The Golf R Estate is best. Period.

The Volkswagen Golf R is the hot hatch from grownups. But what if you want a hot hatch with a family? Well, there’s the Golf Estate R. 

The Golf Estate R comes with the same engine as the Golf R. A 2-liter turbo petrol four-cylinder which can be had with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a dual-clutch seven-speed auto gearbox. Driving enthusiast will certainly love the six-speed manual, however it does feel notchy at times. Our money certainly goes to the DSG gearbox option. However, even with the auto gearbox it does often feel jerky at low speeds. Both are just nitpicking at best. 

Driving the Golf Estate R is just fantastic. The engine is smooth and effortless and there’s an abundance of comfort and refinement. The large alloys don’t produce tons of road noise, although at times the ride can be a bit stiff. This is to be expected however, since this isn’t a car for leisure driving. It’s a hot hatch in the form of an estate car. You can chug it into corners and bends with sheer confidence and thanks to standard 4motion all-wheel-drive. You won’t have much to fret about when the roads get slippery. 

The front seats are superbly comfortable and those in the second row won’t have much to complain about. The large transmission tunnel may make life for the middleman a tad bit uncomfortable. However, that’s just nitpicking. The boot space is where the Golf Estate R shines. It’s plenty for most small family needs and when you fold down the second row. You’ve got yourself a cargo van. 

The Golf Estate R comes standard with power-folding wing mirrors. LED headlamps with auto operation. Leather trimmed interior and climate control. You also get Driver alert system with fatigue detection. Rain sensors for the front windscreen. Heated front seats, and a handsfree boot operation. 

The Golf R is a fantastic little hatchback. However, the Golf Estate R is the perfect compromise for anyone who wants an estate with hot hatch turn of pace. You better act fast however, as supplies are limited.  

Likes: It’s an estate with hot hatch performance. It handles just as good as the Golf R and looks just as good. 

Dislikes: Supplies are limited. 

We get toured in a Mazda 6 Touring

The Mazda6 Tourer is the prime example of an estate without compromises. 

You can choose between one petrol and one diesel. Picking between the two depends upon your needs. We’d personally stick with the 2.2 turbo diesel if you’re planning to do tons of highway driving. Everyone else will be satisfied with the 2.5 petrol four-cylinder. It may not have the torque like the diesel engine, but it certainly is flexible enough for most buyers needs. 

Driving the Mazda6 Tourer is like any other Mazda. It’s quick on its toes when it comes to corners and bends, but most importantly it’s not dullard to drive. Steering feedback is communicative, and the ride comfort is smooth for the most part. However, on some road surfaces the ride comfort can be a little bit firm. Which is a bit disappointing seeing that most drivers will be spending majority of their time on the highway. Wind and road noise aren’t anything to complain of. Although with the larger alloy wheels some road noise can sneak into the cabin. It’s far from being a deal-breaker, however. 

What makes an estate car fantastic is the utilitarian aspects of it. The boot is generous in space and offers tons of versatility. Fold down the rear seats and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. If you find yourself lacking in space with this. You don’t need an estate. You really do need a cargo van. Space in the front seats plenty, while those in the rear won’t have much to complain about either. You can seat three abreast, although life for the middleman may not slightly shortchanged. However, that’s just nitpicking at best. 

Entry-level SE-L Nav+ comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. Auto-dimming rear-view mirror. High beam control for the headlights. Rear privacy glass and Smart City Brake Support. SE-L Lux Nav+ adds black leather trim, 3-stage heated front seats with memory and a reversing camera. Sport Nav+ adds Smart Keyless entry, 19-inch alloy wheels and a 11-speaker Bose premium audio system. Top of the range GT Sport Nav+ adds Nappa Leather trim, 360 View Monitor, ventilated front seats and frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror. 

Crossovers seem to be the trend that most buyers are going for. However, if you desire a proper estate with decent running costs. One that’s also stylish and engaging to drive. The Mazda6 Tourer is an estate without compromise. 

Likes: The boot space is generous. Standard kit list is generous as well. It’s stylish and engaging to drive. 

Dislikes: The ride comfort can be a tad firm on the highway.