SNOOZE CONTROL: PARENTS SPEND 9 HOURS A MONTH DRIVING AROUND TO GET KIDS OFF TO SLEEP

New research commissioned by Hyundai Motor UKreveals that 95% of parents struggle to get their kids off to sleep, with 73% resorting to driving aimlessly around in their car, to help their little ones nod off.

When it comes to disturbing the all precious in-car child nap, sitting in traffic (42%), engine noise (41%) and frequent petrol stops (36%) top the list of parent angst. Then there’s also the dilemma of whether to wake a sleeping child just to pay for fuel (28%), the guilt of wasting petrol while idling (26%), and the sheer drain of spending hours behind the wheel (21%).

Parents say that a smooth ride (65%), steady temperature (62%) and lots of fresh air in the car (61%) help their little ones drift off more easily. But even the smallest hiccup can ruin it all, as 47% say their child wakes up the moment the engine stops.

When it comes to buying a family car, parents admit to prioritising the features of an electric vehicle due to the smooth acceleration (55%), whisper quiet engines (48%), ambient lighting (37%) and eco-friendliness (29%).

In response to the research findings, Hyundai is launching ‘Rest Drives’, a new initiative offering 24-hour test drives of the KONA Electric, designed with families in mind. These extended ‘night and day’ test drives give drivers the chance to experience the EV in real-life situations, from chaotic school runs to peaceful late-night drives aimed at soothing little ones to sleep.

To help even more, Hyundai is offering ‘Rest Drives’ kits at selected retailers across the country. The kit is filled with everything you could need to aid a sleepy state: a soft and cuddly Jellycat companion, a cosy travel blanket, an engaging baby book, and a touch of luxury chocolate for the grown-ups.

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai Motor & Genesis UK, said: “The KONA Electric, with its whisper-quiet powertrain and refined driving experience, is the perfect partner for everything from school runs to nap-time drives. Through our ‘Rest Drives’ initiative parents can experience its calming, family-friendly benefits first-hand. And with the Hyundai Electric Grant offering up to £3,750 off a new Hyundai EV, switching has never been more affordable.”

Hyundai has also teamed up with award-winning parenting expert and consultant, Heidi Skudder, who’s created a 10-step guide to pulling off the ultimate parenting magic trick: transferring a sleeping baby from car to cot without waking them.

The Hyundai KONA Electric offers an impressive 319-mile (WLTP) range and rapid charging capability, making longer journeys effortless. Its spacious cabin combines advanced safety features with seamless connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. In higher trim levels, a BOSE Premium Sound System with seven speakers and a subwoofer delivers rich, immersive audio, perfect for enhancing every drive, whether it’s the daily school run or a weekend road trip.

The Rest Drives extended test drive offer is open to all parents and available at the below participating retailers until 31^st October 2025. To book, visithttps://www.hyundai.com/uk/en/rest-drive.html.

Marshall – Gatwick

Berry Chiswick

Vertu – Banbury

Evans Halshaw – Milton Keynes

Howards – Taunton

Paul Rigby Stratford upon Avon

Wessex Cardiff

Read – Burton

West Riding – Manchester

Drive Hyundai – York

Vertu Edinburgh West

Vertu Nottingham