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.