In a world dominated by SUVs, sometimes we forget the humble station wagon still exists. Here is a top 10 list of cool wagons that are on sale in Australia right now for under $100,000.
Although all of them are great in their own way, we’ve counted them down just for some suspense and excitement, based on overall desirability; performance or economy, price and X-factor.
10. Mazda6 Wagon: All you really need?
The Mazda6 wagon is a prime example of a stylish and well-rounded family wagon that fails to attract buyers for, seemingly, no good reason. It combines Mazda’s signature Kodo design language with a spacious and comfortable interior. Available with a punchy turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, it’s a refined cruiser that doesn’t compromise on driving enjoyment.
Yet, buyers seem to overlook these quality traits and walk straight to the SUV section of the showroom. If you’re not planning on hitting the dirt, the Mazda6 is one we recommend. You’ll save some money on fuel costs due to the lower ground clearance (aerodynamics) and superior on-road tyres over a typical SUV.
2023 Mazda6 GT SP
Engine: 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 173kW/420Nm
Transmission: Six-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 5.9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 7.6L/100km
Boot volume: 506L/1648L
Starting price: $50,340
9. Peugeot 508 Sportswagon: French flair but pricey
The Peugeot 508 is a stylish French wagon that stands out from the crowd. With its eye-catching design and very comfortable interior, it’s a chic and rare choice. The available plug-in hybrid powertrain adds an eco-friendly touch with decent performance.
In Australia the range has been stripped down to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) only – the regular 1.6-litre turbo was deleted earlier this year. Going for the PHEV means the price is pushed high. Too high, in our opinion. Scroll up and down this field and then consider if the 508 should be the second-most expensive model in this list? We think not. Nonetheless, the product itself is very attractive in many ways.
2023 Peugeot 508 GT Sportswagon PHEV
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, 165kW/360Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 8.3 seconds
Fuel consumption: 1.5L/100km
Boot volume: 530L/1780L
Starting price: $82,915
8. Genesis G70 Shooting Brake: Sharp and suave
Genesis entered the wagon arena with the G70 Shooting Brake a couple of years ago. It combines the brand’s signature luxury in a practical and very stylish wagon body. In Australia it’s only available with the ‘2.0T’ engine, producing 179kW. Could you imagine how much cooler it’d be if it came with the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 offered in the G70 sedan?
Even so, it is rear-wheel drive and offers sharp and competent driving dynamics. It’s also pretty quick, offering a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds. Where this sleek station wagon shines though is with Genesis’s outstanding after-sales care. Free loan cars during services and pick-up and delivery, 24-hour roadside assistance, and even free scheduled servicing for five years. All included. Yes, on a premium car.
2023 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 179kW/353Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 6.4 seconds
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
Boot volume: 465L
Starting price: $76,727
7. Subaru WRX Wagon: An oldie but a goodie
The Subaru WRX wagon offers a respected blend of performance, affordability and practicality. With its iconic turbocharged boxer throb and dependable all-wheel-drive system, it’s a sporty wagon that’s ready for action in any weather. Our pick is the mid-range GT variant.
However, Subaru decided it would be a good idea to offer it with a CVT automatic only. Why, Subaru? Either chuck in a manual like what’s offered in the sedan to appeal to us driving enthusiasts or at least use a proper torque converter auto. Even so, it’s still a well-rounded package and surprisingly spacious in its latest generation.
2023 Subaru WRX GT Wagon
Engine: 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 202kW/350Nm
Transmission: CVT auto, all-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 6.1 seconds
Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km
Boot volume: 492L/1430L
Starting price: $56,490
6. Skoda Superb 206TSI SportLine: A wolf in sheep’s clothing
Skoda’s Superb 206TSI is a hidden gem in the wagon segment. It boasts a cavernous cabin and innovative practicality, yet it’s powered by a proper performance engine; the ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder that belts out 206kW and 350Nm.
Hooked up to a crisp six-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive system, this sly dog can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 5.9 seconds. Have another look at the exterior. Talk about a sleeper. It’s also priced reasonably, given its size and performance, and it offers a massive boot.
2023 Skoda Superb 206TSI SportLine
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 206kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 5.9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 8.2L/100km
Boot volume: 660L/1960L
Starting price: $70,990
5. MINI Clubman Cooper S: Fun for shopping… carpark racing?
The MINI Clubman Cooper S is a compact wagon with a big personality. With its punchy turbo engine and playful handling, it’s a blast to drive. Plus, it features the iconic split rear doors for added practicality and style.
MINI also offers the Clubman wagon in full-cream John Cooper Works configuration, turning power up from 142kW to 225kW. But that switches to all-wheel drive and costs about $20,000 more. And more importantly, in our opinion, is a bit too serious; it’s not as raw and playful as the regular Cooper S. After all, isn’t the MINI supposed to be about ‘less is more’?
2023 MINI Clubman Cooper S
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 141kW/280Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 7.2 seconds
Fuel consumption: 6.2L/100km
Boot volume: 360L/1250L
Starting price: $53,250
4. Audi A4 45 TFSI wagon: Suave and sophisticated
The Audi A4 45 TFSI wagon offers a blend of luxury and refined performance, wrapped up in a very sharp and sophisticated design. This has to be one of the sharpest-dressed wagons in this lineup, surely? In Dynamic trim it comes with 19-inch wheels and fashionable dark exterior highlights.
In top-spec form it also comes with quattro all-wheel drive, so you could potentially take it to that weekend camping trip instead of relying on the big, heavy SUV. All-wheel drive means it’ll also handle the wet weather and even snowy conditions better than any two-wheel drive rival.
2023 Audi A4 45 TFSI Dynamic
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 183kW/370Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 6.0 seconds
Fuel consumption: 7.3L/100km
Boot volume: 505L/1510L
Starting price: $80,369
3. Volvo V60: Scandinavian elegance
Volvo is renowned for its safety and cool Swedish design, and the V60 Cross Country wagon embodies both. With its elegant design, class-leading interior (in our opinion), and refined driving dynamics, it’s a compelling choice for those seeking a premium wagon experience.
The regular V60 wagon is no longer offered in Australia, it seems, leaving the V60 Cross Country. And just one variant is available called the B5 Ultimate, featuring a mild-hybrid powertrain. This is because Volvo is striving to offer only electric vehicles by 2026. So it is starting to strip back its petrol lineup.
2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 Ultimate
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder mild-hybrid, 183kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km
Boot volume: 519L/1431L
Starting price: $74,990
2. BMW 330i M Sport Touring: Ultimate driving machine… that your dog can enjoy
The BMW 330i Touring is the embodiment of driving pleasure. With its potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine and utterly faultless handling, it’s a sporty wagon that can handle twisty roads like a dream in your hands. Plus, it offers the premium features you’d expect from a BMW.
It is the only reason we decided this list should be capped at $100,000 – so it could be included. But, that is a high price, especially considering the 330i M Sport Touring used to start from $79,400 just two years ago – basically the same car. How come, BMW? The latest model does feature adaptive M suspension and uprated brakes, as well as the latest infotainment suite that now dominates the cabin.
2023 BMW 330i M Sport Touring
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 190kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 6.1 seconds
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
Boot volume: 500L/1510L
Starting price: $98,900
1. Volkswagen Golf R Wagon: The quickest wagon here
The Volkswagen Golf R wagon combines the practicality of a wagon with the serious performance of a super hot hatch. Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and sent through an all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. It’s the quickest wagon here, and the quickest wagon on sale in Australia under $100k.
This is probably the ultimate package for the practical-minded driving enthusiast. It’s fast but it looks smart, and the price is reasonably attainable given its hardcore credentials. If you can get your hands on one, go for it; Volkswagen has had some supply issues in recent times so you might need to join a waiting list.
2023 Volkswagen Golf R wagon
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 235kW/420Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km
Boot volume: 611L/1642L
Starting price: $71,990
These 10 cool wagons under $100,000 prove that practicality doesn’t have to come at the cost of style or performance. Whether you’re after elegance, sportiness, or a bit of both, there’s a wagon available to suit your tastes and needs.
If you’re in the market for a practical yet cool ride, don’t overlook the humble station wagon segment. It’s still alive and well in Australia.
