Road tests of the year 2012: March
March saw some very important road tests. Here are our top picks
Fiat Panda vs Hyundai i10 vs Kia Picanto
Winner: Hyundai i10 Read the full test >>
City cars are what Fiat does best, so the new Panda had history on its side. Kia and Hyundai have made a habit out of upsetting the establishment, though, and the all-new Picanto and latest i10 are talented machines.
When we looked at the numbers that would decide this test, the outcome proved to be one of the closest of the entire year. Few contests have caused our team to agonise as much and at one stage or another, each of our trio looked set for victory.
In the end, the Hyundai’s lower price, longer list of kit and lengthy warranty saw it triumph over the fun Fiat and crisply styled Kia.
BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4 vs Mercedes C-Class
Winner: BMW 3 Series Read the full test >>
BMW found itself in exactly the same position as Porsche did with the Boxster this year, with the new 3 Series replacing a car that was still at the top of its class after years on sale.
Competition is much more fierce in the compact executive market, with the likes of the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class biting at the 3’s heels – but there was still no danger of BMW messing up the winning formula.
In its first test, we found the all-new 3 Series built on its predecessor’s amazing fuel efficiency, brilliant handling and competitive pricing, while at the same time addressing some of its flaws by offering a more spacious, higher-quality interior.
Against such a complete package, the A4 and C-Class didn’t stand a chance. The popular 320d isn’t without fault – its engine is gruff and the stop-start system has a fierce kick – but it’s the closest thing to perfection from a classy compact saloon.
Hyundai i30 vs Volkswagen Golf vs Ford Focus vs Mazda 3
Winner: Volkswagen Golf Read the full test >>
Was Hyundai about to come of age or come up short? That was the question on everybody’s lips when the new i30 went head-to-head with the best small family hatches. We pulled no punches, pitching the Hyundai up against three brilliant cars, and it didn’t disappoint.
Okay, it finished behind VW’s all-conquering Golf – but in claiming the scalps of the Ford Focus and Mazda 3, the i30 confirmed what we had long suspected; that one day Hyundai would produce a car that merited a place on your drive without relying solely on its value price or compelling warranty.
Ford Ranger vs VW Amarok vs Toyota Hilux
Winner: Volkswagen Amarok Read the full test >>
A tax loophole that makes pick-up trucks highly attractive to company car drivers has prompted a raft of double-cab models targeted at family buyers rather than farmers. The new Ranger is the latest, and its tough styling and trademark Ford handling emerged as its biggest strengths.
We went to the industrial Midlands for this test, where a former colliery-turned-tourist attraction provided a perfect backdrop; where better to test lifestyle vehicles with working class roots? An unforgiving ride stopped the Ranger from taking overall victory, though, as the classy VW Amarok beat the Ford and Toyota Hilux into second and third places respectively.
