Road tests of the year 2012: November
As winter approached we continued at full pace. Here are our road test winners from November
Jaguar XF Sportbrake vs BMW 5 Series Touring vs Audi A6 Avant
Winner: BMW 5 Series Touring Read the full test >>
Towards the end of the year we had to judge one of our toughest-ever tests. The new Jaguar XF Sportbrake was designed to strike at the heart of the executive estate class, and its mix of all-round talents, including a big boot, comfortable ride and generous standard kit, was enough to make it a strong contender – although the gruff 2.2-litre diesel took the edge off its talents.
In the end, none of the cars in the test would’ve left you feeling short-changed, the Jag managed to pip the Audi A6 Avant, but the BMW 5 Series Touring just had the edge for versatility, low running costs and performance.
Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mazda CX-5
Winner: Mazda CX-5 Read the full test >>
November also saw us trekking up to Scotland to test the brand-new Honda CR-V against two of its most competent rivals. The updated car has been refined rather than overhauled, but is now more practical than ever – with a bigger boot and versatile interior.
It put up a good fight, yet was marginally beaten by the frugal Mazda CX-5 and powerful Hyundai Santa Fe. All is not lost for the CR-V, though, as its comfortable ride, fashionable looks and upmarket appeal will be favoured by some buyers. Only its high purchase price holds it back.
Ford B-MAX vs Kia Venga vs Renault Scenic vs Skoda Yeti
Winner: Ford B-MAX Read the full test >>
The innovative Ford B-MAX arrived in November, when we pitted it against three very different rivals. With its practical interior and pioneering pillarless door system, the B-MAX aims to snatch buyers from the both the conventional mini-MPV class, as well as the ever-popular crossover market.
Here, we saw it triumph over the brilliant Skoda Yeti thanks to an entertaining drive and efficient engine, but fall just short of the spacious Renault Scenic. It posted a more convincing win over the cheaper Kia Venga, thanks to bags of driver appeal and a high-quality interior.
