I think the best family car I have seen is Zen. I know because I owned one for five years. Gives mileage of 18 - 20 kms per litre with A/C on in highways. Hardly any maintenance cost. I sold it to buy Hyundai Accent. I truly miss my old car.
Meanwhile I had a Bolero for some time. It is wonderful for mountain terrain. Gives mileage of 12-14 kms litre of diesel. It is a macho car. Not for city.