Best cars for dogs
Dogs are part of the family and don’t like being left behind when everyone else goes on a road trip.
That means you need a dog-friendly car, and some are better for the job than others. I’ve collated five of the most suitable motors for you and your pooch.
Mazda CX-5
Most Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) are great for taking your dog out to the local wood or off the beaten track. The Mazda CX-5 is no exception; it has liberal front and rear legroom and a roomy boot (463 litres) plus a premium feel, superior functionality and low noise levels for a pleasurable ride. Easy-to-use features include three-piece 40/20/40 split folding rear seats with release levers in the cargo area. It’s an excellent choice for most dog owners, especially if children are involved as it’s officially one of the safest cars in the world.
Honda CR-V
This SUV is perfectly suited to many dog lovers’ way of life. It behaves and drives like a “normal” car, yet has the space of an estate, 4×4 safety, plus enough grunt to tow a trailer, caravan or horsebox. The boot capacity is a spacious 589 litres, and this extends to 1669 litres when the seats are down, so your hound(s) will have heaps of space.
Peugeot 3008
The 3008 is a medium size car, so it is versatile and roomy, but not too big to be intimidating. It benefits from a user-friendly load area and access is made easy by a split tailgate of which the lower part can become a seat or be used to support a weight of 200kg. This makes it ideal for your canine companion to bounce in and out of. The conveniently-flat boot surface can easily be compartmentalised, thanks to the cleverly-designed floor with its three adjustable positions.
Volvo XC70
If you have a dog and you really don’t want an SUV, your best alternative is an estate car. The Volvo XC70 is a perfect example as it’s been created especially for your pet and outdoor devotees. It has a dog barrier to ensure your pet’s wellbeing whilst travelling and its rear seats can be folded down in three 40/20/40 sections. Collapse all of them flat and the load space swells from 575 litres to 1,600 litres. Another handy function is the power-operated tailgate and a divider to keep your furry friend safely in the load-area alongside your shopping.
Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Estate
Being of hearse-like appearance it’ll come as no surprise that the Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Estate is big enough to carry a coffin, probably. In other words, the car’s load area is colossal and ideal for Pongo and Patch. It’s also low, meaning you can pack up the vehicle without giving your poor old back any more strain than it needs. If truth be told, it’s very hard to fault the Mercedes-Benz E 300.
By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist
Website www.carwriteups.co.uk
Twitter @carwriteups
