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When you think of popular car designs, SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks and estates come to mind. But I’m here to tell you that your options aren’t limited to these categories. Another amazing car type that often goes under the radar is the shooting brake. This brings us to the question: What is a shooting brake?
Many regular car owners mistake shooting brakes for estate cars, and while these vehicles share a lot of similarities, they’re not the same. A shooting brake is more of a blend between the practical estate car and the stylish sports car. If this car sounds like one you might be interested in buying or hiring, keep reading as we go into detail.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Shooting Brake?
A shooting brake is a car body style that combines the design of an estate car (station wagon) with that of a coupe. In many cases, this term describes any car that has an estate body style and two passenger doors.
Shooting brakes, sometimes called shooting breaks, have more swooping rooflines, making them appear more stylish than estates. What qualifies as a shooting brake also varies across car makers. For example, Mercedes refers to its five-door estate, which has a sleek line, as a shooting brake.
Shooting breaks and estates have adjustable seats that you can fold to increase cargo space.
Some great examples of modern shooting brakes include the Volvo C30, Volkswagen Scirocco, BMW Z3, Ford Pinto Waggon and Ferrari FF.
Shooting Brake History
Shooting brake seems like such an irregular name for a car, so you’re probably wondering how this term became popular. It goes back to the 1800s when people referred to a horse-drawn carriage as a ‘brake’. As time went on, ‘brake’ became a general term for waggons.
The first shooting brake was launched in England in the 1890s. It was a horse-drawn wagon used to transport goods and rifles when going to shooting parties. From the first horse-drawn shooting brake to modern cars, the name has been kept across car enthusiasts who were making custom designs until it became popular among mainstream automakers.
Because of the steady development of the term, it’s difficult to point out which brand named its model the first.
The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, released in 2021, was the world’s first all-electric shooting brake.
Shooting Brake Vs Estate
Shooting brake and estate car are terms that describe car body styles that are versatile and offer more space than the traditional saloon or some other car types. However, there are a few differences between the two.
- Design: Shooting brakes have sleeker and more sporty designs, while estates tend to be more utilitarian with longer rooflines.
- Car Door: Shooting brakes generally have two side doors, while estates have four. However, certain manufacturers also use the term ‘shooting brake’ to describe their sleek cars with five doors.
- Size: Shooting brakes are slightly more compact than estate cars, and as a result, their cargo space is more limited.
Find out more about estate cars.
SDVH offers a range of car rental options. You can hire anything from a standard hatchback to a powerful SUV anywhere in the UK.
Shooting Brake Vs Coupe
A shooting brake should be your go-to car if you fancy the stylishness of a coupe but want a more practical vehicle.
- Body Style: A shooting brake combines the elements of a coupe and estate. It has a longer roofline and an extended rear section compared to a coupe.
- Versatility: Shooting brakes offer more interior space, spacious seats and cargo room, making them very versatile. On the other hand, coupes primarily focus on style and performance.
- Rear Door: A shooting break has a rear door that leads to the cabin of the car, while a coupe has a segregated boot.
Read our article, ‘What is a coupe’, to learn more about this car type.
Who Should Hire Or Buy A Shooting Brake?
Drivers who want a car that is both practical and stylish should buy a shooting brake. Shooting breaks have very elegant designs while providing plenty of interior space for passengers and luggage. They’re great for families who frequently go on adventures or basically anyone who needs the extra boot space of the estate while keeping an attractive look of the coupe.
Tip: For the ones that want a higher ground clearance and seating position, there are SUVs. Read here about them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Shooting Brake Mean?
Shooting brake means a sporty, stylish waggon car body style, usually with three doors. Shooting brakes combine the practicality of an estate car with the sportiness and elegance of a coupé. This vehicle is great for people who want a blend of performance and utility, making it a great choice for young couples and families.
What Is The Difference Between A Shooting Brake And An Estate Car?
The difference between a shooting brake and an estate car is that a shooting brake is more sporty and sleek and usually has three doors, while an estate car has five. Because of these features, shooting brakes are also more compact; however, this comes at the expense of cargo space.
What Is The Difference Between A Shooting Brake And A Hatchback?
The difference between a shooting brake and a hatchback is the body style and design intent. A shooting brake has an elongated and streamlined roof and body, similar to a coupe. It has a sloping roofline that extends to the rear of the vehicle, giving it a more dynamic appearance.
On the other hand, you can identify a hatchback by its compact and upright design. Hatchbacks are smaller and more compact, making them perfect for city driving.
Is A Shooting Brake Better Than A Coupe?
A shooting brake is better than a coupe in terms of practicality, while a coupe edges it when considering design and driving experience. The choice between a shooting brake and a coupe ultimately comes down to personal preference and needs. A shooting brake offers reasonable cargo space while retaining its sporty and stylish appearance. Conversely, the coupe primarily prioritises a sporty appearance.
Conclusion
So, what is a shooting brake? A shooting brake is the perfect blend between a coupe and an estate. This car body style should be one of your top choices if you’re looking to buy or hire a vehicle that combines practicality with style in the best way. As car makers continue to experiment with new forms and functions, you get the feeling that we’re yet to see the best of shooting brakes.
I’m sold on the idea of a shooting brake. Now I just need to find the right model.
Great read. I was wondering if it’s possible to customise the design of a shooting brake.
Thanks, Patrick! Many automakers offer customisation for exterior and interior design elements. You can inquire with dealerships or car makers to be sure of the customisation options available.