Skip advert
Advertisement

In-car vacuum cleaner mini test

We test the new in-car vacuum cleaner from Dyson to find out how it compares to our current best buy

Cleaning up crumbs in your car is simple with a dedicated vacuum cleaner. There’s no need to drag the household vac to your driveway, as the latest handhelds are small enough to be left in the boot for use away from the mains.

Dyson’s updated Animal DC34 has a motorised brush head for picking up pet hair, plus its digital motor claims to spin five times faster than an F1 engine. We put it up against our current favourite: the Halfords 12V Car Vacuum.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our road test team loves these vacs, and we tested them on cars ahead of a photoshoot. We used them to shift dog hairs from the boot, biscuit crumbs from the driver’s seat and muck from the footwell. Plus, we counted the attachments included and rated suction over a section of carpet. Price was also a factor.

The Dyson’s suction is second to none, plus it’s easy to empty. Battery life is limited, though, and it’s just too pricey. So the Halfords is still best for clearing up on the go. Unlike the Dyson, it’s not cordless, but there’s a long 12-volt cable and it also has three attachments.

Money no object: Dyson DC34 Animal

Price: £179.99

Contact: www.dyson.co.uk

Rating:★★★★

Dyson DC34 Animal

Best buy: Halfords 12V Car Vacuum

Price: £19.99

Contact: www.halfords.com

Rating:★★★★★

Halfords 12V Car Vacuum
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,024 off RRP*Used from £12,378
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,429 off RRP*Used from £19,899
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £4,599 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,285 off RRP*Used from £25,973
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chery Tiggo 8 wins Carwow Car of the Year 2026 thanks to its outstanding value
Chery Tiggo 8 - Mat Watson

Chery Tiggo 8 wins Carwow Car of the Year 2026 thanks to its outstanding value

The seven-seater family SUV also won Carwow’s Hybrid Hero award
News
20 Nov 2025
AA and BSM driving schools under investigation over £3 booking fee

AA and BSM driving schools under investigation over £3 booking fee

The Competition and Markets Authority is looking at how the companies present mandatory fees to customers
News
18 Nov 2025
Stop comparing EV charging times to petrol fill-ups, they're already quick enough
Opinion - EV charging times

Stop comparing EV charging times to petrol fill-ups, they're already quick enough

Paul Barker thinks the EV industry should focus more on efficiency and less on charging times
Opinion
19 Nov 2025