Ford S Max / VW T Cross/ Skoda Superb

[WhichcarshouldIchoose]

Hi - we have a Ford Focus (2008) which we have been happy with but it’s a bit small for us now we have two growing daughters and a greyhound who currently travels in the boot (it’s a hatchback). We have been looking into getting a bigger (second hand) car and we are considering the a Ford S Max or a VW T cross or a Skoda Superb hatchback. Those are the ones we have been considering but we'd be happy with any car that's safe, reliable and has a good amount of space. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I have a VW T Cross and love it! It’s one of the safest cars on the road. Too many features to list here, but they’re all on line to read.
It’s really spacious inside, fantastic to handle, the info tech is great at alerting you and really comfortable on a long journey. I’d just got it pre Covid and did several 600 mile journeys without even a stall!

Can't help re which is better but I'd say you definitely want a skoda Octavia in preference to a superb

If a Focus isn't big enough, a T-Cross won't be either -- it's a crossover based on a Polo.

I think you'd get on OK with either an S-Max or a Skoda Superb, though. Both good cars. Fords aren't normally my thing but for an MPV the S-Max is actually pretty good to drive. The Skoda is technically a hatchback but it's styled like a saloon, so if you need space for the dog you'd need to look at the estate version.

If you really want a Volkswagen, maybe look at either a Golf estate or a Passat estate.

Thanks very much everyone.

Our s Max (our second) is invaluable. Especially as it has three full sized seats across the back. We call it the bus but it's a cracking family car. You fit in so much for a recycling centre or charity shop run! Fab boot and head height.

We used to have a Skoda Superb, and it was absolutely brilliant. The boot is cavernous, and was actually a bit big for our two lurchers so you could use a boot divider for your greyhound and have loads of luggage space. The space in the back seat is huge which was a big plus for us as a tall family

The Skoda is technically a hatchback but it's styled like a saloon, so if you need space for the dog you'd need to look at the estate version.

If you are buying second hand a lot of the older superbs have a twin boot opening which you can open either hatch or saloon.

Skoda every time. VW platform, but not VW money.

Had an S max and loved it. Really comfortable and great to drive. Only changed as I needed even bigger!

I've had my SMax for 10 years and never regretted it for one moment. It's been fabulous. 1 adult, 3 children and one dog (although 2 of the 3 children are now adults too!)

Actually, I agree with pp that a VW Passat estate would be a better fit. When our DCs were growing up we had VW Passat estates, they were the most reliable and voluminous cars we ever had. Rugby kit and boys, Double Bass, towing a boat, touring Europe; it was all nothing to those Passats, they just took it all in their stride.
I only ever had 1 breakdown in 30+ years of owning VWs.

Thanks very much everyone. We have narrowed the choice down to either the Superb or the Octavia.