Auto Express road tests: winter 2013
Mazda 6 vs Skoda Suberb vs VW Passat
February - firstsite Gallery, Colchester, Essex
The all-new Mazda 6 had a tough job on its hands when it arrived in the Auto express car park back in February. With its distinctive good looks and keen prices, this practical family model was tasked with reigniting a sector that used to be the mainstay of the entire UK car market. But before that, it faced the challenge of the flexible Skoda Superb and efficient VW Passat in its first test.
The 6 saw off these capable rivals thanks to its unrivalled blend of style, value and performance. Finishing ahead of the Skoda and VW is no mean feat – but whether the newcomer can revive the flagging fortunes of the humble family car is less certain.
BMW 7-Series vs Jaguar XJ vs Mercedes S-Class
January - Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
Good, but not quite good enough – that’s always been our verdict on BMW’s biggest car. In January we put the 7 Series through its paces to see if the latest model had gained ground on its luxury class rivals.
The flagship saloon was up against some high-quality opposition, yet still couldn’t seize the luxury crown from the imperious Mercedes S-Class, which has since been replaced.
But it wasn’t all bad news for BMW – the top-quality, comfortable and refined 7 relegated the stylish Jaguar XJ into third.
Toyota Auris Hybrid vs Hyundai i30 vs Volkswagen Golf
January - Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire
We put the most experienced hybrid maker up against a diesel tech world leader, when the Toyota Auris Hybrid faced the latest VW Golf. Plus, we included Hyundai’s i30 in our search for the best economical family car.
The Auris has a 1.8-litre petrol engine boosted by an electric motor, emits 91g/km of CO2 and promises 70mpg economy, but on the road it trailed its rivals. The 1.6-litre VW proved nearly as sensible, with sub-100g/km emissions, plus strong resale values, a quality cabin and a fine drive.
Finishing second to the Golf was the great-value, highly efficient Hyundai. So while the Auris is more stylish than before, that wasn’t enough, as it came third here.
Audi A1 quattro vs Audi Ur-Quattro
January - Blyton Park, Lincolnshire
There are some days when it doesn’t matter how cold, wet or windy it is outside, we simply can’t wait to get on with the job.
And we had just such a day at the end of January, when we got the opportunity to pit the exciting Audi A1 quattro – of which only 333 would be produced – against a legend from the manufacturer’s past: the Ur-Quattro.
The sub-zero temperatures were perfect for testing these 4WD performance cars, and we came away certain that the A1 will become a classic. We didn’t name our winner on the day, but the eighties coupe will live longer in our memories.
Range Rover vs Audi A8 vs Porsche Cayenne
January - Porthmadog, Gwynedd
We headed to the beach for one of the most eagerly anticipated road tests of the year. The late January weather wasn’t kind, but the cosseting interior of the new Range Rover compensated – and the British off-road legend proved a formidable competitor.
To test its on-road credentials, we put it up against the Audi A8 – a 4WD limo with one of the classiest cabins around – while off-road rivalry came in the form of Porsche’s sporty Cayenne.
Our double twin test format is an unforgiving challenge as it pits one car against two distinct competitors, each with unique talents and strengths. Yet the accomplished Range Rover made it look easy – with its mixture of 4x4 brilliance and on-road opulence, it’s the ultimate luxury all-rounder.
Our verdict on the excellent TDV8? “It’s hard to think of a journey, lifestyle or road condition the Range Rover would fail to take in its stride.”
Brilliant used bargains
At the end of January we hit the classifieds to dig out some of the hottest used bargains of the moment.
We named 81 irresistible cars over 10 price categories that were all available for around half their new price.
There was something for every taste and budget, from a sub-£1,000 Ford Puma to an £80,000 Lamborghini Murciélago. Our testers even named 10 ‘risky’ second-hand choices that were big on passion and character, but would take courage to buy. Yet these cars had one thing in common: they were all genuine half-price heroes.
• See our best used cars 2013
Mercedes G350 vs Twisted Defender
February - Hutton-le-Hole, N. York Moors
Die-hard off-road fans with deep pockets will have loved this test. The Mercedes G-Class is unapologetically old-school, with a body-on-frame construction and boxy styling, yet is a true status symbol.
Twisted’s version of the Defender is a suitably tough and uncompromising competitor. The Yorkshire-based outfit offers a range of power upgrades and personalisation options for well heeled buyers.
And in our head-to-head, the Twisted model had the edge over its legendary rival, thanks to its traditional Land Rover charm and bespoke feel.
Skoda Octavia vs Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Golf
February - Rendlesham, Suffolk
A string of award-winning new cars from Skoda raised expectations for the latest Octavia, and we tested an early Czech-reg model against some stiff competitors in the shape of the Honda Civic and VW Golf.
The Octavia didn’t disappoint with its interior space and practicality, while its high-quality dash and generous kit count are just what we’ve come to expect from the brand. But this wasn’t quite enough for the newcomer to win its debut test.
That’s because the latest Golf matches the Skoda in most respects and beats it for desirability and driver appeal. It took the honours here, with the Octavia the runner-up, and the Honda adrift in third.
Vauxhall Adam vs Fiat 500
February - Battersea, London
Vauxhall injected a welcome dose of fun to its line-up in February, with the arrival of the long-awaited Adam city car.
Taking its lead from the Fiat 500, it provides such an amazing range of customisation options that buyers are unlikely to see an identical model on the roads. Our testers confirmed the newcomer is a quality product, but in 1.4-litre petrol form, it wasn’t good enough to beat the 500 TwinAir.
Poor refinement and handling undermined its attempt to topple the charming Fiat, but the margin of victory was narrow enough for the Vauxhall to merit a place on premium city car buyers’ shortlists.
Renault Clio vs Peugeot 208 vs Ford Fiesta
February - Chobham, Surrey
Could the revised Ford Fiesta reassert its authority on the supermini sector? To find out, we pitched it against the all-new Renault Clio, and the car that stole its crown as the class leader, the Peugeot 208.
The Ford’s makeover, refreshed cabin and lively EcoBoost engines were exemplary – and, of course, it was as good to drive as ever. The Peugeot 208 did just enough to claim the runner-up spot, while the Clio’s stylish looks, practical packaging and easy-to-use touchscreen interface all went down well. It finished third, but still marked a significant improvement on its predecessor.
Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake vs Audi A7 vs BMW 535d Touring
February - Kibworth, Leicestershire
If ever a model called for a double twin test, (where we pitch a newcomer against two very different rivals), it’s the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake.
The upmarket estate-cum-hatch defies traditional boundaries, so we compared it to a top-class fastback in the sleek shape of the Audi A7, then a more practical estate – the BMW 5 Series Touring.
The CLS’ daring design, big boot and sheer desirability saw off the Audi, but if you put substance – and driving pleasure – ahead of style, the BMW is the car to pick.
