Estates? What a brilliant idea…
We expect big things from these cars, not least because they cost £40k. We expect them to coddle like luxury cars, handle like super-saloons (they don’t, but a family SUV wouldn’t see which they went) and accelerate like hot hatches. And let’s not forget they need to abstain like a temperance preacher when offered a drink, yet swallow like a foie gras goose when presented with half a dozen suitcases.
A tall order, and all three cars pull it off to some extent. They’re all handsome, desirable and practical, each capable of topping a genuine 40mpg in the right situation. But plot the strengths of each and the differences are clear. What do you want from your next car?
If it’s to fit the most in, while standing the most out, the Volvo looks strong. The V60’s smart styling and relative rarity will get you noticed in a sea of 3-series and A4 clones, and its huge boot and practical touches mean it’s the best estate car here. This isn’t the ideal V60, though. We’ve driven other, non R-Design versions and the more supple, more affordable Momentum makes a better buy.
That would sort the ride comfort issue but not the engine refinement or the sluggish auto ’box. Nor would it make the V60 punch in overtakes like the 320d, or make the multimedia screen more user-friendly.
You could level some of those same criticisms at the A4. The S-tronic ’box that’s mandatory with this engine can feel hesitant, and the new media interface takes a step back with its one step forward, spoiling an otherwise excellent cabin. The Audi counters with its excellent refinement, strong performance and a boot that, if not quite as commodious as the V60’s, at least bests the BMW’s.
But this is about more than picking the best estate car, or we’d be choosing between silver, black and blue Skoda Superbs. These cars need to have at least some sporting appeal to back up the swagger of those aggressive wheels and bodykits. And of the three it’s the BMW that does that best. The most fun in the Dales, the most frugal on the way back, cheap to lease and offering enough interior space to help you overlook a boot that’s only competitive, not outstanding, the new 320d, possibly the last BMW without that snout, noses ahead to take the win.