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People’s tastes in automobiles have shifted dramatically over the years. However, estate cars are one of the few vehicles that have remained popular. Because of their practicality, these vehicles are preferred by parents or anyone who appreciates having a spacious car. This begs the question, what is an estate car? We’ll talk about it and answer other questions you may have about estate vehicles.
Modern estate cars combine the elegance of a saloon with much-needed additional boot space. This vehicle may be ideal for you if you want a spacious car that is enjoyable to drive. They’re ideal for long trips or moving several items.
An estate car is a large vehicle that prioritises storage space. This vehicle, also known as a station wagon, is designed in the same manner as a hatchback, but it has a stretched rear to provide more boot space. Estates are classified as family cars and they are suitable for transporting both people and luggage. The average spacious estate car has enough storage space to accommodate the luggage of five people going on a camping trip.
Estate cars even come with foldable rear seats. If you fold the rear seats, the vehicle may be able to accommodate as much luggage as a van. In this case, the rest of the car will comfortably accommodate the driver and four other passengers. In the past, estate cars had boxy designs and a dull driving feel, but modern vehicles have been optimised with improvements to driving dynamics and are much more stylish.
Note: Original estate cars were used as specialised vehicles to carry people and luggage to and from the train station.
Key Features
If you still struggle to determine what an estate car looks like, here are some common features that can help you identify this vehicle.
- The car body runs beyond the back wheels to create more floor space.
- The roofline extends to the rear of the car to increase its storage capacity.
- The rear door leading to the boot opens like that of a hatchback.
- The bottom of the boot is often level with the top of the rear bumper.
- They have back seats that you can fold all the way back to increase cargo space.
You can identify an estate car by its elongated shape and extended rear end. They tend to be longer than saloon cars, and their roofline doesn’t slope off at the rear side. However, there is a shooting brake, a car body design derived from estates, which has a sloping roofline. You’ll also find that most estate cars have vertical back windows. The Ford Focus Waggon and Skoda Superb are popular examples of estate cars.
Tip: Many modern estate vehicles have a powered boot lid which you can open by waving your foot under the bumper.
Pros
There’s a reason that so many people still use estate cars despite the introduction of SUVs with similar features. Here are some of the benefits of estate cars:
- Estate cars are practical and spacious, allowing them to hold more people than regular hatchbacks and saloons.
- Estates offer comfortable driving experiences. Their steerings are very responsive and they are less cumbersome than other large vehicles.
- You have several station wagon versions to choose from, all with stylish designs.
- Many estate cars come with equipment for off-road terrain.
- Despite their size, estate cars are not very expensive to run.
Cons
Let’s examine some of the negatives of driving or owning an estate car.
- Estate cars tend to be large, which makes parking difficult for some people.
Note: Some modern estate cars feature cameras and sensors to assist you when parking.
- Estate vehicles don’t have powerful engines. As a result, their acceleration and top speed aren’t very impressive.
- Estate cars may cost a little more than their alternatives.
- Most estates have the same number of seats as a standard hatchback, despite their large size.
Hire a Ford Focus Estate car from SDVH and enjoy maximum practicality. Our fleet also contains the spacious Ford Mondeo Estate, with seating for five.
Estate Car Vs SUV
Estate cars and SUVs are two of the most popular types of family cars. Although both vehicles are boxy and spacious, there are a few significant differences between them. For example, the average SUV is taller than an estate car. SUVs are also higher-riding, which gives you great visibility and a feeling of security when driving. We’ll briefly compare estates with SUVs across several categories.
Space
An SUV has more seats than an estate car. If you need to carry up to seven people, you’re better off selecting a full-size SUV rather than an estate car.
Note: An SUV has similar boot space to an estate car. It all depends on the manufacturer and the model of the vehicle.
Fuel Economy
Due to its low profile, light weight and streamlined body, an estate car is likely to consume less fuel than an SUV. Fuel consumption may, however, vary based on the car model.
Versatility
Most SUVs and crossovers are four-wheel-drive vehicles, which gives them more versatility and allows you to drive through rough terrain. SUVs are suitable for all terrains, while station wagons work better on the road.
Note: Some of the best estate cars are also four-wheel drives.
Estate Car Vs Hatchback
If you’re on a strict budget and you’re looking for a vehicle that can accommodate between four and five people, you should consider a hatchback. Hatchbacks are lighter, smaller and easier to run than estate cars. They don’t have as much boot space as a station wagon or an SUV, but the boot is large enough to carry your weekly groceries, golf clubs, large music equipment and some bags.
In some hatchbacks, you can fold one or two seats to expand the boot size if you don’t have enough room. An estate car has a similar design to a hatchback, with the most noticeable difference between the two vehicles being the extended rear end.
Note: Estate cars may feature a reconfigured rear suspension to minimise any intrusion due to the additional cargo volume.
Saloon Vs Estate Car
A saloon car is a vehicle in which the luggage compartment is separated from the main passenger compartment. In these cars, the boot sticks out the rear end, resulting in an elongated body. However, they have less boot space than estate cars and even hatchbacks because their boot lids open upward while the rear window remains in place.
The interiors of saloons are known for being comfortable and well-equipped. Since they are lightweight and compact, they consume slightly less fuel than estates.
Unlock comfort on your travels with fantastic estate car hire deals from SDVH. Reach out to us today to book a rental.
Conclusion
We hope this article has fully answered your question, ‘What is an estate car?’ Estate cars are characterised by their elongated rears and large luggage capacities. If you need a vehicle that is capable of carrying people with several bags, this is your best option. Some additional things to look out for when selecting an estate car include electronic boots for easy access and power sockets for charging gadgets.
