27 Jan 09
Is the station wagon due for a comeback? Tall MPVs and flash SUVs may have stolen the show in recent times, but for many, the old-fashioned estate car is still the answer.
A good estate will carry five with ease plus luggage, offer sensible running costs and won't drive like a van. We present five of the most economical estates:
1. Kia Cee'd SW and Hyundai i30
Compact, cheap and competent, these small estates are more purposeful-looking and more practical than their hatchback counterparts. Undercutting comparable Golf or Focus estates, they promise no-frills usability along with well-trimmed cabins, good build quality and sheer ease of ownership.
The Kia also offers a massive seven-year warranty, the Hyundai five - otherwise there's little to choose between these related cars.
The 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines are all you'd need, though if you can stump up a bit more for the 1.6 CRDi diesel (57.6mpg, 128g/km) then it's worth doing. All versions are equipped with plenty of safety kit and all mod cons. Independent brokers can get them with £1,500 off list price.
