Top 100 Cars 2016: Top 5 Large Estate Cars

1 Skoda Superb Estate

If you want maximum carrying capacity for minimum cash, this is where you need to be looking. Prices for this Skoda  start at less than  £20,000 — bargain bucket deals in this company —  but the Superb is more than worthy of your consideration. You can upgrade to a version with more toys and muscle by spending a little more than £25,000, but that’s still small beer for something so capable.

If your priority is a huge boot, the  Superb will also appeal, as it can stow the same amount of  baggage as the Mercedes E-class —  a hefty 1,950 litres. Hate having to  change gear? Fine: choose the DSG automatic option. And if you want to tow, no problem — as long as you opt for a four-wheel-drive version.

• Price: £19,840 – £35,940
• Our pick: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDi 150PS SE L Executive (£25,120)
• Engine: 1968cc, 4 cylinders
• Acceleration: 0-62mph: 8.9sec
• Top speed: 135mph
• Fuel | CO2: 67.3mpg | 110g/km

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2 Ford Mondeo Estate

Ford’s big car has gained better looks, a softer ride and a much improved cabin. In a class where rivals offer hangar-like boot capacities, the Mondeo’s 500 litres (1,605 litres with the rear seats down) is merely average, but that’s still plenty of space to carry a holiday’s worth of luggage.

The comfortable ride means you’ll be able to take it across Europe without any complaints from passengers.

• Price: £21,745-£29,510
• Our pick: Mondeo Zetec 2.0 TDCi 150PS, £24,345
• Engine: 1997cc, 4 cylinders
• Acceleration: 0-62mph: 9.4sec
• Top speed: 130mph
• Fuel | CO2: 65.7mpg | 112g/km

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3 Mercedes E-class Estate

It’s due to be replaced in a matter of weeks, so the fact that the current E-class remains one of the best large estates says a lot about how good it still is. It’s packed with kit and is fabulously built and has one of the biggest cargo bays of any estate on sale. It’s even big enough to slot in a couple of pop-up children’s seats, turning this into a seven-seater.

• Price: £36,660 – £43,815
• Our pick: Mercedes E350 BlueTec AMG Night Edition, £43,815
• Engine: 2987cc, 6 cylinders
• Acceleration: 0-62mph: 6.6sec
• Top speed: 155mph
• Fuel | CO2: 51mpg | 143g/km

View the used Mercedes E-class for sale on driving.co.uk

4 Audi A6 allroad

Of all Audis, it’s this that its richest buyers opt for. That tells you everything you need to know about this exceptionally discreet estate: it offers performance, space, luxury, comfort, even grip. It doesn’t come cheap, but you get quattro four-wheel drive as standard and a super-smooth 3-litre V6 diesel engine. There’s also plenty of kit, plus one of the best cabins in the business.

• Price: £45,755-£55,825
• Our pick: Audi A6 allroad 3.0 TDi quattro S tronic Sport, £51,015
• Engine: 2967cc, 6 cylinders
• Acceleration: 0-62mph: 6.2sec
• Top speed: 155mph
• Fuel | CO2: 50mpg | 149g/km

View the used Audi A6 allroads for sale on driving.co.uk

5 Volvo V60

Considering Volvo made its name with boxy load-luggers, its V60 has a small boot. However, by focusing more on looks than luggage, the Swedish manufacturer has produced one of the most stylish estates on the market. It’s good to drive, the diesel engines are frugal and it’s got a relaxing, luxurious interior. Volvo hasn’t abandoned all its values: it’s one of the safest cars on the road.

• Price: £22,445-£51,820
• Our pick: V60 D4 SE Nav, £31,045
• Engine: 1969cc, 4 cylinders
• Acceleration: 0-62mph: 7.2sec
• Top speed: 140mph

View the used Volvo V60s for sale on driving.co.uk

Top 100 Cars 2016 contents

• Introduction and star cars launching this year
• Sunday Times Driving Car of the Year 2016

1. Top 5 Sports Cars
2. Top 5 Large 4x4s & SUVs
3. Top 5 Luxury & Prestige Cars
4. Top 5 Electric & Hybrid Cars
5. Top 5 City Cars
6. Top 5 Superminis
7. Top 5 Hot Hatches
8. Top 5 Two-seat Roadsters
9. Top 5 Warm Hatches
10. Top 5 Supercars
11. Top 5 Family Convertibles
12. Top 5 Coupés
13. Top 5 Compact Crossovers
14. Top 5 Large Crossovers
15. Top 5 Five-seat MPVs
16. Top 5 Seven-seat MPVs
17. Top 5 Mid-size Estate Cars
18. Top 5 Large Estate Cars
19. Top 5 Mid-size Family Cars
20. Top 5 Large Family Cars

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