Skoda Superb Estate

Why it won...

The Superb saloon is a firm Auto Express favourite, and the arrival of the Estate has broadened the model’s appeal even further.

The four-door’s high-quality cabin, sharp dynamics and imposing looks have been given an added dose of practicality – and the load-carrier’s huge 633-litre boot leads the class.

A revised rear end also improves the styling, so the Superb is a rare thing – a car that looks even better as an estate than it does as a hatchback or saloon.

A brilliant engine line-up, the option of the VW Group’s DSG gearbox and the availability of a 4x4 transmission also mean the range enjoys the kind of strength in depth required to win this prize.

The fact that the model comes with hugely competitive price tags, generous equipment levels and the promise of Skoda reliability and aftersales service makes it a deserving winner of our Estate Car award.

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Commended:

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer Last year’s champion is still a worthy estate car choice – it just isn’t as spacious or as competitively priced as its Czech competitor. High-quality cabin and strong engine line-up add to its appeal, while the line-up was augmented by 4x4 versions this year.

Mercedes E-Class Estate The E-Class is best enjoyed as an estate. Its saloon and coupé stablemates are decent offerings, but the load-carrier really rates ahead of its traditional German rivals thanks to its winning blend of comfort, refinement, pace and practicality. Mercedes has a rich estate car heritage, and it shows in the latest E-Class.