top 5 estates
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AUTHOR Robert Gillespie
May 27, 2015

Top 5 best Estate Cars of 2015

Estate cars offer the best of many worlds. They’re based on regular road cars so don’t suffer the extra fuel penalty that crossovers and SUVs do – they’ll also handle better as they have a lower centre of gravity. But, thanks to the sizeable boot, estates are still much more practical than their saloon siblings.

There’s a bewildering choice of estate cars on sale, so we’ve picked out our top 5. Whether it’s for the weekly shop, for a little DIY at the weekends or you just need space to keep the kids and pets happy, our list has something for everyone.

5. Volvo XC70

xc70

No estate car top five would be complete without at least one Volvo. Estates are what the Swedish brand does best, and the XC70 is our pick of their range. Based on the V70, already a spacious and refined car, the XC70 gains a subtly raised ride height and chunkier tyres to offer a more off-road biased appearance. Best of all though, those changes contribute towards excellent ride comfort. Factor in the strong, economical diesel engines and Volvo’s reputation for safety and the XC70 makes a huge amount of sense.

4. Mazda 6 Estate

mazda6

The Mazda 6 is the stylish option in our top five, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks substance. It’s one of the most engagaing cars to drive in its class, while the petrol and diesel engines return excellent real-world fuel economy. At 525 litres, some rivals fare slightly better in the load-lugging department, but few are as nice from the driver’s seat.

3. Mercedes C-Class Estate

cclass

Those looking for the prestige of a small executive car with a little added practicality should look no further than the Mercedes C-Class Estate. At 490 litres, the boot isn’t significantly bigger than the saloon’s, but the square shape and low, wide opening make it much more usable. The added bonus is that the C-Class is quite the looker inside and out and is relaxing from behind the wheel.

2. BMW 5 Series Touring

5series

If the budget is able to stretch for the BMW 5 Series Touring, you’ll be buying one of the best all-rounders on sale today. The beautiful interior sits ahead of a 560-litre boot and the whole car oozes quality and handles fantastically. BMW’s petrol and diesel engines offer a blend of performance and efficiency very few cars can compete with. Just be careful you don’t go overboard choosing options, the price can start to get a little silly if you get too excited.

1. Skoda Superb Estate

superb

In its current form, the Superb won’t be with us for much longer, its replacement is due in September, with an estate version following soon afterwards. In the mean time, however, the current estate is still more than capable of scooping our top spot. The boot totals 630 litres – or a whopping 1,865 when the rear seats are folded away – yet the Superb maintains limo-like levels of space for rear seat passengers.

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.

Robert Gillespie

Traveller

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