What Car? Awards 2012

Best estate cars of 2012

Our best estate car of 2012 needs to offer much more than simply a big load bay. Sure, boot space is important, but so is a practical shape, low loading lip and rear seats that are easy to fold flat. Estates will be used as business and family cars, so low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are required to keep running costs in check.

They also need to be good at carrying people as well as their belongings, so plenty of cabin space is required, as are materials solid enough to stand up to the rigours of daily life. Add an affordable purchase price and you’ve got the best estate car of 2012.

Best estate car under £18,000

Skoda Octavia Estate

List Price: £16,615
Target Price: £14,012

The Octavia feels like it’s from the class above, which is good news for boot and cabin space

Winner, Best Estate Car

Ford Mondeo Estate

List Price: £22,145
Target Price: £20,264

The Mondeo Estate is all things to all people: it’s huge, flexible and it’s great to drive

Best estate car over £25,000

BMW 5-Series Touring

List Price: £32,305
Target Price: £29,990

Even heavy loads won’t upset the way the 5 Series drives. It’s also a bit of a bargain

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