Opel

The station wagon is long and stylish like a sedan, fast like a hatchback and roomy like a compact van. It is also no more expensive to maintain and is just as easy to operate, including when driving in a big city. Thanks to the dominant positive consumer qualities, station wagons still hold a position in the European market – unlike other bodies, which are already giving way to comparable crossovers and SUVs of all calibers.

In short, it is not surprising that the supply of large station wagons on the secondary market in Ukraine is practically unlimited. And at the same time, most of the lots are young cars, imported from Europe. And although everything is not clear about their remaining life, most of them look quite fresh in appearance. Everything is good with the choice of models – there are cars for different budgets and for different artistic tastes. In our review, we have collected models that necessarily have modern, economical units in their engine lineup – first of all, diesel engines with electronically controlled common rail fuel injection.

Volkswagen Passat B8 (с 2014г.)

One of the most popular cars not only in its class, but also in Ukraine as a whole. A truly worthy car, which, by the way, gives fans of the brand a wide choice of engines, transmissions and trim levels. TSI petrol engines of 1.4 liters, 1.8 liters and 2.0 liters, and diesel engines of 1.6 liters and 2.0 liters with settings for different power levels are also impressive in terms of efficiency. Automatic gearboxes are preselective ones such as DSG, “wet” and “dry”, but there are also enough versions with “mechanics”. There are many cars in good condition on the market. Finally, excuse me, but we must remind you that all Passat B8 station wagons in Ukraine were either purchased in Ukraine or imported from Europe; there were no “Americans” with such a body. Only in the station wagon body you can choose the all-wheel drive version of the Passat Alltrack with an increased ground clearance of 28 mm and a special body trim. The disadvantages are typical for modern Volkswagens – short-lived and no alternative DSG automatic transmissions, relatively short-lived and no alternative TSI gasoline engines, plus diesel engines that are expensive to repair. Cars imported from Europe mostly have high mileage, although this is not always reflected on the odometer.

Opel Insignia Sports Tourer II (2017 – 2022 гг.)

A stylish and high-quality car, which in Ukraine undeservedly vegetates in the shadow of its more famous compatriot. The second generation Insignia is represented quite widely thanks to European cars. The range of engines is rich, from a 122-horsepower 1.5-liter 3-cylinder diesel engine (which few people in Ukraine will buy) to a 260-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline unit. There is an all-wheel drive version with top-end engines and “smart” torque distribution between the rear wheels. An 8-speed automatic transmission is no less common than a manual transmission, and, by the way, there are no particular complaints about this unit.

Renault Talisman (2015 – 2022)

A large and beautiful car (by the way, it is larger than a Passat!), when designed by the French, it was “tailored” for comfortable driving. The model was produced in one generation, it is praised for its soft and inexpensive interior decoration, in which silence reigns thanks to good sound insulation. An unusual thing for this class is the so-called fully controlled chassis, that is, all four wheels that obey the steering wheel when maneuvering. Under the hood of the Talisman you can find both gasoline and diesel engines, including very economical ones. Moreover, unfortunately, the only naturally aspirated petrol engine was only available for the Korean market (if you come across such a car with the Samsung nameplate, congratulations). “Automatic” – preselective EDC work with two clutches, but “mechanics” are also enough. In principle, the model was officially sold in Ukraine, but this did not last long and few were sold, so the supply on the secondary market is mainly “European”.

Peugeot 508 SW (2011 – 2018)

The oldest car in our selection – because we propose to consider its first generation. Only in the station wagon body can you find an interesting crossover version of the 508 – the Peugeot 508 RXH with all-wheel drive, a “lifted” suspension and an “off-road” body kit. By the way, this modification was also presented in a hybrid version. There are actually two gasoline engines – a rather complex 1.6-liter with and without supercharging, with only three power options. But there was a whole collection of diesel engines – more than a dozen. Automatic transmissions were both classic hydromechanical and robotic, depending on the type of engine and year of manufacture. Despite the fact that the model is little known in Ukraine, there is a considerable supply on the market.

Skoda Superb III (2015-2016)

This generation is still considered relevant, although last year the next, IV generation of this model was presented – and this, by the way, may be a reason for an additional discount when bidding for your favorite copy. The filling in Skodas is traditionally from Volkswagen, but the Superb III cannot be considered a restyled Passat, because it is a completely independent car with its own body and special charisma. You can look for the all-wheel drive version of the Superba, which is expensive and powerful (268 hp). From the unpleasant side: all gasoline engines are inflatable direct injection type TSI, and all “automatic” ones are not very respected by us preselective DSG. It is gratifying that there are many economical, reliable and durable diesel engines, and almost all of them also came with a manual transmission. Actually, if you are not afraid of expensive repairs “working” with its two clutches, the DSG is also “able to take” – their reputation has improved significantly after modifications of the last decade.

In short

A D-class station wagon is probably the most rational car for a family with children as a regular member. It will not have the empty pathos of a fashionable crossover, the asceticism of a hatchback or the accentuated super-practicality of a compact van – money will be paid for what station wagons actually have: capacity, comfort, presentability and accessibility of content.

2024-01-23 06:22:10
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