For many people, the daily commute is a necessity that they don’t enjoy. That’s why it’s important that you choose a car that will be fit for your purpose when it comes to your daily drive. With more people returning to the office in 2022 and no longer working from home, you may be in the market for getting a new car. The drive to work is usually a mundane one but your car doesn’t have to be! We’ve compiled a list of the best cars for commuting in the UK and a few factors you should look out for in the best commuter cars.
What to look for in the best commuter cars:
There are a few factors that will make your journey a smooth one, especially if you travel long distances. According to a recent study by the TUC, the daily commute is now almost an hour each way! With this in mind, we think you should take the following factors into consideration before getting a commuter car.
Efficiency
When it comes to long commutes, fuel efficiency is key! You don’t want to be spending more than you need to on numerous trips to the fuel station if you don’t need to. It’s worth comparing the fuel efficiency of different makes and models before you commit to one. Some of the most fuel-efficient cars on our list include the Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Yaris. You can also consider lowering your fuel consumption by reducing any excess weight, driving in the highest gear possible, combining multiple journeys and keeping your car in good condition.
Running costs
Low running costs are important for any driver and especially when performing a long commute. Running costs are the day-to-day costs of using your cars such as petrol or diesel and servicing. Diesel cars tend to be more expensive than petrol, but you usually get more miles to the gallon. However, diesel may only be more cost-efficient for those drivers who travel high mileage per day. When your car is over 3 years old, it is a legal requirement to get a yearly MOT. It’s not a legal recommendation to have your car serviced but it is highly recommended to keep your car in good condition and help reduce running costs.
Comfort
For many drivers, even if they don’t drive long journeys, comfort is one of the key factors in getting a new car. Drivers tend to rate the comfort of a car based on interior seats, a relaxing drive, and a smooth engine. Finding a car with all three can be tricky but our list below offers some of the most comfortable cars to drive for a long commute, including the Hyundai i30 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Best cars for long commutes UK:
- Dacia Duster.
- Hyundai IONIQ.
- Audi A6.
- BMW 3 Series.
- Volvo V60.
- Tesla Model 3.
- Nissan Qashqai.
- Volkswagen Golf.
1. Dacia Duster.
The Dacia Duster is a great choice for a commuter car on a budget. The Duster is one of the best value-for-money cars you can buy – it’s affordable, reliable and very practical. There’s a range of efficient engines to choose from and it’s a perfect family car for both short and long journeys. The Dacia Duster is a great crossover car to buy, which means it is the perfect blend of hatchback practicality and SUV spaciousness.
2. Hyundai IONIQ.
The Hyundai IONIQ is one of the best MPG cars you can buy, making it perfect for long commutes. It comes in a plug-in hybrid or all-electric version so it’s great for eco-friendly drivers. This hatchback is spacious, smooth and great fun to drive. Not only that but it’s also got a cool, more futurist look than other commuter cars on our list. On the inside, you’ll find a relaxing environment, with comfortable seats and enough space for the full family!
3. Audi A6.
If you’re looking for the best car for commuting 100 miles per day, the Audi A3 could be perfect for you. This model oozes style and sophistication but is also really economical too. The new Audi A6 comes packed with lots of technology as standard and a huge boot space for all your storage needs! Did you know the Audi A3 also features on our list of the best low-emission cars which meet Euro 6 standards?
4. BMW 3 Series.
The BMW 3 Series is a stylish commuter car just like the Audi A6. The BMW 3 Series comes as an estate or a saloon car and we’re sure there’s an engine option to suit all. The huge boot measures around 495 litres so it’s great for those long family road trips! We think the BMW 3 series is one of the best cars for commuting because it’s really versatile. We’ve also named it as one of the best cars for golf clubs and even one of the best used cars you can buy under £10k!
5. Volvo V60.
The Volvo V60 is a popular choice for high mileage drivers. Its long been popular on UK roads because it’s efficient, well-built and very intuitive. Volvo has been at the forefront of the estate car market for a long time so you can be assured they know what they’re talking about. If you’re looking to buy a brand new Volvo V60 estate, you’ll get a mild-hybrid which reduces both fuel consumption and emissions. It comes with lot’s of cool technology as standard and a highly superior interior design.
6. Tesla Model 3.
The Tesla Model 3 is the new kid on the block when it comes to commuter cars. At Uk Car Finance, we love the Model 3 and it’s one of the best electric cars you can buy. The popularity of Tesla has boomed in recent years too. It is one of the more expensive cars on our list but if your budget can stretch to it, it’s definitely worth the money! The technology used in Tesla cars is hard to beat and has set a high standard for cutting-edge features. The Model 3 is one of the most impressive electric cars on the market and also one of the best low-emission cars you can buy. If range anxiety is a concern for you, there’s no need to worry with the Tesla Model 3 which boasts an excellent range of 374 miles.
7. Nissan Qashqai.
Not only is the Nissan Qashqai a great car for long commutes but it’s also one of our top 10 safest cars too, making the Qashqai a great choice for a family SUV. The Qashqai is an all-rounder when it comes to long-distance driving, it’s comfortable, spacious, and practical. It’s surprisingly spritely for a car of its size and offers high mileage per gallon. The 1.3L dCi engine has one of the best mpg with a height of 54.3mpg. If you’re looking for something a little eco-friendlier, there has been a new e-Power hybrid model introduced in 2022.
8. Volkswagen Golf.
The Volkswagen Golf can be most associated with first-time drivers or city driving but it also handles amazingly well on motorways. The 1.6 TDI 105 SE can achieve 74.3mpg and can rival some of the best commuter cars on our list. The Volkswagen Golf has an impressive range of petrol, diesel, hybrid and all-electric cars too so there’s plenty to choose from! The Golf has plenty of adjustments to be made to increase comfort such as seat, height, steering wheel positions and also lumbar support. Each model comes with a large 10-inch infotainment touchscreen that is highly mounted, so you dot have to get distracted while driving!
Need more inspo? Check out the best MPG cars!
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