Fumes in estate cars

Sir,

When road-testing future estate cars, would it be possible to include a few miles driven with the rear open ?

I am prompted to make this request by experience in the Austin A40 Countryman. With the tailgate down to accommodate a long load, life is made unbearable by exhaust fumes which are sucked into the car.

A further point which seems to have been overlooked is that when so driven the rear number plate is invisible. Surely a simple hinged mounting could be provided as on pre-war drop-head boot lids.

HN Hillier, Beaminster.