We take a look at the best do-it-all cars currently on sale today

Wagons (that’s estates to us Brits) are the true utilitarian cars. They offer a wealth of space, seating for the whole family and in the case of this list – performance.

What is a wagon?

Wagons are typically longer versions of hatchbacks or saloon cars with an extended rear section. They’re often characterised by the inclusion of a ‘D-Pillar’ which hatches and saloons omit. Basically, there is a full size window behind the rear door which is all boot space.

In the UK, many of our wagons are either saloon variants with the bigger boot tacked on, or an extended body hatchback. We’re fortunate over here as we have a vast choice to swim through. However, that is unlike our American friends, where wagons just simply don’t cut it – although there are dedicated fans for the longroof over there.

If you are reading this in the States, I apologise for showing you the forbidden fruit, but at least you can admire; albeit from a distance – sorry.

Ford Focus ST – £38,000

The ST name is a familiar one in the UK. The badge first appeared in 1997 fixed to the boot of the Mondeo ST24, a 200bhp 2.5 litre V6 family hauler that could be had in wagon guise. Since then, it has been on all manner of performance offerings from Ford. Currently, the Puma, ST and Focus wear it.

The current Focus ST wagon features a 2.3 Ecoboost inline 4 that develops 276bhp sending power to the front wheels exclusively. It can be had with the Ford Powershift automatic or the much more favourable 6-speed manual. The ST wagon completes the 0-60 run in just 6 seconds before hitting the top end of 155.

Even in the UK, these are a very rare sight.

Price£38,000 (manual)/£39,600 (automatic)
0-60mph (100kph)6.0 seconds
Top Speed (mph)155
DrivetrainFront Wheel Drive
GearboxManual 6-speed/Automatic 7-speed
Engine Size2.3
Engine LayoutInline 4

Volkswagen Golf R – £45,000

Like the previous offering, the R wagon is unfortunately denied to America. Now in it’s MK8 iteration, the current Golf R is much of the same formula as the previous generation. Both feature the EA888 2.0 4 pot, mated to a DSG gearbox driving all 4 wheels through the Haldex system.

However, power is upped from 296bhp to 316bhp resulting in a 0-60 time of just 4.9 seconds (previously 5.1) and now exclusively featuring the 7-speed DSG. The MK7 R started life with the older 6-speed before switching over during a facelift. Top speed is also a very handy 168mph, should you need it.

VW’s Golf R really is a do everything and do it well kind of car. They’re quick, capable, spacious and offer a decent level of quality. The launch control never tires and they have proven themselves to be reliable workhorses. The tuning potential is huge on them as well – but don’t tell Volkswagen I said that.

I even owned an early MK7 R
Price£45,000
0-60mph (100kph)4.9 seconds
Top Speed (mph)168
DrivetrainAll Wheel Drive
GearboxAutomatic 7-speed
Engine Size2.0
Engine LayoutInline 4

BMW M3 Competition Touring – £86,000

Finally, our prayers have been answered! We’ve only been asking for the last 20+ years for this happen, and now it has! BMW has introduced the G81 M3 Competition in wagon format, and what a divisive car this has become. Enthusiasts from all over praised the Bavarians for offering a true M car with the extended roof, but they still aren’t sure on that grille.

It’s not a particularly bad looking car, it just isn’t anywhere near as pretty as the previous generations. I’d even go as far as to argue that the M340’s look better. But dam, let’s not get bogged down with the fact it looks like a beaver.

Powering the buck-tooth ballistic missile is the familiar S58 3.0 straight 6 developing just shy of 510bhp. Power is sent to all 4 wheels via the wonderful ZF 8-speed ‘box. 60mph arrives in a brisk 3.6 seconds and will go on to the limited top speed of 155mph.

People shouted loud enough that they wanted an M Division swiss army knife, and BMW heard that. Now, get cracking on the M5 wagon, chaps.

Price£86,000
0-60mph (100kph)3.6 seconds
Top Speed (mph)155
DrivetrainAll Wheel Drive
GearboxAutomatic 8-speed
Engine Size3.0
Engine LayoutInline 6

Mercedes AMG E63S Final Edition – £122,000

That’s right, the only S213 and W213 E63 available to buy is the Final Edition variant of one of Afflerbach’s most loved. This doesn’t mean the E63 is going entirely, just that AMG have decided to drop the thunderous V8 in favour of a V6 plug-in hybrid. Hmm.

Arguably what sets this car apart is the 604bhp 4.0 twin turbo unit sat under the bonnet. AMG have still managed to keep that glorious noise even after adding turbo’s and downsizing from 6.2 litres.

Still, the Final Edition is a fully specified E-Class with every option ticked. You can’t even change the colour, matt graphite magno paint it is then. Just 999 units will be produced boasting the same 3.5 second 60mph dash and a limited top speed of 180mph. As with every other fast brute, power is sent to all 4 wheels through Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ system and utilising the MCT 9-speed auto.

Often heralded as the ultimate all-round car due to comfort, luxury and speed – let’s see if the V6 can live up to the hype.

Price£122,000
0-60mph (100kph)3.5 seconds
Top Speed (mph)180
DrivetrainAll Wheel Drive
GearboxAutomatic 9-speed
Engine Size4.0
Engine LayoutV8

Porsche Taycan Turbo S Sport Turismo – £143,000

The Porsche wins in price, performance and name length. The all-electric Taycan is a firm favourite among wagon fans. It is currently the only real performance-orientated EV on sale and can be had in two flavours: Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo. The latter is effectively an offroad-biased version of the Taycan, exclusive to the EV.

Regarding that naming convention, Porsche fans will denote that ‘Turbo’ has typically been graced on the fastest version of a specific model. It makes sense that the fastest version of the Taycan follows suit, but less so when there is no turbo attached to the car. Maybe it’s a little plastic one on the keychain? Obviously an optional extra, it’s still a Porsche.

Even so, the Turbo S makes do with 751bhp that propels this thing to 60 in under 3 seconds (2.8 to be exact). More than enough to keep the kids and your ski luggage entertained. One electric motor at each wheel provides the shove, meaning this is, again, AWD. Top speed is recorded at 162mph.

Perhaps the coolest EV around?

Price£143,000
0-60mph (100kph)2.8 seconds
Top Speed (mph)162
DrivetrainAll Wheel Drive
GearboxAutomatic 2-speed
Engine Size0.0
Engine LayoutN/A