can you recommend a suitable, powerful replacement for my Octavia Estate vRS?

I currently own a 2005 'old shape' Skoda Octavia Estate vRS. It has been a great car with plenty of performance, and is totally reliable and flexible. I fancy a change and will appreciate your advice on a suitable replacement (not new) estate car that is fun to drive and looks the part. Budget is up to £25,000. No particular preference for petrol or diesel, but good torquey performance is important. The Audi S4 Avant B8 certainly appeals. The Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class seem too large. The BMW 330D was the only car I have ever found to be un-driveable, in the snow last December, and the 5 Series may be similar? Do I save up and wait for the Jaguar XF Station Wagon? The 3.0V6 diesel is a delight to drive.

Asked on 25 February 2012 by IS, Solihull

Answered by Honest John

A Mondeo 2.0SCTI Ecoboost 240 Powershift is fairly special. But is not a V8 like the B7 S4 and not a supercharged V6 like the B8 S4. The forthcoming Focus ST250 Station Wagon might also do the job. BMWs are no problem in snow when fitted with cold weather tyres.

Tags: estates fun cars performance wheels and tyres reliability driving in snow

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