Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Ascari KZ1 Coupe (2005-2010) review

A production run of just 50 cars shows just how special the Ascari KZ1 is.

Ascari KZ1
Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Ascari KZ1
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

A production run of just 50 cars shows just how special the Ascari KZ1 is. It's been in development since 2000 and, the company says, has stuck rigidly to racing principals and technology. The monocoque is carbon fibre, the BMW-derived 5.0-litre V8 engine mid-mounted and more than powerful enough; 500bhp means 200mph and 60mph in just 3.7 seconds. A six-speed manual gives the interaction racers love, while it's said to be sublime through the corners.

Owners are given ample opportunity to find out - buy a KZ1 and you also get access to the company's purpose-built test track in Spain, which has dozens of corners modelled on the most famous bends in the world. A little Brands Hatch here, a little Suzuka there. It's jaw-dropping. The car's cabin is almost as impressive, with polished aluminium setting off bespoke trims. Whatever you want, they can accommodate. All this, for £235,000. By supercar standards, that's almost a bargain.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

In-depth reviews

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,395
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,400
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
17 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025