The best used small station wagons

Small estates are the Goldilocks of the automotive world. They're not too big or too expensive, but incredibly roomy and versatile, often giving you as much space as an SUV for a lot less money. There is a huge variety to choose from, including stylish options like the Mini Clubman, hybrid cars like the Toyota Corolla, and low-end options like the Skoda Fabia. One of them might be right for you. Here are our nine favorite used small station wagons.

1. Ford Focus Estate

Focus The Focus is a small wagon for those who want to enjoy driving, but at the same time, a functional car. Each version has responsive sporty styling that gives you confidence behind the wheel and might even put a smile on your face.

The latest model, sold new since 2018, looks sportier than before, but is also much roomier, with 575 liters of luggage space (to the boot, about double that of a Ford Fiesta supermini). Four large suitcases fit easily.

All engines perform well, but the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is a particularly good option. Despite its small size, it combines strong acceleration with economical fuel consumption.

2. Volkswagen Golf Estate

The Volkswagen Golf Estate has a beautifully designed interior with a premium feel, but you won't pay a premium price for it. The ride is pleasant, calm and comfortable, regardless of the type of road you are driving on. It's also practical, with boot space of 611 liters for the latest version (sold new as of 2020) and 605 liters for the outgoing model. In each case, this is more than 200 liters more than in the Golf hatchback. Whether you're carrying around a family mess or a work kit, you'll really notice the difference.

A range of efficient engines makes the Golf a solid choice, and you get a lot of high-tech features for your money, especially in the latest version with a huge touchscreen display. If you're looking for big performance with a big boot, look no further than the high-performance Golf R. It accelerates faster than many sports cars, and with all-wheel drive, it's a lot of fun on a winding country road.

3. Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

The Vauxhall Astra is one of the most popular cars in the UK and a big part of its appeal lies in its great price. Simply put, it costs less than most of its competitors, and that's true of both the Sports Tourer station wagon and the hatchback models. The Astra gives you more equipment for your money than you get with a Focus or Golf, and it'll likely get fewer miles than competing cars in the same price bracket.

The 540-litre trunk isn't the biggest you'll find in this type of car, but it's big by any other standard, and it's very easy to fold down the rear seats to create a long, flat area for large loads. Ideal if you want to throw a couple of bikes in the back without removing the wheels. The interior is well-done and user-friendly, and Apple CarPlay and automatic headlights are standard on all recent models.

4. Skoda Octavia station wagon

If you need maximum passenger and trunk space in a compact car, the Octavia is for you. It's big for a "small" station wagon, but it's smaller and easier to park than most cars with similarly sized trunks. The previous model had 610 liters of luggage space, and the latest model (new on sale since 640) has 2020 liters - more than many larger and more expensive station wagons.

Skoda has a knack for making their cars very livable, and the Octavia Estate's useful features include an ice scraper attached to the fuel cap, a parking ticket holder on the windshield, and hooks to mount in the trunk to stop your shopping rolling around. The Octavia is safe and stable to drive, and there is an engine to suit every taste, from ultra-efficient diesels to the high-performance vRS model.

5. Peugeot 308 SW

The Peugeot 308 SW (short for station wagon) is not only one of the prettiest small station wagons around, it's also one of the most practical. Its 660-litre boot is larger than any other car of its type. No more worrying about what to take with you and what to leave for the weekend - just take everything you need with you.

Unusually, the 308 SW has a longer wheelbase (that's the distance between the front and rear wheels) than the 308 hatchback, so it has a lot more legroom in the back seat. The interior has a premium feel and distinctive design, with a relatively small steering wheel and a driver display high up on the dashboard. Supportive seats and a smooth ride make the 308 a great choice if you value a comfortable ride.

6. Mini Clubman

The style statement isn't much stronger than the Mini Clubman. Its distinctive retro styling makes this small station wagon stand out, from the large round headlights to the unique tailgates. They're called "barn doors" - the hinges are on the sides so they open in the middle, like the doors of a van and a classic 1960s Mini Estate.

The driving experience of the Clubman is very different from other station wagons: the driver's low, sporty driving position and responsive steering provide excellent road feel. The 360-litre trunk means it's not the most practical of station wagons, but it's very versatile, and the Clubman is a fine choice if you want the style and fun of a Mini, but with a bit more space.

Read our Mini Clubman review

7. Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

The CLA Shooting Brake brings glamor to a small estate party. It's based on the stylish CLA sedan, but adds practicality with a longer roof and full-height trunk lid. What about a name? Well, "shooting break" is a term used to describe cars that combine elements of a coupe and station wagon, with an emphasis on style rather than mere space. 

Sure, there are more practical station wagons than the CLA, but its long boot floor and hatchback trunk lid make those knockdown furniture shopping trips more manageable. It's a more versatile family car than the CLA sedan. However, you get the same luxurious interior and smooth ride, and the wide range includes the CLA45 AMG model, which is faster than some sports cars.

8. Toyota Corolla Touring Sport

The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is one of the very few used small station wagons available with a hybrid powertrain. This is an important advantage if you need a lot of space but want to reduce your carbon footprint - and your tax bills. It's not a plug-in hybrid, so its zero emission range is relatively short, but it's enough to make city driving more relaxed. And you should get better fuel economy than some diesel rivals. 

Boot space is 598 liters, and like the 308 SW, the station wagon has a longer wheelbase than the Corolla hatchback, so there's a lot more rear-seat legroom. It delivers a really smooth and comfortable ride, it's very easy to drive and should be exceptionally reliable. If you want a hybrid wagon but can't get your hands on a Corolla, check out the model it replaced, the Toyota Auris.

9. Skoda Fabia Estate.

The Fabia is the smallest car on this list, but it's still very practical. It's one of the few station wagons based on a small hatchback (or supermini), resulting in low maintenance and really easy to park. 

It's compact on the outside, but inside the Fabia is thoughtfully packaged, resulting in a boot capacity of 530 liters. Weekly holiday luggage or large stroller и some purchases are easy. There is plenty of room for passengers, and the Fabia handles the road with confidence. The lower spec models have all the features you need and are perfect if you need maximum space on a tight budget. Although it's worth paying a little more for one of the higher performance models with a little more power and equipment: because the Fabia's price is so attractive, they are still exceptional value for money.

You will find a number station wagons for sale in Kazu. Use our search tool to find the one that's right for you, buy it online and have it delivered to your door. Or choose to take it from Cazoo Customer Service Center.

We are constantly updating and expanding our range. If you can't find a small estate within your budget today, check back later to see what's available or set up promotional alerts to be the first to know when we have salons that suit your needs.