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Are these the best cars for first-time school run drivers?

The school run is a true test of how practical a car is – and these are the best available today

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The school terms kicks off in just a few short weeks, which will see hundreds of first-time school drivers descending on the roads.

The school run can be somewhat of a litmus test for a car – they need to be practical, robust and good to drive too. We’ve picked out some of the best on sale today, pitched in at a variety of different price points to suit all budgets.

Volkswagen T-Roc

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The Volkswagen T-Roc is a smartly designed and smartly made compact crossover – and in truth, you’re going to see a fair few crossovers in this list. There’s a reason for that, they give a more commanding, confidence-inspiring driving position without the need for a large SUV.

The T-Roc ticks these boxes, while also offering a robust, edgy looking exterior design alongside bulletproof Volkswagen interior quality. There’s also a range of efficient engines available, meaning that daily trips to school won’t cause fuel bills to spike up.

DS 7 Crossback

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Sure, you might have been forced into an SUV by the need to accommodate two child seats and a pushchair in the boot. Sure, you may be driving a low-powered diesel vehicle because of its pragmatic approach to fuel economy. But that’s no reason not to stand out from the crowd.

The DS 7 Crossback is one of the most distinctive-looking vehicles on sale today, but it’s simple underpinnings leave nothing to be frightened of. It’s also spacious and practical, with a seriously interesting interior swathed in luxurious materials. With those jewel-like head and tail-lights, everyone will see you coming.

Peugeot 3008

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In the past, Peugeot may not have been the cool brand to do the school run in, but that’s changed in recent years.

The French manufacturer has turned itself into a genuinely desirable brand and the 3008 is one of its best offerings. It offers good practicality and seriously cool styling, making it a great option for the school run.

Honda Civic Type R

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On your first-ever school run, you might be looking to make an impression not only for your child, but also for yourself on the other parents.

Step up the Honda Civic Type R. It has humble groundings in a practical, family hatch, making it great for hauling children and packed lunches — yet brings a whole lot of “LOOK AT ME” with its huge wing, audacious body kit and brash noise. You’re going to be seen in this.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

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Yes, yes we know – how can a Porsche be practical school-run option? Well, the Stuttgart car we’re talking about in particular is the Panamera Sport Turismo – a shooting-brake version of Porsche’s popular and luxurious saloon car. If you’re planning on making a grand entrance on your first visit to a school, this how to do it.

Not only is it elegantly designed, but even base models are fiercely quick, and will out-pace the vast majority of other cars joining you on the school run. Of course, it’s pricier than a regular car option, but you’ll easily be one of the coolest parents parked up outside the school – and can you put a price on that?

Ford Fiesta Active

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The Ford Fiesta Active is, you guessed it, another crossover. Designed to be just a little higher up than the regular Fiesta, it’s a good option for those who want a slightly raised view of the road ahead. The base Fiesta is a stylish car on its own, and the Active, with its chunky bumpers, builds on this.

It’s also a great option for your first school run, because its compact size means that parking is a doddle – so you won’t be fighting with other parents for spaces.

Jeep Renegade

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Looking for something funky to take your kids to school in? Look no further than the Jeep Renegade.

This compact machine brings a cutesy edge to the iconic rugged Jeep aesthetic and offers bags of urban practicality to boot. There are enough gimmicks on board to keep the kids entertained, and you’ll turn a fair few other parents’ heads too.

Jaguar F-Pace

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Most prestige manufacturers have cottoned onto the SUV as a licence to print money, and Jaguar is no exception. But the F-Pace is a rather special crossover, as it shares its underpinnings with Jaguar’s brilliant saloon line-up.

The end result is a superbly practical crossover that’s also a hoot to drive, with a balanced chassis, perky engines and handling that rivals any SUV on the market.

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