1986 Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Estate Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Estate is designed with practicality in mind. The estate body style provides a generous cargo area, ideal for transporting luggage, groceries, or other bulky items. Although exact cargo volume figures may vary slightly by model year and seating configuration, the Carlton estate's rear compartment offers substantial space, often exceeding the typical mid-size estate cars of its era. Rear seats can be folded down to further increase cargo capacity, enhancing its versatility for both family outings and commercial use.

Considering its length of about 4.74 meters (15.5 feet) and width near 1.74 meters (5.7 feet), the Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Estate will fit comfortably into most standard garages. Standard single-car garages generally accommodate vehicles up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in width, allowing some room for opening doors and movement around the car. However, owners should still measure their specific garage spaces, especially if the garage has shelving or storage elements that might reduce usable width or length.

The curb weight of the Carlton Mk III Estate typically ranges between 1,300 and 1,500 kilograms (approximately 2,866 to 3,307 pounds), depending on the engine variant and trim level. This weight is considered moderate for a station wagon of its time, contributing to stable handling and reasonable fuel efficiency. The weight balance between the front and rear helps maintain good driving dynamics, while not being overly heavy to impair acceleration or braking performance. Overall, the weight complements its role as a practical family car with reliable road manners.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Estate features a wheelbase of approximately 2,700 mm (106.3 inches). Compared to other mid- to large-sized estate cars of the late 1980s and early 1990s, this wheelbase is competitive, providing a stable ride and ample interior space for passengers. For instance, it closely matches wheelbases found in comparable vehicles like the Ford Granada estate or certain Opel Omega estates of the era. This wheelbase ensures a comfortable rear seat legroom and balanced driving characteristics, enhancing both comfort and stability during longer trips.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Estate saw a moderate increase in overall dimensions compared to the Mk II generation. The Mk III's length of about 4,740 mm (186.6 inches) was slightly longer than the Mk II, which typically measured around 4,600 mm (181 inches), reflecting a trend towards more spacious vehicles in the late 1980s. The width also increased slightly, enhancing interior room and road presence. These growths allowed improved passenger comfort and increased cargo capacity. The updated design of the Mk III aimed to provide a more modern aesthetic, better aerodynamics, and improved safety features, while maintaining the practical qualities important to estate car buyers.

When matched against contemporaries such as the Ford Granada Estate, Opel Omega Estate, and BMW 5 Series Touring (E34), the Carlton Mk III Estate's dimensions sit within a mid-to-large estate category. Its length of 4,740 mm (186.6 inches) and width of 1,740 mm (68.5 inches) offer similar or slightly smaller exterior footprints compared to these rivals. While the BMW 5 Series Touring was often more premium and slightly larger in some dimensions, the Carlton provided competitive interior space and cargo capacity, combined with affordability and practicality, making it a strong competitor in the family and fleet estate market segment.

The Carlton Mk III Estate is a traditional station wagon featuring a boxy but refined design typical of late 1980s automotive aesthetics. Its straight lines and large rear cargo door emphasize function and ease of access, fitting the estate's primary role as a practical family or utility vehicle. The styling included updated headlights, grille, and trim details marking a shift from its predecessor’s softer edges. The estate body style enhances rear visibility and cargo utility, making it a versatile vehicle for everyday use, while retaining a relatively understated yet solid road presence.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Estate stands at about 1,425 mm (56.1 inches) in height, which is typical for station wagons of its class and era. This moderate height facilitates the fitting of roof racks or storage boxes without seriously impacting the vehicle's center of gravity or aerodynamic profile. The relatively low height compared to SUVs improves fuel efficiency while still providing enough clearance for large cargo on the roof when outfitted with appropriate rails or mounts. This flexibility is useful for users needing additional cargo capacity beyond the generous estate interior.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Estate, introduced in 1986 and produced until 1994, significantly impacted the mid-size estate market by combining practicality, solid build quality, and value. During its production, it filled a niche for buyers seeking a reliable family vehicle capable of handling both passengers and cargo comfortably. Its combination of a spacious interior, competitive dimensions, and Vauxhall's reputation for durability helped it compete against established models like the Ford Granada and Opel Omega. The Mk III also benefited from improved engine options and technology compared to earlier generations, sustaining its appeal throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.