SUVs vs MPVs vs Estate Cars

Over on carbuyersinfo estate car comparisons you'll find a little exercise on finding the best estate car.

It assumes people buy estate cars for their interior space and first ranks them by their maximum load capacity. Note exterior size is not an indication of interior space. Having settled on a capacity that fits your lifestyle you can see if it fits your finances. I've detailed price range, fuel consumption, emissions, plus performance.

It occurred to me as SUVs and MPVs are classed as estate cars and also bought for their versatility, you could rank them in the same way. This begs the question how do SUVs, MPVs and estate cars compare when ranked this way?

So let's compare the VW Tiguan, Renault Scenic and Mazda6 Estate.

The VW Tiguan has a maximum load capacity of 1,510 litres. The Renault Scenic has 1,800 litres, the Grand has over 2,000. The Mazda6 Estate has a maximum capacity of 1,751 litres. So if maximum interior capacity is an indicator of versatility, the 5-seat Scenic looks the better bet, with option of the more spacious Grand.

Oddly, price is inverse to space. The VW Tiguan price range starts at £19,765. Mazda6 prices start at £19,295. The Scenic starts at £15,520, Scenic Grands from £16,970. So the Scenic appears both the more versatile and cheaper to buy.

You'd have to go over to my car comparisons to get the full details but you'll also find in terms of most economical is goes - Scenic, Mazda6, Tiguan. Although I don't find the differences hugely significant.

In terms of a car fitting a lifestyle and budget they rank 1) Scenic, 2) Mazda6, 2) Tiguan.

All three are 5-star EuroNCAP rated and importantly fitted with ESP as standard.

All three have models which will touch near 130mph with single figure acceleration. The whole of the Tiguan range is both fast and quick.

All three are very stylish in their own way, they're all comfortable and good to drive, although they're matters of taste.

If there's no real difference in performance, comfort, looks, economy or safety, then it's down to versatility and price which means 1) Scenic, 2) Mazda5, 3) Tiguan or you could just by the one you like and can afford with no regrets.

Regards
Ralph