New Volvo V60 vs Audi A4 Avant vs Skoda Superb Estate
Volvo is masterly at making estates – but its new V60 will have to be outstanding to beat the classy Audi A4 Avant and the cavernous Skoda Superb Estate...
Our verdict
This has to be one of the closest tests we’ve ever conducted. Tot up all the stars and it’s even stevens, so you could easily argue that any of these estates should emerge the victor.
Although the A4 finishes third, it’s the best-handling car here yet still rides really comfortably. It also has the classiest interior and the best infotainment system of the bunch.
The trouble is, it can’t carry as much as we’d like. Indeed, if you just need a car with as much space as possible, you’d make the Superb your winner – by a mile. However, it falls down on running costs and interior quality in this company. Ultimately, cheaper versions make a lot more sense.
So, that leaves the V60 as our champion. As long as you avoid big wheels and adaptive suspension, it rides nearly as well as the A4 and isn’t that much less practical than the Superb. Factoring in its classy, eye-catching interior and attractive monthly PCP costs, it just takes the win.
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1st – Volvo V60
For Great driving position; practical boot; high-quality interior; cheap to buy on a PCP
Against Slowest; firm ride on big wheels; hesitant gearbox
Recommended options Convenience Pack (£500)
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Volvo V60 review
Find a great Volvo V60 deal
2nd – Skoda Superb Estate
For Cavernous boot; best rear seat space; well equipped
Against Cheaper Superbs make more sense; gruff engine; limited seating flexibility
Recommended options Variable-height boot floor (£155); remote rear seat releases (£95)
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Skoda Superb Estate review
Find a great Skoda Superb Estate deal
3rd – Audi A4 Avant
For Best to drive; high-quality interior, best infotainment; cheapest to run
Against Smallest boot; least standard equipment
Recommended options Adaptive dampers (£600)
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Audi A4 Avant review
Find a great Audi A4 Avant deal
Specifications: Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI 190 S tronic S line
Engine size 4cyl, 1968cc, diesel
List price £38,135
Target Price £34,411
Power 187bhp @ 3800-4200rpm
Torque 295Ib ft @ 1750-3000rpm
Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
0-60mph 7.5sec
Top speed 143mph
Gov't fuel economy 65.7mpg
CO2 emissions 113g/km
Specifications: Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 190 4x4 Laurin & Klement DSG
Engine size 4cyl, 1968cc, diesel
List price £37,625
Target Price £34,161
Power 187bhp @ 3500-4000rpm
Torque 295Ib ft @ 1750-3250rpm
Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
0-60mph 7.6sec
Top speed 141mph
Gov't fuel economy 54.3mpg
CO2 emissions 137g/km
Specifications: Volvo V60 D4 Inscription auto
Engine size 4cyl, 1969cc, diesel
List price £37,860
Target Price £35,178
Power 187bhp @ 4250rpm
Torque 295Ib ft @ 1750-2500rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 8.3sec
Top speed 137mph
Gov't fuel economy 61.4mpg
CO2 emissions 122g/km
