What is the most economical estate car?
Estate cars are great for many people, but which are the most economical? Here are 10 of the best
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One of the main reasons buyers opt for an estate car over an SUV is because they usually offer increased fuel economy thanks to their sleeker design, which makes them more aerodynamic.
Additionally, estate cars offer large boots, vast amounts of practicality and a comfortable ride.
Most of the cars listed below are plug-in hybrids electric vehicles (PHEVs), meaning they can also drive purely on electric power – ideal for those living in urban areas.
Mercedes C-Class Estate PHEV – 404mpg
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The Mercedes C-Class Estate has been a popular car for those who often drive long distances for many years, and that’s because it’s great at it.
Thanks to its large 360-litre boot and interior practicality, this used Mercedes is more than capable of getting you and your family where you need to be.
Power comes from an already efficient 200hp engine, but it’s mated to a 30hp electric motor that allows it to travel up to 68 miles on electric power alone, adding to its combined 404mpg rating.
Prices start at around £20,000 depending on the model you choose, but check our current models for sale to see what deals are on offer.
Volvo V60 PHEV – 353mpg
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From its Thor’s Hammer headlights to its flowing design, the Volvo V60 PHEV is one good-looking and economical estate car.
Unlike many of its rivals, this used Volvo doesn’t suffer from a reduced boot size due to the extra batteries for the onboard hybrid system, meaning you get a full 529 litres of available space.
It’s lovely to drive too, thanks to its supple suspension and excellent engine options.
There are two plug-in hybrid models: the T6 (253hp;) and the T8 (318hp). Both are powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with the help of an electric motor – adding 54 miles of electric-only driving.
They’re priced from around £30,000 depending on the model you choose, but check our current models for sale to see what deals are on offer.
Skoda Octavia Estate PHEV – 273mpg
 "Skoda Octavia")
The Skoda Octavia Estate has been one of the most popular estate cars for many years thanks to its familiarity, efficiency and excellent practicality.
You get a 490-litre boot that’s excellent for those longer journeys, plus a reliable engine and motor setup.
It comprises a small but efficient 245hp 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that gives you up to 41 miles of all-electric range.
Inside, it’s a very pleasant place to be, with all the usual bells and whistles you’d expect to find in a Skoda – including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Prices start at around £20,000 depending on the trim, but check our current models for sale to see what deals are on offer.
Skoda Superb Estate PHEV – 245mpg
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Sitting above the Octavia in Skoda’s model range is the more luxurious and even more practical Superb Estate that offers a similar plug-in hybrid option, with 30 miles of electric range and a 520-litre boot.
Closely rivalling Mercedes and BMW in terms of luxury, the Superb is fantastic on longer journeys, especially with its smooth and quiet 220hp petrol engine that’s based on the Octavia’s.
Starting prices are a little higher on these at around £30,000 compared with the Octavia because it’s a more premium vehicle, but check our current models for sale to see what deals are on offer.
Citroen C5 X PHEV – 236mpg
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While the Citroën C5 X is technically an estate, it combines the best of all body styles.
It has a large 485-litre boot like an estate and the compactness of a hatchback, yet it’s got the presence of an SUV. It’s a real mash-up of cars, but that’s why we like it.
Under the bonnet, there’s a reliable and hard-wearing 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine that benefits from an electric motor, offering up to 31 miles of EV-only range.
With this being a relatively new model, used prices are slightly higher, starting around the £30,000 mark, but it’s worth checking out our current used Citroen models for sale to see what deals we offer.
Audi A6 Avant PHEV – 217mpg
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The more astute petrolheads among us will know the Audi A6 and what it’s capable of.
The flagship model is the RS6 Avant – a hardcore and very fast estate car – but if you’re after economical driving but still want to enjoy yourself, a used Audi A6 Avant PHEV is the one to go for.
While its electric motor is kept aside to help with efficiency and up to 43 miles of electric driving, there’s also the 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 300hp that does most of the heavy lifting.
Having all the extra batteries for the hybrid system means you do lose some boot space, but we still think 405 litres is plenty.
You can pick one up for around £35,000 depending on the model, but it’s worth checking out our current models for sale to see what deals we offer.
BMW 3 Series Touring – 202mpg
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Comfort, fun and practicality are all words we love to hear, so when you find out the BMW 3 Series Touring offers them all, it makes it hard to ignore.
With an impressive 202mpg and up to 34 miles of electric driving, this used BMW is one inviting car to own.
It’s also great to drive and borrows some of its steering finesse from the hardcore M3 variant – just with more comfort.
The one thing to consider, however, is that because of the extra batteries, you are left with a 410-litre boot.
Thankfully, there’s still plenty of room in the rear to store extra luggage, but if you need a larger boot then we’d suggest the 5 Series Touring.
Being a mid-sized estate means that prices start from around £20,000, but make sure to check our stock to see our current deals.
Mercedes E-Class Estate PHEV – 202mpg
 "Mercedes E-Class estate")
Popular among taxi drivers, the Mercedes E-Class Estate is a very practical estate car, sitting above the already-impressive E-Class in Mercedes’ lineup.
Its boot measures 480 litres, which is smaller than the non-hybrid’s 640-litre boot, but as with all the other PHEVs on this list, the batteries take up extra space.
You can expect to get up to 33 miles on electric power alone, making trips through cities nice and quiet.
Prices hover around the £35,000 mark depending on the trim, but check our current used Mercedes models for sale to see what deals are on offer.
BMW 5 Series Touring PHEV – 177mpg
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The BMW 5 Series Touring is essentially just an elongated 3 Series that offers much more bootspace at 430 litres and increased power.
There are two plug-in hybrids on offer: a petrol and a diesel. You can only get the diesel in Touring specification, but both are superb choices. Plus, you get a 31-mile EV range with the added electric motor.
Prices start at around £30,000 depending on the trim, but check our current models for sale to see what deals are on offer.
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports – 61mpg
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You may be wondering why the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports’ mpg rating is so much lower than the rest, and there’s a simple reason – it’s not a plug-in hybrid.
Instead, this is a regular hybrid, which means it doesn’t ever need to be plugged in to charge.
This means you don’t get electric-only driving, but the car is therefore lighter and more practical with a massive 598-litre boot.
Because this Toyota isn't a PHEV, it does mean it’s slightly cheaper – with prices starting at £18,000 – but check our current models for sale to see what deals are on offer.