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I AM looking for a large premium estate that is: a) fast, b) has done under 50,000 miles, and c) will swallow my mountain bike with the seats folded down. My budget is £20,000. What is there? Boasting super-sleek styling and brimming with hi-tech gadgets, our first port of call is the Merc Shooting Brake CLS350d AMG Sport. We’ve found a lovelylooking 2012 car with just 33,690 miles on the clock, priced at £19,600. A 265bhp 3.0-litre engine means 0-60 mph is despatched in 6.6secs, while torque is a colossal 457lb-ft.
Onboard toys include electrically-adjustable heated front seats (with memory), Harman Kardon stereo, panoramic sunroof, satnav, dual-zone climate control and cruise control. If you’re after a little more outright speed, however, our next car is sure to impress. Capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 secs, the 313bhp BMW 535d Touring is noticeably quicker than the Merc, yet doesn’t skimp on quality, equipment or space.
We’ve spotted an immaculate 2012 model with 50,000 miles at £19,990. Satnav, DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, heated memory seats and Bluetooth phone connectivity all come as standard. Not a big fan of diesels? The 2012 Audi S4 Avant offers a tangible alternative to the two diesel-burning wagons we’ve listed, and should provide even greater thrills while still retaining all-important practicality.
Powered by a 328bhp 3.0-litre V6, 0-60mph is done and dusted in just 5.3 secs, while top speed is limited to 155mph. There’s the security of Quattro all-wheel drive too, meaning this 1.8-tonne estate shouldn’t have any problems putting its power down.
Equipment is generous, if not quite on the level of the Mercedes and BMW, offering dual-zone climate control, satnav and cruise control as standard.
We’ve found an impressivelooking 48,000-mile example – yours for £19,995. ENGINE: TOP SPEED: 10.9s. MPG: Urban: 52.3; extra urban: 76.3; combined: 65.7. CO2: 99g/km. £140 pa road tax, first year £120.