Cupra Leon Estate 2.0 TSI 4Drive 310 VZ2 DSG

With SUV popularity at an all-time high, this Cupra is here to a remind motorists of the art of the estate

- John Bradshaw

SUVS ARE INCREASINGLY becoming the default choice when it comes to practical family transportation, but what of the traditional estate car? Well, I reckon the Cupra Leon Estate parked outside my house ought to prove just how unfairly overlooked such cars are these days, and I'm expecting it to do so with more than a little flair and excitement.

Putting the Cupra bit aside, the regular Seat Leon Estate is the most practical version of one of our favourite family cars - a machine that's fun to drive, comfortable and spacious inside, and available with a range of engines to suit every taste and budget. The estate version has all the Leon hatchback's virtues and adds an aircraft hangar's worth of luggage space. And when Cupra - Seat's sporty sister brand - gets its hands on it, things get really interesting.