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

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,454 off RRP*Used from £11,800
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,737 off RRP*Used from £9,999
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,909 off RRP*Used from £12,536
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £2,542 off RRP*Used from £12,130
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 308 hits the UK: facelifted EV and hybrid options start under £30k
Peugeot 308 facelift (grey) - front static

New Peugeot 308 hits the UK: facelifted EV and hybrid options start under £30k

The 308 SW estate car is also available to order now, and like the hatchback it’s cheaper than before
News
11 Nov 2025
New BYD Sealion 5 DM-i arrives to take on the Kia Sportage
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i - front static

New BYD Sealion 5 DM-i arrives to take on the Kia Sportage

Chinese giant has another new model on the way, with sales of the plug-in hybrid SUV set to start in January
News
13 Nov 2025
Ford Puma will offer BlueCruise hands-free driving from 2026
Ford Puma - front cornering

Ford Puma will offer BlueCruise hands-free driving from 2026

Ford’s BlueCruise technology allows for ‘hands off’ driving on designated stretches of motorway
News
13 Nov 2025