In 1951, Mercedes-Benz applied for a patent for the world’s first safety body with a stiff passenger safety cell and defined crumple zones. The design went into production in 1959.

Sorry, that cute little speedster is not going to be the most practical mode of transport when you’ve got a spouse, a baby or two, stroller and maybe a domestic helper or grandparent in tow.

As parents or parents-to-be, it might be a good idea to anticipate your future needs and buy something that meets your needs from the start. Safety, reliability, economy and space should be some of the considerations when purchasing a family car. Ask yourselves these questions:

How much can I afford to spend?

Expenses can add up fast when you have a family. You’ll have to put aside money for the babysitter, childcare, maid and insurance, and not forgetting your own retirement and paying off the house mortgage.

It is financially more prudent to get a car you can afford without compromising your other financial obligations. Larger vehicles like MPVs and SUVs offer more space, but they usually cost more and have lower fuel economy than a sedan.

How many people, and what else will I be carrying?

If you are like most Singaporean families with one or two children, a sedan should be comfortable enough, even when the kids grow up. A smaller hatchback may not be enough to fit in a stroller and a week’s worth of groceries in the boot. So again, the sedan looks set to meet your storage needs.

Besides cargo space, consider usability. A car with a foldable rear seat lets you carry extra-long items. A split-back design is the most versatile because one side can be folded down while a person occupies the other rear seat.

How safe is the car?

A family vehicle must be equipped with at least the safety basics, namely anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control and airbags. Other additional safety features that are good to have are traction control, brake assist, the LATCH system to secure child seats and parking assistance equipment like a rear view camera and/or reverse sensor.