Skip advert
Advertisement

Performance Car of the Year 2012

Which is the best driver's car of 2012? We count them down from 10 to one

Welcome to Britain’s best Performance Car of the Year contest. Over the past 12 months, a bumper crop of fast cars has gone on sale, ranging from great-value pocket rockets to mid-engined exotics. In celebration, we’ve gathered together 10 of the best for our annual high-octane shoot-out.

We’ve rated each contender for handling on the road, performance, desirability and price, before going against the clock at the challenging Anglesey circuit in Wales.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We've also been in search of cheap thrills with eight performance bargains and gone for a drive on the wild side in a pair of crazy racers for the road. Buckle up...

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,750
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,266
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025