A sports wagon is a superb choice for any motorist who wants the looks and charm of a sports car combined with the dependable flexibility and space of a SUV. This makes them the perfect vehicle for anyone with an eye for personality, but a need for everyday convenience. And with thewide range of models currently available on the market, there is sure to be a model that will suit both your needs and your preferences.

The following guide will look at the main features that a sports wagon offers, so you can decide whether this type of transport choice will suit you best.

Fuel Economy & Versatility

It’s a fact that sports wagons benefit from a much improved fuel economy than crossovers, minivans and SUV’s – it’s value drive is in line withsedans. Most wagons today come with either four or six cylinder engines as well as a choice of either automatic or manual transmissions. Many manufacturers are now also offering clean-diesel sports wagons in today’s marketplace, and although diesel can be a little harder on the wallet than regular petrol, it is worth remembering that the extra mileage can more than make up for the difference.

Seating & Capacity

Sports wagons also win on storage space, with many having greater interior room than crossovers and SUV’s. The rear lift-gate makes things alot more convenient on a practical level - no more worrying about cramming in luggage, and even bikes fit in snugly. All in all, this type of car has more than enough room for both luxurious comfort and roomy convenience.

Most sports wagons are in fact built with cargo capacity in mind rather than additional seating, but there are options available as some models offer seating for up to seven passengers. Many also come with features such as fold down seats, power lift gates and bi-level storage areas to maximise all available room and enhance the vehicle’s ability to store even awkward and bulky shaped objects.

Practical & Full of Personality

Now don’t confuse a sports wagon with the estate cars you might remember your parents driving around! These great contemporary vehicles often combine practicality with stunning ergonomic car design. They range from street level consumer orientated cars with broad appeal to top
of the line constructs that offer the ultimate in luxury and style.

When it comes to power – some models offer 700 horsepower and over 800 hp with turbos. That’s the sort of kickbeing produced by many of the high end manufacturers today, but for those of us with slightly more modest aspirations, there are still plenty of very attractive selections to choose from.

Some of today’s mid-rangesports wagons are packing 300 horsepower and torque to a proud 340 lb-ft. These not-to-be-sneezed-at capabilities, combined with sleek and modern design as well as tasteful cosmetic touches, are going a long way to making sports wagon an increasingly desirable transport option for any budget.

Upgrades & Amenities

With the increased space offered by a sports wagon, it’s no surprise that more and more people are choosing to upgrade the interiors and install extra features such as DVD players, adaptors for iPods and other portable devices. All of these factors will of course impact on the price, so it is worth figuring in your priorities. For example, are you planning long journeys where you’ll want to ensure your passenger’s comfort and convenience, or is your intention to merely maximise your cargo capacity? The great thing is that whatever your needs, there is a sports wagon model to accommodate.

Safety Features

All of today’s sports wagons come complete with a wide variety of safety features, meaning you will never have to compromise on the well being of your loved ones. What’s more, the size and weight of a sports wagon offers a comforting measure of reassurance in itself. You can also boost your safety features on most current models with such useful additions as blind spot warning systems and back up cameras.

Conclusion

Offering a desirable combination of style and convenience, the modern sports wagon is the perfect choice for any discerning road enthusiast with an eye for the practical requirements of modern living. With their wide variety of features and attractive qualities, it’s easy to understand why an increasing amount of serious drivers are turning to sports wagons for a stylish solution to their transport and leisure needs. And with a wide selection of stylish new models appearing on the market each year, you are sure to find something to please the eye as well.

About the Author: Jeremy Allston is a vehicle repair business owner and fan of sports wagon cars.