What is the smallest estate car?
Estate cars are ideal for getting yourself some extra space, but not every model on the market is massively sized
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The main selling point for estate cars is often the extra bit of space and storage, but many motorists are attracted to the sleek and menacing styling.
If you fancy an estate car but aren’t too fussed about fitting everything but the kitchen sink in your boot, here are our top picks for small estate cars.
BMW 3 Series Touring
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The BMW 3 Series Touring is an extended version of the fan-favourite BMW 3 Series model, offering extra space in the boot and a comfortable cabin.
This used BMW is not as chunky as some estates on the market, but still provides a 500-litre boot and space for five people to sit comfortably.
You can choose the 330e model for some hybrid power, cutting down on running costs with 37 miles of purely electric motoring.
Plus, you’ll get access to innovative BMW tech like the impressive iDrive system.
Skoda Octavia Estate
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The Skoda Octavia Estate is still spacious for a small estate car that doesn’t appear to be oversized, still offering a 640-litre boot that’s filled with handy storage solutions.
The interior is comfortable too, being able to seat five people comfortably even in the back. Head and legroom are especially generous.
If the hassle of parking a large car is your reason for staying on the smaller side, a used Skoda Octavia Estate makes it easier with great visibility. Large windows paired with light steering make it easy to slip this model into any gap.
Audi RS4 Avant
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The Audi RS4 Avant is the one to pick if you want a smaller estate model with a performance focus, as this lineup features some impressive engines.
The crowning glory of the range is the 2.9-litre V6 engine that offers a spicy 437hp and 600Nm of torque.
You’ll fit 504 litres in the boot and can enjoy a dreamy drive in the capacious cabin. You can comfortably sit five people throughout the car, with plenty of room to stretch your legs.
There’s a range of trims on offer, including the used Audi RS4 Avant Vorsprung model that will get you touches like the Dynamic Ride Control suspension system, offering a plush and controlled drive.
SEAT Leon Estate
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The SEAT Leon Estate is a popular option for a practical estate that doesn’t take up too much space.
It’s still a roomy choice, with a massive 620-litre boot, but the suave styling stops the SEAT Leon from appearing oversized.
There’s plenty of head and legroom in this model, and there are ISOFIX car seat points that make this ideal for a family car.
Fuel economy is impressive too, with 50mpg on offer in the 110hp 1.0-litre model. You can get an even better figure in the 115hp 2.0-litre diesel, as this one can achieve up to 63.8mpg.
Hyundai i30 Tourer
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The Hyundai i30 Tourer is an ideal option for a more compact estate while still not scrimping on space.
It’s a well-equipped model that puts fuel efficiency at the top of its priority list and comes in at a very affordable price point.
Engine options for this used Hyundai include the 120hp 1.0-litre GDi with 48-volt hybrid tech, which offers just over 50mpg.
Boot space is admirable too, with 602 litres on offer and the option to increase to 1,650 litres if you fold the rear seats down.
It’s smaller than a lot of estate models on the market, like the Volkswagen Golf Estate, but is still comfortable for daily use.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake
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The Jaguar XF Sportbrake is the perfect example of why it’s not always best to fall for trends and pick an SUV over an estate – this is a seriously enjoyable car to live with.
If you truly want a smaller estate, the 565-litre boot is ideal. You still get space and the classic estate styling but aren't carrying around more than you need to.
The shape and design of this used Jaguar sticks to this as well, with simple straight lines and the recognisable roofline. It has a luxury feel throughout and plenty of impressive tech in the cabin.
Plus, there’s a collection of trims on offer like the top-tier S model – showing Jaguar doesn't mess about. This trim includes touches like larger alloy wheels, and driver aids like blind spot alert.
Kia Ceed Sportwagon
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The Kia Ceed Sportwagon is another great pick for an estate on the smaller side but that’s still roomy enough for family life.
The cabin packs plenty of space and won’t have your backseat passengers feeling cramped. There’s a 625-litre boot at the rear, which beats out competition like the SEAT Leon Estate.
If you’re a fan of SUVs, a used Kia Ceed Sportwagon does have a more rugged and sporty look. It feels sporty on the roads too, with engines that prioritise running costs but still feel fresh.
Most models sit in lower insurance groups too – usually around 12 to 18 depending on the model.
Toyota Corolla Touring Sport
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The Toyota Corolla Touring Sport is an estate that’s on the larger side when compared to other models on this list, but it isn’t too bulky to work with daily.
The 598-litre boot is ideal for busy families and is easy to pop necessities like a pushchair into.
Fuel efficiency is prioritised too and is achieved through hybrid engine choices. The 1.8-litre models offer 60mpg and make it easy to save on fuel.
You’ll find that insurance costs should be manageable, too. Used Toyota Corolla Touring models usually sit between insurance groups 15-22, depending on the exact model.
Ford Focus Estate
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The Ford Focus Estate builds on the fan-favourite Ford Focus model that’s always been an icon on UK roads. The estate option offers further space and impressive fuel economy but is smaller than other estates on the market.
That doesn’t mean the boot is small, as you’ll still get 575 litres that can extend to 1,650 litres if you flatten the rear seats.
The cabin in this used Ford is roomy too, with plenty of space for all passengers to be comfortable on long trips.
If you are going to be making plenty of longer journeys, you’ll appreciate the 155hp mild-hybrid model that offers 54.3mpg.
Volkswagen Golf Estate
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The Volkswagen Golf Estate benefits from the tried-and-tested VW engineering that has kept the brand popular for so many years. It’s a top choice for a more compact estate that still has plenty of space.
Boot space is generous, with 605 litres on offer that can be increased to 1,620 litres with the rear seats down.
This used VW is comfortable to drive too, and the fuel efficiency claims make it even more appealing. Volkswagen says the Golf Estate can manage as much as 74mpg from the 1.6-litre diesel.