Review of the year - June 09
Cayman, Boxster claim successive test wins, plus we mark four rings centenary by driving quattro legends
It’s rare for any manufacturer to win road tests in consecutive issues of Auto Express, but that’s exactly what Porsche did in June. As you can see, the Cayman and Boxster make a formidable pairing.
Nevertheless, Audi stole the show this month. To celebrate the car maker’s centenary, we put together a Greatest Quattros supplement in Issue 1,067. This involved driving 11 of the finest quattro models ever built, and naming our favourite. Our road testers were more excited than a bunch of school children at the prospect of getting behind the wheel of some of the finest Audis past and present. This chance simply doesn’t come along very often.
Highlight of the day was the opportunity to add a few more kilometres to the meagre 100 covered by the original Quattro belonging to the firm’s heritage fleet. The coupé was still effectively factory fresh, and even our experienced road testers were left dumbstruck.
After a brief drive around the track at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Corby, Northamptonshire, each team member returned in awed silence, aware that they had enjoyed the privilege of experiencing a true motoring legend. Days like that make being a road tester on the UK’s top-selling weekly car magazine the best job in the world.
Click any of the links below to catch up with all the rest of the year's most exciting stories.
December
Verdict
Tester's notes
The all-new E-Class was one of the most high-profile arrivals of 2009. Alongside important newcomers such as the Vauxhall Astra and Lotus Evora, it ranked as one of the big verdicts of the year.
In each of these examples, the firm in question has a huge amount of history and expertise to draw upon – and the three-pointed star is synonymous with luxury.
assessing it on motorways, A-roads, back roads and in town, we knew the latest E-Class had improved on its predecessor in every area. It was refined, comfortable and well built. But it wasn’t a match for the best in class – as eithera saloon or coupé.
It’s not all bad news for the brand, though. Initial impressions of the fire-breathing E63 AMG are positive, while the recently revealed new E-Class estate promises a compelling mix of desirability and practicality. Will the Mercedes finally fulfil its potential in 2010?
James Disdale
Road tester
