Road tests of the year 2012: February
February was a bumper month of road tests. Here are our favourites
Vauxhall Zafira Tourer vs Ford S-MAX vs SEAT Alhambra
Winner: SEAT Alhambra Read the full test >>
The Ford S-MAX and SEAT Alhambra have got the full-sized people carrier market sewn up. If you want dashing looks and sporty handling, buy the Ford; if space and practicality are your prime concerns, go for the SEAT.
Against such talented opposition, the new Vauxhall Zafira Tourer was in for a rollercoaster ride – and there were more downs than ups. The stylish Tourer is a welcome addition to the market, but despite its high-quality interior and comfort, it trailed in last. Why? Because it’s a compact MPV for the price of a full-size model, when what it really needs to be is a full-sized seven-seater with the price of a compact model.
It simply wasn’t big enough inside to match the practical SEAT, or enough fun to give the Ford a run for its money. So the Alhambra maintained its place at the top of the people carrier pecking order.
Suzuki Swift Sport vs Renault Clio Gordini
Winner: Suzuki Swift Sport Read the full test >>
The Suzuki Swift Sport is a car with a glittering recent history, and we are loving running one on our fleet. It has been a firm favourite for years, so when the all-new model turned up in February, our expectations were high.
Its Renault rival was aiming to recreate the spirit of a bygone era, but the Clio Gordini was well beaten. The Renault’s talented chassis was a highlight during our time behind the wheel, but a lack of pace, higher price and garish styling additions held it back.
In contrast, the Swift Sport’s agile handling, perky performance and infectious character took the victory.
Porsche 911 vs Jaguar XKR
Winner: Porsche 911 Read the full test >>
The new Porsche 911 was one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of the year, and when it finally arrived in the Auto Express car park, we had a brilliant Brit ready and waiting. The latest Jaguar XKR promised to give the Porsche a stiff work-out, as it combines spectacular performance and capable handling with the kind of long-haul comfort and refinement you expect from an executive saloon.
The bad news for the big cat is that the new 911 is every bit as good as its incredible heritage suggests it should be. Its unmistakable shape features some sharp detailing, while the driving experience is as intoxicating as ever. Dyed-in-the-wool Porsche fans were concerned the new car’s electric power-steering set-up would rob the 911 of its famous feel and tactility, but they needn’t have worried – it emerged from this test with its credentials as the consummate sports coupe intact.
Hyundai i40 vs VW Jetta vs Kia Optima
Former value champions Hyundai and Kia have been rivalling mainstream makers for a while now – but this year saw them launch their first truly competitive family saloons. The Hyundai i40 and Kia Optima match stylish exteriors with smart, well equipped interiors. We put them up against each other, and the Volkswagen Jetta, to see if they really did measure up.
The answer was a resounding yes, and the Kia sneaked a victory thanks to its more stylish exterior and polished dynamics. The Jetta was better to drive than both of its rivals here, but so-so cabin quality and drab looks left it in third place.
Mercedes B-Class vs VW Golf Plus vs Ford C-MAX
Winner: Ford C-MAX Read the full test >>
Upper-crust people carriers should be Mercedes’ stock in trade – but the new B-Class had a tough introduction to life in the compact MPV sector. We put the newcomer up against the talented Ford C-MAX and established Volkswagen Golf Plus, and were left scratching our heads at the end of the test.
On the face of it the new B-Class has everything you could wish for: fresh looks, a prestige badge, a vastly improved interior and an excellent engine range. But we found too many flaws for it to finish above either of its proven rivals. Why, for example, are the flexible Easy-Vario-Plus rear seats an optional extra on a car in this class? And the ride was simply too firm in Sport trim. If you want a people carrier with a prestige badge, the B-Class makes sense, but there are cheaper and more capable alternatives available.
Renault Fluence Z.E. vs Nissan Leaf
Winner: Nissan Leaf Read the full test >>
Snow was falling as we headed home from the office in the new Renault Fluence for the first time – and as we needed to maximise our range, we couldn’t use the heater.
Unfortunately, the all-electric saloon did little to lift our spirits on the journey. Even if you put the obvious electric car constraints of limited range and the need to charge batteries at regular intervals to one side, the Fluence was the most disappointing car we’ve tested all year.
It had price on its side in this test, but looked and felt cheap next to the vastly more interesting and appealing Nissan Leaf.
