We’re probably stating the obvious here, but SUVs and crossovers practically killed several vehicle segments. Call these vehicles revolutionary products or marketing brilliance, the extra ground clearance, the promise of practicality, and the idea of making adventures with them has had millions of people sold.
So, what segments did it affect? Mid-size sedans, for starters. Ever since these exploded in popularity, the executive sedan from non-luxury marques has almost become unsellable in the country. Minivans are another genre that crossovers have shoved off, although their sheer logic and practicality means these will never be wiped off the face of the earth. And then we get to station wagons.
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Yes, they’re still immensely popular in Europe, but over here (and basically the rest of the world), the good ol’ wagon is nearly extinct. Locally, there are less than ten of them available for sale. Ironically, the original body style designed with families and versatility in mind has become a niche choice these days.
So, for those who want to stand out from the crowd without resorting to SUVs and crossovers, what are the choices left? We’ve gathered them all up for you in this handy little list. Oh, and we’ve included their respective cargo capacities.
Audi RS4
Minimum cargo space: 495 liters
Maximum cargo space: 1,430 liters
Price: On application
If you’d like to have an Audi A4 in the Philippines, the only way to go is with the top-dog RS4. It’s only available as a wagon (Avant, in Audi-speak), and it’s probably a wealthy person’s idea of the perfect one-car solution. It’s not too large and the Quattro all-wheel drive system keeps the driver out of trouble rain or shine. It also helps that it has a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that doles out 444hp and 600Nm of torque. If that’s not enough, there’s the second option from Audi.
Audi RS6
Minimum cargo space: 548 liters
Maximum cargo space: 1,680 liters
Price: On application
If you like the RS4 but want to take the idea to the max, there’s the RS6. Longer, wider, and more aggressive than the RS4, the RS6 can keep up with some supercars all while having the ability to hold five people and their luggage on board. Perfect then for the person who has a Huracan but also needs a more practical family car. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 dishes out 592hp and 800Nm of torque, giving it a 0 to 100kph time of just 3.6 seconds.
BMW 3-Series Touring
Minimum cargo space: 500 liters
Maximum cargo space: 1,510 liters
Price: P3,890,000 (318i) to P5,890,000 (M340i xDrive)
Okay, we started off the list with two ludicrous load luggers, so we’ll dial up the sensibility for the third one. Yes, it’s still German, but the 3-Series Touring is a motorized slice of Deutschland. It’s immensely popular in its home country and its large cargo floor actually makes it a better cargo carrier than the X3. In the Philippines, it’s available in two flavors, namely the sensible 318i and the stealthy cruise missile called the M340i that comes out swinging with nearly 400hp and xDrive all-wheel drive.
BMW M3 Touring
Minimum cargo space: 500 liters
Maximum cargo space: 1,510 liters
Price: P10,490,000
It seems that BMW Philippines didn’t want Audi to have the hot station wagon niche all to itself. One could say that bit of friendly competition has led to the M3 Touring being available in the country. We’re not complaining, though, as it retains all the hallmarks of the 3-Series Touring but with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six rocket attached to the front. With 510hp and 650Nm of torque under the hood, it’s a fast way to move things around.
Subaru Outback
Minimum cargo space: 522 liters
Maximum cargo space: 1,740 liters
Price: P2,500,000 (2.5i) to P2,880,000 (2.4 XT)
Okay, enough of the German stuff. Let’s move on to more familiar territory with the Japanese. Out of all the Japanese brands in the country, only two sell wagons. One of them is Subaru and there are two from the local lineup. We’ll kick things off with the Outback and we know, it’s technically a crossover because of its ride height. Let’s be real, though, its shape and proportions scream station wagon, especially with that elongated rear end. The local lineup starts with the 2.5i and topped off with the turbocharged 2.4 XT.
Subaru WRX Wagon
Minimum cargo space: 492 liters
Maximum cargo space: 909 liters
Price: P2,880,000 (GT-S) to P3,038,000 (tS)
Outback too big? The only choice you have within the Subaru family is the WRX Wagon, and we’re not complaining at all. Sure, it doesn’t carry as much as its big brother, but you get a sportier and more dynamic drive in return. Besides, we doubt anyone will have violent reactions about its still large cargo area, plus you get more of the DNA from the brand’s rallying efforts. What’s not to like?
Mazda 6 Sports Wagon
Minimum cargo space: 506 liters
Maximum cargo space: 1,593 liters
Price: P2,150,000 (standard) to P2,250,000 (20th Anniversary Edition)
And now, we’re in the final car in this list. It’s from the other Japanese marque that sells a wagon in the country, Mazda. It may be the oldest model in the group, but it still has its charms. Sure it’s front-wheel drive, but the 6 has always been one of the sportier and livelier cars to drive in its class, be it in sedan or wagon forms. It’s a reasonably priced mid-sized car that can be enjoyed from the front and at the back with the bonus added versatility. A criminally underrated car, we say, and we give props to Mazda for not giving up on it.
