatively easy to purchase a BMW 1 Series second-hand. This can be a great option for young professionals who want to get behind the wheel of a BMW without absorbing the showroom price tag. If you’ve just been allocated a dedicated parking space at the office, the BMW 1 Series will do it justice. 

Audi A1 Sportback

Connectivity takes centre stage in the Audi A1 Sportback. If you’re the kind of young professional who loves to get their hands on the latest smartphone the day it drops, you’ll love this slick little hatchback. From the outside it looks deceptively small, with track-inspired lines and a low-sitting grille. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the generous dimensions and feeling of spaciousness.

The next-generation infotainment system is a highlight, with features like an 8.8-inch digital touch screen and high-res digital instrument cluster designed to make you feel in sync with your car. The latest voice control software makes it easy to call the shots in the driver’s seat. Speaking of which, agile handling makes the Audi A1 Sportback one of the best cars for young professionals. If you tend to run into traffic on the daily commute, responsive steering makes it easy to switch lanes, overtake and manoeuvre into tight parking spots.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a beloved classic and one of the best cars for young professionals by a long shot. First launched in the 1970s, the model is now in its 7th generation and going strong. It may not be the snazziest car on our list but if you value reliability, it’s a great pick.

The Golf’s compact size makes it a winner in urban settings. It’s great for darting through traffic and squeezing into parallel parking spaces, with enough power to make motorway driving a pleasure.  

Jaguar XJ 

When it comes to iconic British-made vehicles, it’s hard to look past the Jaguar XJ. Favoured by royals, celebrities and politicians, this flagship model was first launched in 1968 and turned heads with its elegant silhouette, spacious interior and luxe extras like wood trim and leather seats.

The model was completely reimagined in 2010. So, if you’re looking for a second-hand Jaguar XJ, we’d recommend looking for vehicles produced in 2010 or later. Expect to pay around £15,000 or less for a Jaguar XJ manufactured in the early 2010s. The next generation was launched in 2015, meaning you can expect more advanced features and a higher price.

Tesla Model S 

Young Brits are passionate about tackling climate change and minimising their environmental footprints. This wins the all-electric Tesla Model S a place on our countdown of the best cars for young professionals. Luxurious and eco-friendly, this model can take you more than 240 miles on a single charge. If you travel a lot for work, the Tesla Model S brings down your carbon footprint. With zero engine noise to speak of, your daily commute will feel like a dream.

Porsche 718 Boxter

Nothing spells “success” like a Porsche convertible. There’s plenty to love about the 718 Boxter, including a top speed of 170mph and acceleration of 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. Strapped into the driver’s seat, you’ll feel like you’re flying to the office.

Don’t work too hard though. The Porsche 718 Boxter is made for fun. On the weekends, you’ll love folding down the fully automatic fabric hood, stashing your bags in the spacious luggage compartments and hitting the road. If you’re looking for the best cars for young professionals for work and play, the Porsche 718 Boxter is a discerning choice. Browse the pre-owned market and you can score some incredible deals on models from Porsche and other luxury manufacturers.

Get behind the wheel of the best cars for young professionals

Seen something you like on our countdown of the best cars for young professionals? We don’t blame you. With models like the BMW 1 Series, Tesla Model S and Porsche 718 Boxter, this list is drool-worthy to say the least. Best of all, most models fall well within reach of young professional salaries, especially if you’re willing to consider second-hand vehicles. 

Of course, your budget will depend on the size of your income stream and other factors, including your down deposit, loan amount and preferred repayment terms and credit score. All these factors will help determine what calibre of car loan and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) you’re eligible for.

We make how to work out APR on a car loan easy with a purpose-built calculator. Simply punch in your numbers and let the algorithm do the rest. When you have a better idea of your budget, you can supercharge your career and start shopping for your dream car.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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*for illustration purposes only

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Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

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