People who reach retirement age do not necessarily have to stop driving. After all, even after working life, you want, or have to, stay mobile. But finding the right car as a senior isn’t always so easy. New models appear every year, the range of vehicles expands and it is easy to get lost in the multitude of new assistance systems. In this article, we reveal what matters and which vehicles may be suitable for seniors.
One thing right from the start: there is no single car that suits all seniors. Living conditions and needs vary too, and other factors also play a part in determining the best car. If you live in a city and have access to a well-developed transport system, your decision will probably be different from that of someone living in the countryside or in a mountainous region. Of course, there are people who even in old age still value a lot of power under the hood and like to drive fast. There are also car enthusiasts who fulfill their dream of buying a classic car in the twilight years of their lives. And those who have enjoyed driving sports cars or exotic vehicles all their lives will say goodbye to them not only because of age. And that’s completely normal. But in this article, we focus on middle of society and older people with typical mobility needs.
Electromobility is becoming more and more interesting
Especially for people who live in conurbations and drive little or no distance, electric cars today represent an attractive alternative to conventional combustion cars. In Switzerland, electromobility has long been a mass market topic. Manufacturers have already announced a large number of new models for 2022, and the demand will only increase in the coming years, which will bring hitherto unknown new suppliers to the market. Among them, there are also options for the elderly. They are all inexpensive to maintain, technically up-to-date and, due to the amount of different models, every driver is sure to find a suitable model. Furthermore, the charging infrastructure for the electromobility in Switzerland, as well as in neighboring countries, is constantly being developed. Besides, you have a clear conscience that you are doing something for the younger generations.
No compromise on comfort
It is likely that the desire for comfort increases with age. People know what they want, what’s important to them, and they want to compromise less. This applies This particularly applies to the mobility of the elderly. This is why, even in areas well served by public transport, having your own car is often a necessity for seniors. And these cars should also make driving enjoyable. A high seating position makes getting into the car easier. This is why small and medium-sized SUVs, in particular, are popular cars for seniors. Their elevated seating position offers a better view, and the loading sill is higher, making it easier to load and unload the trunk. Assistance systems also make driving easier and allow elderly people, for example, to park safely without having to move their hips or back excessively. For those who occasionally drive outside of built-up areas, cruise control makes driving much more enjoyable.
Play it safe
Technical aids that contribute to improving safety are above all sensible assistance systems. Since reflexes do not improve with age, Lane Departure Warning and Emergency Braking Assistants can prevent accidents. The head-up display, the LED headlights, which guarantee the best possible visibility, and the high beam assistant offer increased safety. Many of these aids are now standard – in some cases even required by law – or available for a small fee.
Small SUVs are popular
As already mentioned, SUVs are one of the most popular vehicle categories for seniors. The new cars in this category are available with the Dacia Spring Step 1 Edition, an electric car, with Carvolution in the car subscription already from CHF 299/month. The Seat Arona FR, a petrol car, is available from CHF 495 /month. But for this you get a comparatively large number of cars without having to make concessions in terms of equipment.
Asian models, such as those from Hyundai or Nissan, are particularly popular. But German providers also have matching models in their portfolios. Opel offers the Crossland X, available from Carvolution from CHF 559/month. VW offers the T-Cross. All of these models are suitable as vehicles for senior citizens, especially in the city, as they are clearly laid out and easy to drive. The flip side, however, is the very limited space available. So, if you like to travel in groups and are looking for the best car for this purpose, you have to go up at least one category.
You want a little more
For those who like slightly larger cars, the Audi Group offers a good option with the Audi Q2, which is available from Carvolution from CHF 595/month. But BMW also offers a good choice with the BMW X1. If you’re willing to dig a little deeper into your pocket, you can get a compact SUV from the premium segment with the VW ID.4 or the BMW X3. French manufacturers such as Renault and Citroën also offer mid-size SUVs with good value for money. Those who prefer Asian brands will find vehicles from Nissan or Mitsubishi, for example, which are even equipped with all-wheel drive. Elderly people who do not want to do without their own vehicle – or who cannot do so due to where they live – will be particularly happy here.
Big and good
If this is still not enough for you, then you will have to opt for the large models. The Ford Explorer, the VW Tiguan and its big brothers Skoda Kodiaq and Audi e-tron are among the best-selling cars in Switzerland every year. Also in the lead: the Volvo XC40. The Swede, which is also available in a plug-in hybrid version, has even been in the top 3 of the most popular cars in the country in the past. There is now even a purely electric model. Want something even more extravagant? How about the Maserati Levante? It is technically state-of-the-art, offers numerous comfort and assistance systems as well as a wide range of performance without compromising on space. It is currently sold out at Carvolution, but it is certain that it will soon be back in the range. If you want to stand out from the more popular models from Audi, VW and Co., you should definitely take a look at the Maserati.
Low cars, low prices
But it is not always necessary to opt for an SUV. Small cars can also be the perfect car for seniors. Those who attach less importance to an elevated seating position will get their money’s worth in this segment and will usually pay less than for an SUV of comparable length or motorization. The best example is the Ford Fiesta, one of the most popular cars in Switzerland. At Carvolution, this small car is available from 412 CHF/month. Also very popular as a vehicle for senior citizens: the Toyota Aygo. This successful Japanese model is reliable, unfussy and stress-free, which guarantees mobility, and not only in old age. The entry-level model can be driven at Carvolution from CHF 399/month. Equally popular, the Fiat 500, admittedly not quite the classic senior car at first glance, but with an added lifestyle factor. It is not for nothing that it is one of the best-selling cars in the country year after year. A cult at a low price!
Age is not a redemptive criterion for the Standard
If you don’t have to be so careful with the money, or if you want to keep all your options open, you’ll also do well with the classic models – in two respects. The VW Golf, Audi A4, Ford Focus or Skoda Octavia are good all-rounders, suitable for all life situations and also suitable as a car for seniors. They might not offer the big picture of an SUV, take up more space than a Golf and can’t compete with the prices of an Aygo, but they don’t have any weaknesses either. These vehicles offer enough space for children and grandchildren, always have the latest technology like the most popular models of the respective groups and, above all, are reliable.
Mobility and flexibility
At Carvolution, you are sure to find the car of your dreams in subscription. Whether SUV, small car or station wagon. With the all-inclusive package, you don’t have to worry about anything around the car and can just enjoy the simplicity of your car. Thanks to the fixed monthly price, you always have an overview of the total cost of your car.
