Skip advert
Advertisement

Best for braking

Which UK car is top of the stops... Our survey for braking performance reveals all.

It's all too easy to focus on a car’s straight-line pace, and ignore its ability to stop. Yet even if you drive the fastest-accelerating model in the world, it’s never going to feel safe or inspire confidence if the brakes aren’t up to standard.

According to your votes, the Jaguar XF has the best middle pedal in the business. Despite its size, the executive model offers the stopping ability of a lightweight sports coupé. In second place is a model with a far more modest price than the big cat – Hyundai’s i30.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Interestingly, it’s one of three compact family hatchbacks in the top five of this category.At the bottom of the list, the old-shape Vauxhall Astra joins a raft of mainstream models from which we expected a lot more.

The winners: 
1. Jaguar XF“This is the best Jaguar I have owned, possibly the best they have made.” Mr Derek Edwards, Caldecott, Wiltshire. 
2. Hyundai i30“Excellent ride, economy, handling and performance. Exceeded my expectations.” Mr Gavin Morrison, Newport, Gwent.
3. Renault Megane MkII“I absolutely love my Renault Mégane Coupe! It looks great, drives great and I'm really thrilled with it.” Mrs Sue Reader, Snodland, Kent.

 

 

1JAGUAR XF94.81%
2HYUNDAI i3094.11%
3RENAULT MEGANE MkIII93.77%
4VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MkVI93.72%
5AUDI TT/ROADSTER (new)92.53%
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen T-Roc vs Toyota C-HR: two popular small SUVs, one winner
Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota C-HR - front tracking

Volkswagen T-Roc vs Toyota C-HR: two popular small SUVs, one winner

The second-generation VW T-Roc has landed to find the Toyota C-HR waiting to challenge it. Which SUV comes out on top?
Car group tests
9 May 2026
Renault 5 gets one-pedal driving for its first birthday
Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five - front action

Renault 5 gets one-pedal driving for its first birthday

The funky French EV was the UK’s most popular electric car in April and has upped its game with one-pedal driving
News
7 May 2026
New Jaguar GT: Groundbreaking 1,000bhp, four-door EV to be named in days
Jaguar GT - front (exclusive image)

New Jaguar GT: Groundbreaking 1,000bhp, four-door EV to be named in days

Jaguar’s electric GT has been called many things during development, but it’s rumoured its official nameplate is set to be confirmed next week, alongs…
News
7 May 2026