The estate car was once one of the most common family cars. Today, the SUV rules the roads, but for those who want a little bit more elegance, the estate remains a trusty alternative and has never looked better. Here are some of the finest cars in their class.
Volvo V90
Volvos were once synonymous with the word ‘estate’ and plenty of those older models remain in reliable service today. Decades on, they’re still among the best in their field. The bold angles of older Volvos have been replaced with smoother, more striking curves.
The V90 is no longer top of its class for storage but for most purposes, this should be a comfortable ride for five passengers and their luggage. Volvo has continued to innovate, with a hybrid model soon to be added to the range.
- Mpg (combined): 62.8
- Safety: ABS/EBD, pilot assist, city safety braking system, road sign information system, front and rear curtain airbags, side airbags
- Seats: 5
- Boot space: 560 litre with in place, 1,526 litres with seats folded
- Engine range: Diesel – 2.0 litre (187 bhp or 232 bhp)
- Equipment: Touch-screen display, voice control system, speed sensitive steering, auto-dimming interior mirror, electric folding rear headrests
- Price: From £31,995
ŠKODA Superb Estate
The ŠKODA Superb Estate has it all – space, luxury, power and an affordable price tag. It’s easy to see why it won ‘Best Estate’ in the What Car? Car of the Year awards. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe the boot space as cavernous, offering storage that goes beyond any everyday requirements. There’s also a surprising amount of legroom for rear passengers, giving the suggestion of luxury travel. The standard spec is generous but there are plenty of optional extras – from the functionality of an integrated tow bar to the convenience of park distance control. If you want to give the car an even more spacious feel then you could opt for a panoramic sunroof.
- Mpg (combined): Up to 76.4
- Safety: ABS, curtain airbags, passenger knee airbags, cornering brake control, tyre pressure monitor
- Seats: 5
- Boot space: 660 litres with seats in place, 1,950 litres with folded
- Engine range: Petrol – 1.4 litre, 2.0 litre Diesel – 1.6 litre, 2.0 litre
- Equipment: 16-inch alloy wheels, removable boot light, DAB radio, touchscreen infotainment system
- Price: From £21,795
Mercedes E-Class Estate
The Mercedes E-Class brings precision engineering to the estate. It has a far more elegant exterior design than its recent predecessors, but retains a refined functionality. The interior is luxurious and the on-board computer offers endless options to enhance your driving experience. There’s ample space in the back, complemented by the plush interior. The loading bay can even be converted into a third row of seats, although these are only really suitable for children. The boot is hugely practical too, with an automatic tailgate, flat floor and no load lip.
- Mpg (combined): Up to 67.3
- Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, nine airbags, autonomous braking system
- Seats: 5 – 7
- Boot space: 670 litres with seats in place, 1,820 litres with seats folded
- Engine range: Diesel – 2.0 litre, 3.0 litre. Petrol – 3.0 litre
- Equipment: Alloy wheels, Air Body Control suspension, parking sensors, multimedia system, keyless starting, interior LED lighting
- Price: From £37,265
Volkswagen Passat Estate
The Volkswagen Passat offers a huge amount of space along with an elegant interior, making this a solid choice. Over the years, Volkswagen has tweaked rather than revolutionised the design, meaning that although the look remains reassuringly familiar, the driving experience and refinements have constantly improved. The latest model offers an award-winning electric hybrid engine, offering innovation without compromising the vehicle’s adaptability.
- Mpg (combined): Up to 70.6
- Safety: ABS, curtain airbag system, height adjustable rear head restraints, post collision braking system, electronic stability control
- Seats: 5
- Boot space: 650 litres with seats in place, 1,780 litres with seats folded
- Engine range: Diesel – 1.6 litre, 2.0 litre. Petrol hybrid – 1.4 litre
- Equipment: 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, compositional media system
- Price: From £24,480
<a href=" https://www.arnoldclark.com/new-cars/bmw/5-series
" target="_blank" title="Opens in a new window"> BMW 5 Series Touring
The BMW 5 Series Touring combines the comforts and great driving experience of an executive saloon alongside the practicality of an estate car. The interior is spacious and comes with plenty of kit, with a widescreen monitor, cruise control and climate control all fitted as standard. It is among the most expensive in its class but with the right choice of engine, it should be relatively cheap to run.
- Mpg (combined): Up to 61 mpg
- Safety: Six airbags, traction control, electronic stability control as standard
- Seats: 5
- Boot space: 560 litres with seats in place, 1,670 litres with seats folded
- Engine range: Diesel – 2.0 litre, 3.0 litre. Petrol – 2.0 litre, 3.0 litre
- Equipment: 17-inch alloys, automatic air conditioning, USB audio interface, automatic headlight activation, parking sensors, automatic tailgate
- **Price: From £32,535
Ford Mondeo Estate
The Mondeo is perfect for long journeys and offers a smooth ride and great handling. The interior has a premium feel, but without an intimidating price tag. Most of the peripheral controls are operated from the main touchscreen, giving the cabin a minimalistic and refined feeling. There may not be as much space in the loading bay as in the larger estates, but it should be more than enough for family holidays or business users.
- Mpg (combined): Up to 74
- Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, emergency brake assist, seven airbags, traffic sign recognition, emergency assistance as standard
- Seats: 5
- Boot space: 500 litres with seats in place, 1,605 litres with seats folded
- Engine range: Diesel – 1.6 litre. Petrol – 1.0 litre, 1.5 litre, 2.0 litre
- Equipment: DAB radio, eight-inch touchscreen, infotainment system, climate control
- Price: From £22,315
Need something more compact?