Road tests of the year 2012: April
We tested everything from superminis to sports cars in April. These were our favourites
Vauxhall Ampera vs Audi A4 vs Lexus CT 200h vs Nissan Leaf
Winner: Vauxhall Ampera Read the full test >>
The arrival of the world’s first ‘range extender’ called for a special kind of road test. The Vauxhall Ampera’s clever electric drivetrain and petrol generator combine the long-range benefits of traditional petrol cars with the refinement and green credentials of an electric model.
Its rivals came from all corners of the market, with an Audi A4 representing diesel saloons, the Lexus CT 200h fighting the hybrid corner and the Nissan Leaf flying the all-electric flag.
Our four-car convoy completed a predetermined route, taking in a mixture of urban, motorway and country driving, and once we’d totted up the numbers the clever Vauxhall had returned an impressive 72.3mpg – more than any of its rivals. Driven correctly, the Ampera has the ability to revolutionise the way we use cars, and it took a deserved win ahead of the sensible Audi, cramped and uncomfortable Lexus and range-limited Nissan.
Volkswagen up! vs Peugeot 107
Winner: Volkswagen up! Read the full test >>
Make no mistake: the Volkswagen up! – along with its Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii stablemates – was the most hotly anticipated new car of 2012. Picking a rival was simple, as the idea of three major brands teaming up to produce a cut-price city car is nothing new; Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota have been doing this for years with their 107, C1 and Aygo models respectively.
We chose the freshly revamped Peugeot 107 for this twin test encounter, and we still found plenty to like – but the up! raises the bar in the city car segment and it took a comfortable victory in this encounter.
Citroen DS5 vs BMW 3 Series vs VW CC
Winner: BMW 3 Series Read the full test >>
Bold styling only gets you so far – so we wanted to find out if the Citroen DS5 was more than just a snazzy suit.
Taking on the new 3 Series is a tough ask for any car maker and, dynamically at least, the DS5 was off the pace. The sensible money in the compact executive saloon car class still goes on the BMW, but the Citroen’s landmark styling ensured it took second place ahead of the uninspiring Volkswagen CC.
Bentley Continental GT V8 vs Porsche Panamera
Winner: Bentley Continental GT V8 Read the full test >>
Every so often, a car comes along that delivers the unexpected – and the Bentley Continental GT V8 is one of them. Flagship models are usually the most desirable choices, especially at the luxury end of the market, but the GT V8 turns this theory on its head. Our testers were smitten by its characterful soundtrack, stump-pulling torque and surprising efficiency.
It’s far more engaging than the more costly W12 version, as well as the Panamera Turbo S. The Porsche is a techno marvel, but it comes alive only at irresponsible speeds; the Bentley puts a smile on your face in stationary traffic.
