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Upgrade to an estate: Stationwagons to consider

15 Jul 2022|11,328 views

Estates, also known as stationwagons, are a great alternative to SUVs. Here's a list of models we'd consider for various budgets.

Long before SUVs became popular, estates were the ideal family car. They offered (and continue to offer) the ideal blend of passenger space, cargo capacity and car-like handling.

Unfortunately, they, along with sedans and hatchbacks, have taken a backseat to SUVs and crossovers, which are the most dominant body style today.

Now, if you're one of the few who prefer the sleeker look of an estate and want to know what to consider, read on!

Below $200,000

1. Hyundai i30 Wagon - $143,999

The i30 Wagon offers seamless and unruffled performance, with low annual road tax to boot

Following an update, the i30 and i30 Wagon are now Cat A models, making them more accessible to buyers. Key to this is the drivetrain, which is now a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder instead of a turbocharged 1.4-litre in-line-four.

The i30 is surprisingly more refined than before, and comes with an updated instrument panel and infotainment system. More importantly, it's also equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai's suite of safety and driver-assistance features.

Power & Performance: 118bhp/200Nm, 0-100km/h in 11.4 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 620 litres/1,650 litres

2. Skoda Octavia Combi Style - $187,900

The Octavia Combi is one of the nicest-looking Skoda models in Singapore today, and there's an RS variant for those seeking more performance

The Octavia Combi is one of the most compelling estates available today, combining an eye-catching design (it's probably the best-looking Skoda model in Singapore) with loads of boot space and extensive amenities.

Performance isn't too shabby either, with the turbocharged 1.5-litre offering good pace and efficiency, the latter due to the powertrain's mild hybrid system.

It's so convincing that it won Sgcarmart's 'Stationwagon of the Year' 2022, and was named 'Editor's Choice' at Torque Honours 2022.

Power & Performance: 148bhp/250Nm, 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 640 litres/1,200 litres

From $201,000 to $240,000

3. Mazda 6 Wagon - $204,888

The Mazda 6 wagon remains a favourite among petrolheads, especially those who enjoy working a naturally aspirated motor

Stationwagons are niche models, but the Mazda 6 Wagon is even rarer, as it is only available with one engine option: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-pot.

Said motor, however, is what gives this estate its character. It's a rev-happy unit that loves being stretched, which when combined with the car's handling abilities, makes this stationwagon a treat to drive.

It's likely to be the last of its kind as many of Mazda's future models are likely to be (gasp) SUVs.

Power & Performance: 192bhp/258Nm, 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 451 litres/1,593 litres

4. MINI Cooper Clubman - $226,888

The MINI Clubman may have grown more high-tech, but this compact estate continues to offer a fun-to-drive experience

If you want an estate with panache, then this is one model to consider. The Clubman also has a unique design, for it has a pair of 'fridge doors' on the tailgate, giving it the distinction of being a six-door estate.

And it's not all style without substance either. The Clubman's recent update saw it receive a raft of improvements both inside and out.

Unchanged, though, is its ability to please the driver with its peppy performance, while swallowing a decent amount of cargo.

Power & Performance: 134bhp/220Nm, 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 360 litres/1,250 litres

From $241,000 to $300,000

5. Cupra Leon Sportstourer - $261,088

The Cupra Leon Sportstourer not only looks aggressive - it also has a rorty soundtrack that will please enthusiasts

Is the regular Leon Sportstourer too mild for your liking? Then perhaps this Cupra model from Seat's go-faster division might meet your expectations.

Instead of 148bhp and 250Nm, you get 306bhp and 400Nm, a massive 158hp and 150Nm more than the conventional Leon Sportstourer. And it'll only take 4.9 seconds instead of 8.5 seconds to finish the century sprint.

Additional features include 4Drive (all-wheel drive) for surefootedness, a Beats audio system and Dynamic Chassis Control, which offers 15 selectable damper settings.

Power & Performance: 306bhp/400Nm, 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 620 litres/1,600 litres

6. Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 - $265,000

The Cross Country looks more rugged than the regular V60, and the additional ground clearance might come in handy if you encounter 'ponding'

The Swedish carmaker's expertise in building stationwagons shows here, for the V60 is one of the handsomest models you can acquire. It's currently only available as the Cross Country, which has more ground clearance than the 'regular' model.

The B5 designation refers to the new 48-volt mild hybrid system that helps to save fuel. Also new are the Android-powered instrument cluster and infotainment unit. Both feature simpler layouts and fewer menu options, making them more user-friendly than before.

Power & Performance: 247bhp/350Nm, 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 529 litres/1,441 litres

From $301,000 to $350,000

7. Audi A6 Avant - $316,075

One of the quietest and most pliant estates we've tested thus far, and ideal for drivers who prioritise comfort and practicality over performance

The A6 Avant is Audi's largest estate, and it's also one of the most comfortable ones available to buyers. Ride quality is one of its top qualities, along with a boot capacity that's even larger than the generous A4 Avant's.

Other things to note include an ergonomic cockpit that's packed with functionality and mosdernity, as well as the brand's attention to quality. The interior, as expected, is well constructed and lined with quality materials. Heck, it even smells nice, too.

Power & Performance: 188bhp/320Nm, 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 565 litres/1,680 litres

Over $351,000

8. Audi RS4 Avant - $482,956

The RS4 Avant is available in more 'muted' colours for corporate types who need something that looks more understated

Anyone who tells you that the RS4 'ain't as quick as before' doesn't know what they're talking about. The change from naturally aspirated V8 to twin-turbocharged V6 has seriously improved its performance.

Apart from dynamics, the RS4 also offers surprisingly better ride comfort. It's no longer as unyielding as before, giving it the ability to cosset occupants on road trips.

It's still more of a bruiser than a cruiser, though. So, if you choose one, make sure you spec the optional sports exhaust system.

Power & Performance: 444bhp/600Nm, 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 495 litres/1,680 litres

9. Alpina B5 Touring - $480,800 without COE

B5 Touring's direct rival in terms of performance is the Audi RS6 Avant, but no other estate in this story is as unique as this one

Alpina was an independent carmaker with deep ties to BMW, but they are now an 'in-house' brand following the latter's acquisition of the former in March this year.

Alpina models begin life as BMWs, but they are finished at Alpina's factory in Buchloe, Germany. Here, they take on a character of their own, after having been imbued with greater performance, along with numerous drivetrain and chassis improvements.

Buyers are offered far more personalisation options as well. They can for instance, specify the colour of the leather and type of stitching for the interior. If you seek an estate that's powerful, distinct and rare, the B5 Touring is probably your best option.

Power & Performance: 613bhp/800Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 560 litres/1,700 litres

10. Audi RS6 Avant - $643,573

The RS6 Avant is what you get when carmakers allow engineers to indulge themselves by building a track-ready stationwagon

This one is a consummate all-rounder that combines the practicality of an Avant (Audi-speak for estate), the luxury and refinement of an A8 limousine, and performance that's similar to an R8.

The RS6 Avant delights in being driven as hard as you dare, with that bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 capable of mind-bending acceleration and quattro all-wheel drive providing stupendous levels of grip.

Yet at the drop of a hat, it turns into a cushy family car, with loads of space for hauling stuff such as groceries, sports equipment and flat-pack furniture. It really is that capable. And at over $600k, it had better be.

Power & Performance: 591bhp/800Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds
Boot capacity (rear seats up/folded): 495 litres/1,680 litres

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