One of the tricky things about buying a new car is how to get a balance of what you really want against what is practical for your family.
Many people dream about a two-seater convertible that can whizz along country roads with the top down in summer. Yet, once you have a family, this probably isn't practical anymore.
Just because you have some extra things to consider doesn't necessarily mean that you have to give up on the idea of having a cool car.
Here's a list of some of the cars that are fun as well as practical.
Mini Coupe Cooper S
The Mini has been a popular car for many decades and is one that has never shaken off its 'cool' status. It's for this reason that, although the car has had newer models brought out time and again, the overall look of it remains fairly similar to its previous guises.
If you opt for a Mini Cooper S you are getting a car that can fit you and your family, looks cool and can move fast. This car can go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 143 mph.
It produces 184 bhp from a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine and in terms of fuel economy it averages at 48.7 mpg.
While the car comes with a solid roof as standard, if you like the idea of a convertible then you can opt for a soft-top Roadster version, which offers similar performance figures but costs a little bit more.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is a highly sought after hot hatch, known for being relatively stylish and fast as well as practical.
It comes with a two litre, four cylinder turbo engine and has 217 bhp in standard tune. However, if you wish, you can buy a performance pack with it that adds a further ten brake horsepower.
The car can go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 151 mph. It also produces 350 Nm of torque.
While the interior is designed to keep you and your family comfortable when it's being used for everyday activities, its chassis is nicely balanced so that you can enjoy a bit more adventurous driving now and again.
Mercedes E63 AMG
If you have the money to splash out on a particularly flashy car that is fast, reliable and looks fantastic then Mercedes is a great brand to turn to. Its E63 AMG is a car that suits people who appreciate the brand but also need to be able to transport their family around.
The car comes with a turbocharged 5.5 litre twin turbo V8 engine and has 549 bhp. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 155 mph. The car can also produce up to 720 Nm of torque.
You get a choice of saloon or estate versions of this car or, if you have the money and are willing to pay for great performance, then there is the option of the S version, which can also produce 577 bhp.
Audi RS4 Avant
Another expensive but high end car that is great for families is the Audi RS4 Avant. When Audi began making RS estates, it partnered with Porsche to create the RS2. The RS4 is essentially the next one on from that.
The car is powered by a 4.2 litre V8 engine, which produces great performance, 444 bhp and up to 430 Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 155 mph.
It utilises four-wheel drive too, which helps to improve its handling and performance if you have a bit of a heavy right foot.
