Top five family must have features

Here's a few 'family friendly' additions that moved from extras to necessities during our recent mid-size SUV battle. They might be little things, but they are a big help in keeping the troops on-side during those long drives or when stuck in a never-ending stream of traffic.

5. Second row air vents
A lack of rear directional air vents in the second row of micro cars, even small cars may be acceptable - just. But in a medium SUV, it’s not. For children, temperature is always too cold or too hot and, either way, if there are no second row air vents it’s a sure bet the complaints department will be running flat-chat very early in any journey.

For the most part you’ll locate second row air vents in the rear of the centre console, but the B-pillar is a better position for good distribution of air. If you can stretch the dollars, go one further and add a third-zone of climate control… although right there is potentially another subject for the kids to squabble about.

4. Tray tables
Perhaps on the comeback thanks to the family focus of SUVs, we see the venerable rear-of-front-seats tray table appearing more often these days. For some, these may feel a little old-school - reminiscent of bygone chauffeur-driven ‘Rollers’ - the tray table is quite the modern multi-tasker.

In the case of the Ford Escape, they even feature a cup holder, while the Volkswagen Tiguan has a flat tray. Use them for sensible allocation of snacks in the hope of containing food scrap fall-out. Or, add a sticky matt to the tray to make it a play table for Lego, colouring, action figures and the like. The best type has a fixed tilt position to hold books or tablet devices at an angle. Parents please note: Never-ever underestimate the tray table.

Thanks to a variety of adapters, a simple 12-volt socket can make do – but it’s the USB sockets we crave… for now. Mazda’s CX-5 has these in the centre armrest, which is awkward if you have three second row occupants. The back of the centre console is the ideal spot.

You’ll find such accommodation in the likes of Mazda’s new CX-5 as well as Volkswagen’s Tiguan. Currently, no split fold function may not be a total deal breaker, but it’s certainly on our wish list in creating the most family-friendly SUV.

1. Electric keyless tailgate
For the most part, where youngsters are involved, parents have no free hands… so an electric keyless tailgate is a godsend.

In the Escape, Ford’s approach requires a foot swipe under the tail of the vehicle, while you only need to stand to the rear of the Hyundai tailgate and with the key on your person, and, like magic, it opens.

Sometimes parents are easily pleased. Key operated electric tailgates are a close second, but you still need to be able to locate the key… not always easy.

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