Estate or hatch

[Jon_374306764]

I'm seriously thinking of changing my car in the next couple of months. So far the favourite is a Mondeo tcdi. 6 speed.

We've had estae cars for some years but don't really need one now. Does anyone have any thoughts about wether an estate makes a better tow car or is there no difference? Comments about the Mondeo especiall welcome.

 

[Lutz]

Most hatchbacks are based on the same underbody as the saloon whereas estate cars often have a longer rear overhang, which is not conducive to good stability. So, I would say, if my choice were between a hatch and an estate, I'd go for a hatch.

The only issue which may sway the decision depending on how critical you are with payload is GVW. Estates often have a higher GVW, which may be a factor that is important to you.

 

[S-MaxJon]

I have had both the estate and hatchback.My previous estate was the Zetec S which had self-levelling suspension which was great for towing.With the 130bhp engine it was a good puller as well.I now have the 2.2 ST hatch which again is a great car but I think it is slightly less stable as you will get the usual wallowing.

One thing common to both is wheel spin if pulling off sharply.

If your going for the estate go for self-levelling suspension - fitted to all models Zetec S and above.

 

[kevin_374305660]

Hi Jon

I tow with a Mondeo hatch 2.0 TDCI and can not praise the car enough. I tow a Coachman Amara 520/4 which makes me about 95% but find this a very stable outfit and the engine power is superb.

 

[Robert_374242026]

Are estates really longer than hatches? as in my handbook they are the same and their gross weight is a few kilo more for the bit of roof it seems, is this so ?.

 

[Garfield]

I think it depends upon the model, our old peugeot 405 was a few millimeters shorter than the saloon version but I'm sure some estates will be longer

 

[Bay343]

I tow 1300kg with my 2.2 St Hatch. Never had any problems with wheel spin, feels nice and stable, bags of power, have to ease off sometimes going uphill. The hatch is approx 4in shorter than the estate(I use a 2.0 tdci estate for work)and slightly lighter. I could not decide between the hatch or estate at the time, really just go with what you prefer, although if you can get the 2.2(mpg solo 44, towing 31)

 

[Steve L]

I tow with a Laguna estate 1998. Apart from the fact that I lug two big dogs around, I also find that the stiffer suspension of the estate copes better with the hitch weight of the van.

The old hollow rattling of estates has gone and they are just as quiet as a hatch back.

The extra couple of inches of rear overhang has not adversely affected our cars ability to perform.

Due to the fact that we tow an older van which has the aerodynamics of a brick, I fit a whale tail deflector to the roof bars which are in turn held by the factory fitted roof rails. You would struggle to fit a deflector in the correct place on a hatchback. Also the air flow on a hatchback inherently encourages additional air pressure on the front of the van which could affect fuel consumption more than with an estate.

 

[Jon_374306764]

I tow with a Laguna estate 1998. Apart from the fact that I lug two big dogs around, I also find that the stiffer suspension of the estate copes better with the hitch weight of the van.

The old hollow rattling of estates has gone and they are just as quiet as a hatch back.

The extra couple of inches of rear overhang has not adversely affected our cars ability to perform.

Due to the fact that we tow an older van which has the aerodynamics of a brick, I fit a whale tail deflector to the roof bars which are in turn held by the factory fitted roof rails. You would struggle to fit a deflector in the correct place on a hatchback. Also the air flow on a hatchback inherently encourages additional air pressure on the front of the van which could affect fuel consumption more than with an estate.

Before our preset Laguna Tourer we had a '97 Laguna estate which was a great tow car, a proper estate. The current version is an entirely different beast

 

[stu_766963]

Before our preset Laguna Tourer we had a '97 Laguna estate which was a great tow car, a proper estate. The current version is an entirely different beast

Jon; does that mean that your current tourer is better or worse than the old estate? I am currently looking a purchasing one now to tow our 1994 swift corniche.

cheers,

Stu.