If a big cabin, a big boot and comfort-focused ride are all priorities, then estate cars should automatically be worth considering. Depending on the manufacturer, estate cars may alternatively be referred to as Sport Tourer, Station Wagon or simply Touring. But regardless of which term is preferred, they all similar designs and characteristics.
Estate cars are typically based on a family hatchback or saloon, and their appeal is that they can be just as good to drive as other types of family cars (if not better) and deliver extra practicality too. Estate cars can even be quite stylish, more so than other types of family car, like MPVs for example.
In this guide we highlight five of the best estate cars which you can buy new at the moment.
Volkswagen Passat Estate
The estate version of the Volkswagen Passat is comfortable to drive and practical all-round. It's difficult to pick out flaws because it does everything you'd want from a big family car in convincing fashion. The engine line-up is strong and features some frugal diesels among the options. The 2.0-litre engines in particular do a good job of combining efficiency with smooth and swift performance. Engines can be mated to either a slick six-speed manual transmission or VW’s excellent automatic Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG).
The ride and steering both impress, so the Passat estate feels assured whether you’re cruising on the motorway or slinking through twisty countryside roads. The best thing about the Passat estate is the outstanding interior, which feels very well made with a comfortable amount of head and legroom at the front and back. The boot offers 650 litres of space with the rear seats up, surpassing almost every single one of its rivals. Luxuries include DAB digital radio, air conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Passat estate is a strong all-rounder with a classy feel and it's very competitvely priced next to other German estates.
BMW 3 Series Touring
BMW saloons are celebrated for being good to drive, as well as practical and luxurious, and it’s a similar story with the BMW 3 Series Touring estate. It’s about as sharp to drive as its saloon counterpart, making the 3 Series Touring undoubtedly one of the top estate cars for driving dynamics.
It’s very agile through the corners, with body roll kept to a minimum, and the steering is very accurate, offering a lot of feedback. The 3 Series Touring has a feature called Drive Performance Control which has different driving settings depending on whether you want to focus more on comfort, efficiency or simply driving enjoyment.
There are some really efficient specifications in the 3 Series Touring range as well and the diesel specs should particularly please company car drivers and other long-distance travellers. The interior quality, meanwhile, meets BMW’s usual high standards and there’s a huge range of kit on offer, particularly on the higher trim levels. If you’re after a good estate car that delivers a rewarding driving experience, the 3 Series Touring is easy to recommend.
Ford Mondeo Estate
The latest Ford Mondeo estate has a very eye-catching, coming complete with Ford’s latest trademark trapezoidal grille. The interior is also one of the more plush among recent Ford cars, especially if you go for a higher-spec trim.
Very competitively priced, the Mondeo offers a lot of standard kit for your money. It doesn’t feel quite as smart inside compared to estates from certain other brands, like Volkswagen, but the Mondeo is still very spacious, comfortable and refined.
It feels good to drive as well, surprisingly agile in fact for a car of its size. The light steering won’t exactly wow enthusiasts but is comfortable for both city commutes and motorway cruising. There's no doubt the Mondeo is one of the top estate cars available to buy.
Mercedes E-Class Estate
The Mercedes E-Class estate features a striking design, immense practicality and a diverse range of engines. The E-Class is one of the more expensive new estate cars around, but it makes up for that by offering an outstanding amount of interior room and boot space. You can also take advantage of a remotely-operated self-opening tailgate, a cool feature amongst this car’s plentiful standard kit.
The engine range can suit a wide range of preferences. If efficiency means a lot, the CDI diesels and hybrid specs help get the job done. With any of these engines the E-Class feels very composed on the road, and that’s thanks in part to the self-levelling rear air suspension which comes as standard. If you fancy really spicing up the performance and drive, there’s the option of a stunning V8 AMG petrol engine that produces well over 500bhp.
Dacia Logan MCV
The Dacia Logan is well worth considering if you’re searching for a new estate car on a tight budget. Competing against the likes of the Kia Cee’d Sportswagon, the Dacia Logan MCV has a price range that's more comparable to your average supermini, never mind estate cars. With such a significantly lower price then other estate options, you do inevitably sacrifice interior quality and refinement to an extent, but there's still a lot on offer from the Logan.
The money savings happily do not equate to compromised practicality. The long, boxy design provides decent head and leg room both front and rear. Equipment is sparse, particularly for the cheaper trims, but you may be surprised just how comfortable this car is. If luxury kit really is a must, the range-topping Laureate trim does come with cruise control and air conditioning, plus a leather wrapped steering wheel. Space in the boot and within all the various cubby holes dotted around the cabin is respectable.
The engines offered with the Logan MCV, are small but should feel adequate for shopping trips or any holiday journeys. The Dacia Logan is a decent selection for those with limited cash who need a spacious car for a busy, family-focused lifestyle; making it one of the best estates available to buy.
