top 5 estates

estate cars are a British institution, combining the class of a saloon with much desired extra boot space

Creating the kind of wagon that is ideal for family road trips or a visit to the recycling centre, estate cars are a roomy solution for those needing to maximise space.


  • plenty of room for luggage
  • not much more expensive to run than a hatchback
  • classically British kerb appeal
  • the long rear can restrict visibility, especially when full
  • smaller parking spaces may prove difficult to park in
  • less sought after following the rise of SUVs and crossovers
October 12th 2017
If you’ve read enough, search for your perfect estate

what is an estate?

Estates arrived from taking a saloon body shape and then modifying them to create as much boot space as possible on the same chassis, with it running from the bottom of the car to the top. The style was once considered to be something of a boring choice, bought by people who just wanted that increased luggage room at the expense of things such as ride and handling. In fact, these days many estates are as a good as the saloons or hatchbacks that they are based on, offering great style and handling combinations that create a great driving experience.

what are the features of an estate?

Admittedly, some models can still feel like they aren't the roomiest, but they do tend to make up for that with plenty of neat touches like a level boot floor, flat-folding seats, low boot lips and electronic opening boot lids.

how do estates perform?

Estates tend to match the performance and economy figures of their saloon counterparts, so you get more space with no penalties on performance.

what are the makes on offer for estates?

If you’re in the market for an estate, keep an eye out for solid models from Volvo such as the V90, V60 and V40, which combine years of know-how for the modern era. There’s plenty to choose from elsewhere though, with most manufacturers making an estate version of an existing model, as with VW’s Passat, Skoda’s Superb or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

what is a station wagon?

‘Station wagon’ is simply the American name for an estate. Another valid question to ask might be 'what is a shooting brake?' This style is a slight spin on your average estate, taking the idea and making it sleeker – and usually faster, with some sports car panache.

Now you’re ready to find your perfect estate

top 5 estate

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