Skip advert
Advertisement

Road tests of the year 2012: September

September was an altogether more modest month, but we still found some great road test winners

Toyota Prius+ vs Renault Scenic vs SEAT Alhambra

Toyota Prius+ vs SEAT Alhambra and Renault Scenic

Winner: Renault Scenic/SEAT Alhambra Read the full test >>

Toyota wants to turn the Prius into a brand of its own. As well as launching a Plug-In model, it brought out the seven-seat Prius+ this year.

This new hybrid people carrier has no direct rivals, so we pitched it against two different MPVs: the Renualt Scenic has similar emissions, while the SEAT Alhambra has a similar price.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But it wasn’t good news for the Toyota. Diehard Prius fans who need extra space will love this car, but the far cheaper Scenic proved a diesel is still an efficient choice. And the SEAT had an edge with its vast cabin. It wasn’t much thirstier than the Prius+, either.

Dacia Duster vs Peugeot Partner Tepee vs Kia Venga vs second-hand Nissan Qashqai

Dacia Duster vs Peugeot Partner Tepee, Kia Venga and used Nissan Qashaqi

Winner: Dacia Duster Read the full test >>

The first cars from Renault’s budget brand hit the road in January, and as a taster we compared a European-specification Dacia Duster with a trio of alternative rivals: a supermini-MPV, a van-based people carrier and a second-hand crossover.

With prices starting at less than £9,000, Dacia’s SUV sets a new benchmark for value. And it proved the best choice of the brand new cars, boasting more comfort and space than the Kia Venga and a lower price tag than the Peugeot Partner.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

iX3

2024 BMW

iX3

13,721 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £27,803
View iX3
i20

2023 Hyundai

i20

38,390 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,217
View i20
i20

2017 Hyundai

i20

37,548 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £7,909
View i20
e-tron

2023 Audi

e-tron

32,904 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £19,709
View e-tron

It couldn’t quite overcome the tempting spec list of the used Nissan Qashqai. However, two wins out of three in our unique triple twin test was a strong showing for the Dacia.

Skoda Citigo 5-dr vs Fiat Panda TwinAir

Fiat Panda vs Skoda Citigo

Winner: Skoda Citigo Read the full test >>

This was a tough one to call. Both cars dip under the 100g/km emissions threshold, and their characterful engines sound great. The two-cylinder Fiat Panda was more fun to drive, but the Skoda Citigo had the upper hand for comfort and refinement. The Skoda also had more equipment and cheaper running costs, which sealed the victory.

Audi A3 vs Volvo V40 vs BMW 1 Series

BMW 1 Series vs Audi A3 and Vovlo V40

Winner: BMW 1 Series Read the full test >>

The premium hatch class is a tough market, and the arrival of a new Audi A3 only made things tougher. For its first test, we chose rivals that would give it a stern challenge. Despite the fact the A3 was a three-door only – the five-door Sportback arrives early next year – it put up a strong fight.

The styling was a weak point, yet the high-quality cabin and a great mix of performance and economy put the A3 ahead of the stylish Volvo V40. However, the BMW 1 Series had an edge over the Audi, on account of its entertaining handling, although the margins between the three cars were incredibly slim.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £11,795
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,778 off RRP*Used from £11,890
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,784 off RRP*Used from £13,850
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £11,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025