Browse our pick of the cars that put comfort front and centre.
Browse our pick of the cars that put comfort front and centre.
Accessibility can be one of the most important factors in buying a car, yet it’s rarely addressed in everyday spec lists or reviews. If you’re an older driver, are especially tall or short or have limited mobility, it’s going to be nothing short of a critical concern.
If not, there are still plenty of valid reasons to consider a car with easy access – if you’re wrangling young children into the back seats, for example, or have elderly relatives who’ll struggle when faced with the awkward combination of low seating and heavy doors.
Even if you’ve ever found yourself in a flummox trying to parallel park or thwarted by an elusive dash layout, you’ll agree that sensible design, considered ergonomics and visibility-enhancing tech all go a long way towards driving pleasure. To help, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the comfortable cars that get it right.
A great choice if you: Struggle with hinged doors, need easy access to back seats or often park in tight spots.
Always battling to help passengers out of the backseat? A car with a sliding door could be the answer. Unlike conventional hatchbacks, the Ford B Max has done away with the central pillar that separates the front and back seats, leaving a 1.5-metre wide opening with both sets of doors ajar. Loading larger items into the back section of the car is infinitely simpler when you have such an exposed and accessible space to work with, and securing child seats should be a doddle. Because it’s a tall car, visibility’s great, legroom’s ample and a high seating position helps with getting out. And there’s less chance of denting rear doors at the supermarket when yours simply glide out of the way.
A great choice if you: Live in the city, are an older driver or are looking for a first car.
Crowned What Car’s Best City Car in 2015 and Carbuyer’s Car of the Year in 2014, the versatile little Hyundai i10 has asserted its place in the supermini class with its effortless mix of functionality and good looks. Its infinitely manoeuvrable, cube-like shape is a superb choice for nervous or inexperienced parkers, providing a tight, agile turning circle and all-round visibility. It’s a city car class leader for space, too, so nobody should feel squished; rear doors open wide; and knee and headroom are generous enough to fit three adults without too much elbow jostling. Suspension is supple and ride quality excellent, meaning the i10 is also more than up to the task on longer journeys. What’s more, with the reassurance of a five-year warranty, it’s an investment you can make with confidence.
A great choice if you: Need bootloads of practicality, have older passengers or are a new parent.
Enter another car with unconventional rear access: the Vauxhall Meriva. Unlike the B Max, the Meriva’s rear doors are hinged rather than on rails, swinging out Rolls Royce-style at a near-90 degree angle. This means there’s no need to contort your body for access, and there’s even a grab handle to help less mobile passengers ease into and out of the back seats. The seating configuration is impressively versatile; rear seats can be shifted forwards to improve boot space or backward for leggy passengers. The middle seat can drop down as an armrest, and side seats move individually for optimum versatility. With its Transformer-like credentials, it’s a worthy contender for those seeking a combination of accessibility and comfort.
A great choice if you: Are a taller or shorter driver, need a high seating position or have restricted mobility.
With its boxy shape and crossover styling, the Kia Soul offers a deceptively cavernous (and surprisingly premium) interior. Its high seating means you won’t have to twist, stoop or clamber around too much to get comfortable, and the high ride height offers a commanding view of the road ahead. You’ll find the entry-level model is superbly equipped, with DAB radio and air conditioning as standard. However, if for any reason it’s tricky for you to turn around to see out of the rear window, we’d recommend the Connect trim – which adds a reversing camera, as well as a colour touchscreen, 17-inch alloys and Bluetooth. Add Kia’s exceptional 7-year warranty, and there’s plenty of incentive to set your heart on the quirky little Soul.
A great choice if you: Are a shorter driver, need great visibility, are style-conscious
For shorter drivers, buying the right car can be tricky. Manufacturers and designers tend to favour designs with a high beltline, which isn’t ideal for the vertically challenged. However, Mazda have found a happy compromise with the Mazda3, producing infinitely adjustable seating and steering and a deep-set dashboard. Its low-slung, animalistic stance is a definite plus for shorter passengers, and all trim levels beyond standard are equipped with parking sensors to help you shimmy effortlessly into tighter spots. Dedicated followers of fashion will adore its feline good looks, and with a full 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating, you can drive with the reassurance you’re well protected, wherever you roam.
Prefer something electric?
