Whether you’ve been spending every weekend outdoors for years or you’re looking to start leading a more active lifestyle, having a car that meets your needs is essential.
While there are alternatives to owning a car, such as using public transport, a well-chosen vehicle will allow you to travel to new places for adventures on foot, by bike, on a paddleboard or in a kayak.
If you’re unclear on what you need to look out for to ensure your car fits the bill, read on for some top tips.
Off-road capabilities
Having a lifestyle that’s full of outdoor adventures means you need a car that can handle difficult terrain – be that unmade tracks, muddy fields or lacklustre road surfaces.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to splash out on a 4×4 like a Land Rover either. For example, the suspension of the latest Ford Focus Active has been designed to handle adverse weather conditions and challenging surfaces. It also has an increased ride height to help with navigating rocky tracks in the middle of nowhere.
If your car is only really designed to be used around town and on motorways, the journey out into the sticks could be quite uncomfortable for you. After all, driving is far less enjoyable if you can feel every bump in the road and get a jolt through your spine each time.
Durability and reliability
When you’re heading off on an adventure, the last thing you want is for your plans to be scuppered by an issue with your car. Waiting for a breakdown service can be a nightmare if you’re in a remote location, too.
Fortunately, there are plenty of brands that are renowned for producing dependable cars that are built to last, so be sure to do your research before committing to a purchase. Investigate how much upkeep is required by the models you’re interested in, because you’ll want to keep that to a minimum.
It can help to get your car serviced before any big trips so that you’re less likely to find yourself in a sticky situation.
Adventure-friendly features
If you know you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your car as you head out for your next adventure, there are a few features that can enhance the experience:
- Detachable seat covers: It’s tough to predict the British weather, but you’ll at least find it easy to clean your car if everyone gets caught in the rain.
- Integrated cooler: If you’re going to be exercising hard, what could be better than having a nice cold drink when you’re back at the car?
- Storage: Make sure you can fit a roof rack, bike attachment or towbar – whichever is most important for you. You’ll also want a decent amount of boot space to fit any gear in.
Connectivity and integration: A built-in infotainment system with a sat nav and GPS will make reaching your destination far easier, allowing you to enjoy the views and forget worrying about getting lost. Integrated wireless charging will mean you can keep your devices at full battery for navigating while you’re out. However, it’s always worth having a paper map and compass just in case.
