Skip advert
Advertisement

Driving games mega-test

We pick from 12 of the best console driving games this Christmas

Race Driver GRID

Are you looking for the ideal Christmas present for the petrolhead in your life? Or do you want to get your little ones behind the wheel from an early age? 
A driving video game makes a perfect stocking filler – and over the next three pages, we test 12 of the latest, from family fun titles to realistic simulators. We round up the top peripherals, and offer tips to get the most out of playing.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The test

We rated games on three platforms: the Microsoft Xbox 360 (X360), Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3). Your choice will be dictated by the system you have, or are looking to buy, but we’ve listed the consoles each title is available on. Our games were divided into three categories – starting with simulators, which we rated for life-like handling and accurate cars. Involving gameplay was key, while real circuits and authentic details scored points.

For pick-up-and-play fun, we looked at arcade titles. These offer alternative thrills, many with multiplayer racing and options for online gaming. 

Our final category was games for all the family: less realistic racers which give maximum enjoyment for young players. In all three categories, we 
considered how long the titles would keep you entertained. Price wasn’t a key factor; all the figures quoted are from retailer Game’s website, and refer to the title on the console it was tested on.

Verdict

It’s been all change since our last test in 2006. New consoles and technology have raised the bar significantly, yet the games are still offered at affordable prices. Gran Turismo 5 has been well worth the wait, and edges ahead of F1: 2010 in the driving sim section of our test. The arcade category saw a much closer result, with the seasoned Colin McRae franchise’s DiRT 2 pushing Need for Speed into second place. Families wanting hours of fun this Christmas don’t need to look any further than Mario Kart Wii.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £12,866
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,049 off RRP*Used from £14,995
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X: which SUV is the perfect family EV?
Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X - front tracking

Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X: which SUV is the perfect family EV?

Things don’t stand still in the world of EVs, and Skoda’s Enyaq and Toyota’s bZ4X have both been updated. We put them to the test...
Car group tests
13 Sep 2025
New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025