I agree with above go for the bigger size. I've got two kids under 3 and, with a larger estate, you just lob stuff in, including double buggy, without having to think about logistics or needing a dreaded roofbox(!). I've got an Avensis, probably not what you'd be looking at, but the point is go bigger - 5 series, E class, A6, V70 or whatever

You don't say new or used. But a used 520D is bigger and can be be found for less.

I'd agree - and I've got a 3 series estate. The 5 touring is enormous.

However, what's the 'best' estate car can mean very different things. If you want massive space for minimal price, then the Skoda estates (Octavia or Superb) really make a lot of sense. The Hyundai i40 tourer is a remarkable package for the price, and there are plenty of others out there that offer very good space at reasonable cost.

If you want driving dynamics and handling, then, to me, the 3 series is perfect. RWD (most of them), and even the 320d is no slouch. However, you pay a premium for that badge on the nose - just as with the A4 (which doesn't do anything for me) or the current Merc C class(bling-tastic!)

fyi I'm up/down grading from a Z4, so the 3 series or C class seem the most fun, think the 5 series is probably too expensive, though the C Series electric is a very interesting proposition...

Also realising taking a fuel card seems daft these days, if you can claim back business mileage at 45p a mile, you coudl theoretically make an absolute fortune on this car, or am I missing something here?

I was always told NOT to take a fuel card/allowance and to claim back business mileage on expenses, but that could be outdated now.

The company car tax calculator at comcar.co.uk lets you punch in numbers for fuel contributions from your company so you can see the tax outcome.

Surprised no-one's mentioned Passats so far. Wise choice of powertrains got over 400,000m from two second-hand Passats (manual GL5 and auto 2.0GL) from toddlers to adulthood at the end of the last century. Aren't they as good these days?

The new Passat GTE plug-in petrol / electric hybrid launches in the UK in December. It's the same powertrain as the Golf GTE, 1.4 turbo petrol with 6-speed auto. Combined output of 215bhp and 400nm of torque.

Estimated price is reckoned to be around £35K, which will be close to the price of the Merc C-Class estate.

I'm intending to test drive both of them at some point, as my next company car is pretty certain to be a hybrid for tax-efficiency purposes.

Craig is right about the fuel card. Just claim the mileage although you will have to submit VAT receipts for fuel to substantiate your claim. No bother that.

I have a Superb which is excellent and still going pushing 200k miles. 180k of which were at HMRC rates. My daughter's last company car was a Superb Estate. It was excellent too and totally trouble free for 2 years and 75K miles before she changed to her own vehicle and mileage claims. The estate was enormous and was not defeated by any load we shifted in it. A friend has a Mondeo that he swears by too. It seems there are some good, large load luggers out there at reasonable prices. Good luck with your choice. Cheers Concrete

The Superb 280 4x4 if you can afford the Fuel bills