If nothing else, the Paris Motor Show is truly enabling automotive brands to showcase their creativity and ideas for the future.
In a modern automotive world of SUVs, supercars and hot hatches, however, one type of vehicle that is severely underrepresented is the estate car. And it’s a shame, as the estate car holds a special place in the hearts of the majority of petrolheads. Spacious, practical and usually packed with plenty of performance, estate cars have it in spades. Just ignore the impracticality of parallel parking…
So what does the future hold for the estate car? Well, this week, Vauxhall threw its hat in the ring with the unveiling of its electric interpretation.
The Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept, or STX Concept for short, has been named as such for deliberate purposes. The ‘ST’ abbreviation closely links it with Vauxhall’s latest Sports Tourer models, like the New Astra Sports Tourer; however, the brand hopes for this concept to reach beyond that category.
First use of new Griffin logo
The concept is also significant for Vauxhall as it allows it to showcase its fancy new streamlined Griffin logo for the first time on a car. The logo — which is illuminated on the STX Concept — will be a leading part of the brand’s new ‘Bold and Pure’ design language and will feature on the next all-new Vauxhall production model, set to be revealed in 2027.
Exterior Design
Vauxhall’s link with estate cars dates back to the 1950s, and the STX Concept has been designed to reimagine the electric estate car, while giving a preview of what is to come in the future. As with many concepts, the idea is to go whackier than ever before, and one feature that ticks that box is the latest evolution of the Vauxhall Vizor. The brand’s front fascia is bolder, taller and more prominent, in keeping with the sharp proportions of the rest of the vehicle and features a new lighting signature.
The rear of the STX follows the same design principles, with a clean, steeply sloping profile that also comes with the practical benefit of added storage space. Further lighting is found on the illuminated Vauxhall wordmark at the centre, while the horizontal rear lights echo the vertical-element ones at the front.
Along the side profile, precise cameras replace conventional door mirrors in a contemporary and technologically advanced take, while short overhanging, sculpted bodywork and pronounced wheelarches emphasise Vauxhall’s bold design choice.
Aerodynamically efficient
That’s not to say it’s overly chunky, with Vauxhall saying “aerodynamic efficiency is central” to the STX Concept. An active aerodynamic system continuously adapts to the driving conditions, using moving elements at the rear to optimise airflow, reduce drag and improve stability.
Aerodynamically optimised three-section alloy wheels pay homage to retro models such as the Nova and first Corsa and in terms of performance, the all-wheel drive STX Concept comes with a top speed of more than 124mph.
Interior
Inside, the designers and engineers have continued to develop the ‘Painting with Light’ approach seen in the 2025 Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept, using specially developed lightweight seats and immersive lighting elements.
If this is to be the future of the estate car, then buckle up; it’s going to be an interesting ride.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Vauxhall - Stellantis