5 Mommy Cars That Aren’t Boring

“Two things happen as soon as the pregnancy test shows up positive. One, your world gets turned upside down. Two, an evil oversized vehicle lurks in the shadows for the next nine months using evil powers to persuade you into a boring and dreadful vehicle for the rest of your life.”

By Kari Gonzalez

SUVs and CUVs, the streets are littered by “cute-utes” like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. Car based utility vehicles have become the” Mommy American Dream” and have taken the automotive industry by storm. But what about all the Moms out there that still want to have fun behind the wheel, even after the baby arrives?

We’ve searched high and low for the most practical and fun to drive rides in the market. Our goal was to compile five completely different rides at five  different price points and with five totally different mindsets. Actually, they only thing they have in common, is that they are not a minivan or SUV.

Here is a list of mommy-mobiles that offer just as much space as the average crossover or SUV, without sacrificing an engaging driving experience.

• Scion iM — For the budget conscious Mom

Scion’s newest offering comes in the form of a modern and aggressive looking hatchback. This hot-hatch has a starting price of $19,255 for a manual transmission and $19,995 for an automatic. This low price includes dual climate control, blade style alloy wheels, a 7 inch touch screen audio system, and heated power folding side mirrors. That’s a lot of bang for the buck.

 

• Ford Focus ST — For the budget-racer Mom

Do you have the need for speed and carry a  stroller? Look no further than the Focus ST. A race-proven hatchback that carries a powerful punch without taking a hard hit to the wallet. At a very reasonable $24,370 you can take advantage of a 6-speed manual transmission paired to an inspiring 252-horsepower, 2.0 liter turbo engine that eats lame SUV’s for for breakfast

 

• Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI — For the Eco-Friendly Mom

This German station-wagon boasts 31mpg city and 43mpg highway courtesy of its Turbo Diesel Injected engine. The Sportwagen starts at $24,575 and has standard features like keyless access, push button start and a rearview camera. But if you crave all the bells and whistles be ready to shell out $34,795 for the range-topping SEL model with panoramic roof, auto leveling headlights, navigation system and rain sensing wipers.

 

• Subaru WRX STI — For the all-weather fun Mom

If you live in an area with diverse climate, or you simply feel safer knowing you’re getting power to all four wheels, the STI is the absolute baby-hauling rocket. Sporting Subaru’s high-tech Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, this car can conquer adverse weather conditions like snow and heavy rain better than most self-proclaimed all-terrain SUVs on the road. The Subaru STI features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces a massive 305-horsepower, and at $34,695 it’s also the perfect car to load up the family and hit the mountain roads for some spirited driving without risking the kids’s college fund.

 

• Chevrolet SS — For the muscle car Mom

Are you sad to give up the Corvette for something a little more practical and kid-friendly? Don’t be. This 415-horsepower Chevy is a muscle car in disguise that will get you from zero to 60-mph in 4.7 seconds.  An available manual transmission will help you get over the old ‘Vette and get you smiling in no time. At $45,745 it comes in around $3,200 less than a Charger SRT-8 which lacks the option of a manual gearbox, and doesn’t look nearly as good.

Kari. “When not tinkering on my car, I’m endlessly rambling about auto-news to my very patient husband who tolerates it for hours on end. I’ve owned everything from a Tacoma to a Benz, and I now have a 2014 Scion FR-S to play with, which you may spot at The Circuit of Americas parking lot while I’m yelling at the top of my lungs.”