Sales statistics for mid-size sedans and station wagons are quite unlucky. In the past, the two body styles were probably in the top ten of the most purchased cars in Europe, but now the compact hatchbacks and all kinds of SUVs are at the top of the list.
The UK’s leading online car review and evaluation portal, Carbuyer.co.uk, also acknowledges that crossovers and SUVs are pushing traditional sedans and station wagons to the periphery of the market. However, experts point out that those who want a comfortable, easy-to-drive and truly practical family car can make the mistake of removing classic sedans and station wagons from the list of potential purchases, such as the Volkswagen Passat, Opel Insignia and Mazda6, which are in the top three in their category.
For those who need good handling and economy
Carbuyer.co.uk experts emphasize that sedans and station wagons are much more manoeuvrable and allow the driver to feel more confident at the wheel than with an SUV. For example, the Mazda6, which ranks among the top three sedans of 2021, is so highly regarded precisely because it provides a pleasant ride on local roads without any compromises on comfort.
Toms Timoško, a car expert of the magazine “Klubs” and a member of the Latvian Car Jury of the Year, also tends to agree with this opinion about the advantages of “traditional formats”. “The huge popularity of SUVs and crossovers has an objective basis, especially in countries with good winters and bad roads. It’s not about off-road driving, but about having a safer clearance on a bumpy road without having to worry about a snowy yard and a high curb. Also, sitting behind the wheel, you can see a little further, ”says the car journalist.
“However, there is no denying that SUV fashion is like a blindfold. Many buyers do not even delve into the quite significant differences in the car, so the factors that determine the car’s behavior are simply left behind. However, the truth is that sedans and station wagons have a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution between the axles than SUVs. I have tried more than one such car – they are easier to control objectively, it is more pleasant and interesting to drive them, ”Toms shares his experience.
Another major benefit of family sedans, according to Carbuyer.co.uk, is better dynamics and lower fuel consumption. “Sedans and station wagons are on average lighter than SUVs of the same size and have a lower coefficient of aerodynamic drag. This means they accelerate more easily and use less fuel. And this feature will be manifested both in the city, where there is stop-start traffic, and on the highway, where aerodynamics are important. It can already be said that a liter or two is nothing, but in the long run it can be important, ”says a member of the Latvian Car Jury of the Year.
More space for passengers and luggage
The Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, which are ranked two highest in Carbuyer.co.uk, have been described as models with a spacious interior and a spacious boot. In fact, this is the case for most of the top ten vehicles, so it would be logical for potential family car buyers to be interested.
“It’s an SUV paradox: you look at a big car and think it has to be roomy, almost like a van. And in the case of an SUV, the high height of the cabin speaks for itself.
However, the station wagons are, as a rule, more spacious and practical, and each other’s sedan is also quite heavy-duty, of course, if you do not have to carry bulky items.
Of course, there are exceptions. The same shape of the Peugeot 508 does not offer a very spacious cabin, excellent luggage capacity or much headroom. However, many members of this class are masters of capacity and practicality, ”says the car expert of the magazine” Klubs “.
Offer more for the same money
Another advantage of mid-range sedans and station wagons is the price. For example, a Volkswagen Passat sedan starts at € 30,176, a Mazda6 from € 26,990, a Peugeot 508 at € 28,400 and a Škoda Superb at € 24,400.
By putting together a better price and lower fuel consumption, family sedans and station wagons can be more cost-effective when looking at the full life cycle. Especially when their prices are compared to the amounts that dealers charge for an SUV. “It is possible to buy a similar class of SUV for the amount needed for a medium-sized sedan, but it is very likely that it will have more modest equipment. You can also buy a well-equipped SUV, but then it will be from a smaller class, ”says Tom Tymoshko.
Another thing that can influence buyers’ choices is design. If a person is looking for a solid, but at the same time dynamic, even sporty car, he will rather find it among a sedan or even a station wagon. Typical examples are the stylish Volkswagen Arteon, the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Mazda6 in the top ten Carbuyer.co.uk.
“Times are changing and so is fashion. It would not be right to say that this or that is better when it comes to something as subjective as appearance. But sedans and even station wagons tend to be more elegant, and that’s due to the proportions. With an elegant, dynamic silhouette, they are not far behind the coupes in terms of attractiveness. With SUV proportions, this is much harder to achieve. If we take the latest cars, the interesting exception is the Cupra Formentor, but I look at it more like an upgraded hatchback, and belonging to the SUV family in this case is the interpretation of the manufacturer’s marketing specialists, ”says Tom.
Meanwhile, Carbuyer.co.uk summarizes that a model like the Mazda6 is the right choice for those looking for a good combination of features and versatility. The sedan attracts attention with a dynamic look, offers good handling and at the same time provides a high level of comfort. For a rational family car buyer, all this outweighs the purchase of an SUV.
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