iStock.com/Tramino

Right now, SUVs and crossovers are the flavour of the month - perhaps the decade. But SUVs - aka Chelsea tractors - come with a number of drawbacks (aside from slightly derogatory nicknames). A bigger purchase price and higher fuel consumption are two of the biggest. For many people, the glamour of the SUV might be better ignored, in preference to the good old-fashioned estate car. These days, estates are practical, stylish and affordable to run. Here are our top 10 estate cars for 2018.

 

  1. Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate


iStock.com/Sjo

From £37,935

When it comes to lusted-after marques, Mercedes Benz is hard to beat. The premium German auto brand's E-Class Estate delivers fine styling and superb build quality. It’s also fantastically practical. Multiple variants of the E-Class are also available, including hybrids, diesels and V8s.

 

  1. Skoda Superb


Photograph by EurovisionNim, distributed under CC BY 4.0

From £21,590

Despite their excellent build quality, Skodas simply aren't as desirable as, for example, Mercedes-Benzes. However, Skoda's Superb estate ticks pretty much all the same boxes as the above E-Class, with a vast amount of space, a high quality interior, attractive styling and a number of engine choices.

 

  1. Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo


Photograph by Flyz1, distributed under CC BY 3.0

From £74,652

The Turbo model of the Panamera Sport Turismo delivers sports-car performance - which, given the price tag, should be expected. The original Panamera was far less attractive than the 2018 incarnation, delivering a refined ride on the motorway and lots of cabin space.

 

  1. Hyundai i30 Tourer


iStock.com/typhoonski

From £17,495

Packaged with Hyundai's famous five-year warranty, this super-reliable car is ideal for those who need a practical vehicle with few maintenance hiccups. Nowhere near as flashy (or costly) as a Merc or a Porsche, the Korean-built Hyundai i30 is nevertheless a great choice for those seeking a dependable estate.

 

  1. Peugeot 308 SW


iStock.com/Sjo

From £20,130

Good looking and robustly-built, the 2018 incarnation of the Peugeot 308 SW is far more impressive than previous variants. It's also wonderfully practical.

 

  1. Jaguar XF Sportbrake


iStock.com/Sjo

From £36,545

Britain's version of the high-end estate doesn't disappoint. The XF Sportbrake delivers a sumptuous interior and excellent performance.

 

  1. Dacia Logan MCV


iStock.com/Sjo

From £8,495

The Dacia brand hasn't always been known for quality, but the Logan MCV goes a long way to addressing that. The biggest plus point of this estate is its astonishingly low purchase price (from £8,495), followed by its vast boot.

 

  1. Audi A4 Avant


iStock.com/Sjo

From £47,480

The Audi A4 Avant is arguably the German firm's best-ever estate car, with top-end looks, optional quattro four wheel drive system and a range of efficient engines.

 

  1. Volvo V90


iStock.com/Tramino

From £37,620

If you're looking for something a little different - and more than a little Scandinavian - the V90 and its sister car the S90 are great options. Delightful inside and out and built to the lofty standards we have come to expect from Sweden's most famous car maker.

 

  1. BMW 5 Series Touring


iStock.com/Sjo

From £40,025

BMW has often dominated the estate car market, and the latest 5-Series Touring model will keep the competition on their toes for some time to come. Great handling, high-tech, well-built interior and a super-comfy ride make this a real contender for your hard-earned cash.