What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards - Best estate cars

Over £12,000
Volvo V70 D5 SE, ’03/53, 26k miles, £17,245

This year’s estates category was a close-fought contest between a number of cars, but in the final analysis nothing could better the Volvo V70.

Most estate cars are designed as an afterthought, whereby extra luggage space is tacked on to the back of an established saloon or hatchback. The V70, on the other hand, has been built from the ground up as a genuine estate. This means that real thought has gone into the car’s design and, as a result, the V70 is full of neat little convenience touches.

Luggage nets are provided to stop your shopping sliding around in the back, there’s a special holder for your umbrella, and there’s also a bin to keep the cabin tidy. These and other such details make the V70’s cabin an ergonomic masterpiece.

True, the load area isn’t as cavernous as those of some other big estates, but it is still fairly huge. It’s also well-shaped and easily accessible.

It’s decent to drive, too. The V70 handles well for a big estate, although body roll is a little too pronounced in corners. The car rides fairly well, and is relaxing on long journeys thanks to ample space and lots of adjustment. Taller rear-seat passengers might struggle for legroom, but the cabin is well laid out and has a quality feel.

The V70 is pretty well equipped. All models come with air-conditioning, a CD player, traction control and electric windows. The SE adds leather seats, climate control and cruise control.

Volvo’s safety record is beyond reproach, and with a host of airbags, crumple zones and driver aids, the V70 lives up to the firm’s reputation.

Also consider
Mercedes E320 CDI Avantgarde auto ’01/51, 42k miles, £19,445
Our panel all agreed that the E-Class is a big, desirable estate car offering excellent refinement, a good level of safety equipment and an accomplished all-round drive. They also agreed on their favourite version. The 3.2-litre turbodiesel is refined, powerful and economical.

The Avantgarde trim was preferred over the Elegance purely on taste, as both cars are similarly priced and equipped. They also agreed, however, that the Volvo V70 made more sense, as the E-Class was pricier for an older car, and so narrowly lost out overall.

On a different budget?
Up to £7000
£6795 Peugeot 406 2.0 HDi LX (110) a/c estate, ’01/X, 47k miles

Also consider
£6195 Vauxhall Omega 2.2i CD estate auto, ’99/V, 58k miles

£7000-£12,000
£8195 Citroën C5 2.0 HDI (110) SX estate, 5dr ’02/02, 38k miles

Also consider
£11,695 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.2 TiD estate, ’03/03, 26k miles