5 Golf-Friendly Estate Cars
Few motorists would admit they bought their car for its golf-friendly credentials. Spouses and colleagues are instead given fuel economy stats, NCAP safety-ratings and airbag numbers as reasons-for-purchase.
But if you did want to choose a car based on how easily you could carry your golf clubs, how good it would be for taking to Europe on a golf jolly, or how smart you would look turning up at the local golf course ... then one of these five vehicles could be for you.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake diesel
Carrying golf equipment: With 550 litres of luggage space (triple this with seats down), even the most prolific of golf-gear buyer will have plenty of space.
Overseas jaunts: For such a big car, the 40mpg delivered by the diesel version of the Sportbrake is impressive indeed. And with performance figures that might embarrass some petrol engines, a golf drive-holiday to Spain or France will be fun indeed.
Impress fellow golfers: Estates don't get much prettier than the XF Sportbrake, so whether you're turning up for a round of golf in Coventry, Cardiff or the Costa del Sol – you'll look the part.
Jaguar XF (Thampapon1/Bigstock.com)
Hyundai i40 Tourer
Carrying golf equipment: Offering almost as much space as the XF Sportbrake, the i40 Tourer's 553 litres (three times more with seats folded) is more than enough for your golf gear.
Overseas jaunts: With fuel economy figures of between 39 and 65mpg, the i40 Tourer won't break the bank for driving holidays on the continent.
Impress fellow golfers: It may not quite have the executive look of the XF Sportbrake or the latest Mercedes-Benz, but it still has an aesthetic appeal a good few rungs above its price tag.
Hyundai i40 (DDCoral/Bigstock.com)
Mazda 6
Carrying golf equipment: With 506/1632 litres, the Mazda 6 doesn't boast as much luggage space as others on this list, but it should certainly prove enough for a decent-sized golf bag.
Overseas jaunts: Great fuel economy of 47-67mpg means golf trips to continental Europe shouldn't be too costly.
Impress fellow golfers: While Mazda may be far from a premium marque, the 6 will nevertheless look good in any club car park. The unique body shape is inspired by water rushing over hard surfaces, according to the designers.
Mazda 6 (sainaniritu/Bigstock.com)
Skoda Superb
Carrying golf equipment: With 595 litres with seats up and a whopping 1,865 litres with seats down, the Skoda Superb could fit the inventory of an entire golf shop in the back, let alone your modest golf bag.
Overseas jaunts: With most economical models approaching 64mpg, the Skoda Superb is a real winner for golf trips abroad.
Impress fellow golfers: In the 1980s golf enthusiasts with a Skoda parked in the drive would see the local bus as a more decadent way of arriving at the course. Today, however, Skodas such as the Superb estate are truly impressive cars – both inside and out. Choose the Laurin & Klement version for the visual wow-factor.
Skoda Superb (EvrenKalinbacak/Bigstock.com)
Land Rover Discovery
Carrying golf equipment: Even with the seats up, the Discovery's boot gives you 1,260-litres. If you wanted to carry several friend's golf things too, you could do so easily by folding down the rear seats – giving you 2,500 litres!
Overseas jaunts: A decent 35mpg means golf trips to the continent shouldn't be too financially draining.
Impress fellow golfers: The Discovery is no longer the sole preserve of farmers. Other citizens now appreciate its ability to deal with Britain's rapidly-reproducing pot-holes, drop children off at school – and of course to look great in the golf club car park.
Land Rover Discovery (EvrenKalinbacak/Bigstock.com)
Heading to the Continent for a Golf Trip?
If you're driving to Europe for a golfing holiday this summer, be sure to protect yourself and your golf clubs while away. When taking out starttravel.co.uk's comprehensive travel insurance, you can add travel ‘golf cover' quickly and easily.
Get protected with:
- Cover up to a total amount of £1,000.
- Cover up to £1,000 for the value or repair for your own equipment if it is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
- Cover if your hired equipment is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed in transit up to £300 (£50 per day) to hire replacements.
- A £100 fixed benefit if you complete a Hole In One, exclusive of handicap, during any game on any course.
- Cover up to £100 (£50 per day) for the unused portion of your Green Fees if you are unable to use the facilities as a result of unforeseen injury or illness.