When buying a family car, there are a number of features you are bound to look for.  Excellent safety credentials, large boot space, seating flexibility and space for giving the whole school football team a lift home are all key considerations.

Manufacturers are now extremely familiar with these needs, and many respond to them with fantastic family cars.  As buyers, we can now expect even more from family cars.  So what are the family luxuries to look out for beyond the basics?

One of the most exciting additions to family cars – certainly for the kids – is the inclusion of entertainment systems within the car itself.  There are a wide range of DVD and video game systems available for in-car use, but manufacturers are now building similar systems into production-line cars.  Usually, screens are built into the back of the front seats, allowing those sitting in the back to relax with a film on long journeys.  Head-phone jacks are provided so that only those who want to have to listen to Iggle Piggle whilst sitting in a traffic jam.

Of course, entertainment systems aren’t just a bonus for the happy child, but also get rid of any parental requirement for endless games of eye-spy.  A plus all round!

Eyes in the back of your head can also be bought in some of the latest family cars.  With designs ranging from inbuilt mirrors to tiny cameras and screens, these devices allow the driver to see what is going on behind them without even turning their head.  Perhaps this could be the answer to many school-run arguments?

Adjustable seating is no new invention, but modern family cars can often go one step better than you may have seen before.  Inbuilt booster-seats could be extremely useful for you and your baby.  Rather than lugging around large and cumbersome plastic booster-seats, and finding somewhere to move them when the car gets full, these adjustable seats require only a small manual operation to raise children to a safe height.

On a more luxurious level, arm-rests are also becoming more than just a fold-out ledge.  They now come with all sorts of features like storage compartments, writing surfaces and power-points, perfect both for a spot of colouring and charging up the mobile phone.

Dealing with the hot weather is a constant summer consideration.  Cars full of sweaty children can become extremely unpleasant, but there are now more solutions than ever to minimise this pain.  You might have experienced seat-warmers, but now there is also the option of seat-coolers which use fans or even electric-cooling to help make summer journeys bearable (although admittedly this feature is only available right at the top of the price range.)

Another feature for the sunny weather is inbuilt sunshades which act like blinds for the back windows, shading children from the strong sun, but not impairing the driver’s view of the road. Remember, most of these special features will affect your insurance so make sure you have up to date car insurance.

If you are looking to replace your family saloon, don’t just look for the basics.  Manufacturers are out to impress you with their thoughtful family features, so it pays to expect more from them.