If you tend to use your car for the morning school run or for a quick trip to the shops, a small easy-to-park little number usually does the job well. But for long commutes, long weekends and any other journey where you’re likely to rack up the miles, you need a car that can go the distance. The best motorway cars should be fuel efficient, reliable and – if you’re bringing extra luggage (or passengers) along for the ride – spacious, too. From the best small cars for motorway driving to luxury options offering a smoother drive, here’s the top pick of five of the best cars for motorway driving.
1. The Great Little All-Rounder
A perennial favourite, the Volkswagen Golf isequally happy zipping around town or out on the open road . You’ll find a variety of used models available including diesel, petrol and hybrids – and if they happened to be registered pre-2017, you may even find some that are road-tax exempt (such as the 2012 1.6 TDI 105 SE, which can reach 74.3mpg with £0 tax).
Since most Golfs have MPG figures over the 70 mark, the VW Golf is a fuel-efficient, speedy little car – and if you choose a later model, you may even get some nice extras into the bargain such as bluetooth to help entertain you and your fellow passengers on those long journeys.
For those needing a little additional space, estate versions of the Golf are also available with up to 600 litres of room in the rear with the seats up (1620 with them down) – ideal whether you’re a frequent traveller with bags to pack, or a large family with room to grow.
2. The Fast Favourite
The Ford Mondeo is another solid favourite since it’s debut in the mid-1990s. It’s enduring appeal has made it yet another popular choice amongst drivers who love it for its spacious interior and responsive handling, with 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s also plenty of engine options to choose from in the range including diesel as well as petrol and hybrid. For motorway use, the 2.0 EcoBlue 190ps engine is a good option as this creates enough power to increase acceleration and maintain high speeds, going from 0-62mph in a zippy 8.9 seconds.
As with the Golf, many used models are available – but newer ones also come with added extras such as heated steering wheels and plush seating – ideal for long journeys where you want to stay toasty and comfortable. Certain models of Mondeo are particularly cost-effective – particularly the MK5 (2015) Euro 6 Diesel, which is currently exempt from Clean Air Zones.
3. The Luxury Option
Each MercedesBenz S-Class comes with air suspension and plenty of sound-muffling technology, ensuring that your drive is as quiet as it is comfortable (a good choice if you have passengers who like to nap in the back seat).
With an impressive 40mpg to its name and a sleek profile, the S-class is a great luxury option that will get you where you need to go in style and comfort – and, if you have passengers to entertain, there’s also the option of on-board tech such as screens and bluetooth connectivity, depending on which model you purchase. Those seeking a more environmentally friendly option can also now look forward to the EQS, which came out in September 2021.
4. The Off-Road Adventurer
Unquestionably the most well-known of 4×4 manufacturers, over the decades (and many miles) Range Rover has established itself as something of a expert in the field (and hills) of off-road motoring – so if your long distance journey involves a rural destination – or if you happen to live somewhere with plenty of green space, this may be the choice for you.
A sleek alternative to its more rugged cousin the Land Rover, models such as the Land Rover Range Rover SUV (2016) are as reliable as they are plush, featuring armchair-style seating along with tactile wood and leather interiors.
In terms of power, the 339 horsepower 4.4-litre V8 diesel, badged SDV8 features a surprisingly fast level of acceleration for a seemingly bulky vehicle – and while it is one of the more expensive brands, it’s actually one of the cheaper in the range – plus, it’s reliable, helping to reduce overall running costs.
5. The Electric One
Long distance journeys and SEVs are still something of an oxymoron amongst drivers who may be wary of their ability to last the distance before running out of fuel.
In terms of distance, the Tesla Model S has now been the undisputed champion for going on ten years – with the latest version exceeding an estimated 405 miles of range.
While British drivers are unlikely to see the new Model S until the end of 2022, there’s still the Model S Plaid which has an impressive estimated range of 396 miles. Running costs are also surprisingly reasonable due to the cheap cost of electricity, averaging out at 5p a mile. As one of the pioneers in the electric vehicle market, models such as the Tesla Model 3 Long Range are living up to their name – allowing EV drivers to go further than ever before.
For further advice on motoring including accessories ranging from a personalised air freshener to custom keyrings, speak to your local motor merchandising specialist today.
