With baggy jeans and corduroy clothing making a comeback, everything old is new again, and that includes the trusty station wagon. Those old enough to remember stuffy summer road trips in the back of a wagon may not understand why station wagons are coming back in style. But with more and more station wagons for sale, this trend is only gaining steam. Discover why the wagon is on its way back in.
A Relic of the Past
Seldom cool but always practical, the humble station wagon was once upon a time the ultimate family vehicle. Perfect for running the kids to school or setting off on vacation across the country. But in the past few decades, SUVs and Minivans began to dominate the family market, and manufacturers soon followed suit.
Although largely usurped by SUVs and Minivans in modern times, the wagon has retained a deeply passionate cult following that we believe is only set to grow.
Out with the New, in with the Old?
Once on the verge of extinction, station wagons are coming back in a big way, but not quite how we remember. No longer do these vehicles have ungainly proportions and unsightly wood panelling. Instead, this new breed of the station wagon is merging its tried and true practicality with a little modern flair. Discover why station wagons are making a comeback and are here to stay.
Blending Sportiness with Practicality
While you could argue that the Crossover has already successfully blended sportiness with practicality, and we would largely agree, it hasn’t quite nailed it as the wagon has. The high riding position of a Crossover leads to serval issues with handling. In contrast, wagons give you the same sporty practicality but with the driving dynamics of a sports sedan, thanks to its lower position on the road.
Power to Keep up with Modern Alternatives
The notion that station wagons are slow may have been relevant when Roadmaster roamed the streets, but things have changed over the past few decades. Since wagons are no longer of mass appeal, manufacturers have strived to make them more specialised, focusing on sportiness. No longer aiming for that family appeal, modern wagons have shed the extra weight that comes with a family car in favour of more performance-oriented designs capable of keeping up with the competition.
Wagons Have Gotten a Lot More Attractive
Steering clear from past mistakes, modern station wagon manufacturers are putting their all into creating unique and eye-catching designs. Ditching the wooden panels in favour of sleek lines that carry through to the side profile, newer wagons are taking advantage of their long build for some head-turning designs.
Our Favourite Modern Station Wagon Models
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback’s lifted ride and tough exterior may have you thinking we’ve slipped an SUV into this list, but its unmistakable station wagon body lands it as one of the most popular wagons in NZ. Boasting better ground clearance than most wagons and impressive all-wheel drive technology, the Outback can take you off the beaten track with enough gear to camp as comfortably as you want!
Holden Commodore Station Wagon
Over the decades, the Holden Commodore station wagon has become a Kiwi classic, ferrying families to and from holiday destinations for years. The new generation of Commodore is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, offering ample power while reaping the rewards of a highly economical car at the fuel pump. This wagon is the Swiss army knife of cars, offering power and practicality in a stylish modern vehicle.
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
Beyond being one of the attractive things on wheels, the Panamera Sport Turismo is powered by Porsche’s iconic 4.0-litre turbo V8 allowing drives to belt to 100 km in under 4 seconds! With this wagon, you can rip up winding roads like an F1 driver while cruising around town in absolute comfort.
Call it a Comeback!
While falling out of favour temporarily, station wagons are coming back in a sharper luxury format for the next generation of families. If you’re looking to get your hands on a new wagon, Portage Cars has NZ car financing options to ensure you can get ahead of the hipster curve. Give us a call today to discuss your requirements.
