Long-term tests

Long-term tests

Every Auto Express long-term test, ever...

The Auto Express long-term test is a rigorous examination of a car’s design, engineering and practicality in real world conditions - often accompanied by some slightly silly photos of our experts with their cars. 

Our team lives with each car for a period of around six months, subjecting each to the trials and tribulations of our own daily routines. School runs, shopping trips, commutes, days out, family holidays, visits to the rubbish dump; we live with these cars so you can understand what it would be like to. 

And, of course, we’re car journalists so we regularly go above and beyond the typical use patterns for our long-term test cars. Track and off-road driving, in suitable models, gives a further insight into their qualities. So do the big mileages we cover on roads of all types right around the UK and across Europe, not to mention the photographic and video shoots.  

If you’re in the market to buy a new car, the Auto Express long-term test reports provide an invaluable insight into what your own life might be like as the owner. In combination with our in-depth reviews and group tests, these pages form the most comprehensive evaluation of new cars you’ll find anywhere. 

Over thousands of miles of testing, our experts really get under the skin of all the most popular models on the market and if you have specific questions about the cars we’re running now or have run in the past, we’re here to help… 

What’s on fleet?

Cars we’re reporting on now plus recent long-term test fleet arrivals and departures 

Scroll down for all our long-term test reports...

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,300 off RRP*Used from £11,701
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

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Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,283 off RRP*Used from £26,500
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,961 off RRP*Used from £6,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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More on Long-term tests

Vauxhall Ampera: First report

Vauxhall Ampera: First report

We dig out the Continental plug adaptors in readiness to take our electric car abroad
Long-term tests
20 Jul 2012
Jaguar XF: Fourth report

Jaguar XF: Fourth report

Our diesel Jaguar XF saloon continues to impress... and shows its practical side, too
Long-term tests
18 Jul 2012
Volkswagen Jetta: First report

Volkswagen Jetta: First report

The new VW Jetta joins our fleet, but will it be as easy to live with as a hatch for our family man?
Long-term tests
18 Jul 2012
Infiniti G37 Convertible: Fourth report
Infiniti Emerg-e and G37 at Goodwood

Infiniti G37 Convertible: Fourth report

Coupe-cabrio lines up with Infiniti’s stunning new hybrid sports car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Long-term tests
16 Jul 2012
Mazda CX-5: First report
Mazda CX-5 header

Mazda CX-5: First report

We’ve picked up the keys to our new CX-5 crossover – and it’s made a really strong first impression
Long-term tests
11 Jul 2012
Suzuki Swift Sport: First report
Suzuki Swift Sport

Suzuki Swift Sport: First report

A healthy dose of fun is on the menu as pocket rocket joins our fleet
Long-term tests
9 Jul 2012
Ford Focus: Final report
Ford Escort Mexico and Ford Focus

Ford Focus: Final report

We travel back in time to rate seventies star against the latest Ford Focus hatch
Long-term tests
4 Jul 2012
Nissan Leaf: Fourth report
Nissan Leaf service

Nissan Leaf: Fourth report

Electric car goes in for its first service. So what does it involve?
Long-term tests
2 Jul 2012
Hyundai i30: First report
Hyundai i30 header

Hyundai i30: First report

Family hatch is the latest car to join our fleet. Can it make a good impression?
Long-term tests
27 Jun 2012
Lexus CT 200h: Third report
Lexus CT 200h

Lexus CT 200h: Third report

Premium hybrid hatch continues to impress on efficiency, plus it’s a capable load carrier
Long-term tests
25 Jun 2012
Skoda Yeti: Second report
Skoda Yeti

Skoda Yeti: Second report

Our youngest reader yet helps give verdict on family carry-all
Long-term tests
20 Jun 2012
Peugeot 508 SW: Fourth report
Peugeot 508 SW and RXH

Peugeot 508 SW: Fourth report

Classy Peugeot 508 SW estate compares well to hi-tech hybrid stablemate
Long-term tests
18 Jun 2012
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Mazda 5: Final report
Mazda 5 header

Mazda 5: Final report

Seven-seater gets a goodbye spruce-up after a year’s happy family motoring
Long-term tests
13 Jun 2012
Suzuki Swift: Final report
Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift: Final report

Supermini has proven easy to live with, and even organising a service is straightforward
Long-term tests
11 Jun 2012
Vauxhall Ampera: First report
Vauxhall Ampera

Vauxhall Ampera: First report

Long-awaited range-extending electric car joins fleet. So does it deliver on its promise?
Long-term tests
6 Jun 2012
Audi Q3: Fourth report
Audi Q3 header

Audi Q3: Fourth report

We’re sweeping up the roads to prevent another mishap on our 4x4
Long-term tests
4 Jun 2012
Kia Rio: First report
Kia Rio header

Kia Rio: First report

Supermini joins our fleet – and it’s already impressing with its refinement and space
Long-term tests
30 May 2012
Infiniti G37 Convertible: Third report
Infiniti G37 Convertible

Infiniti G37 Convertible: Third report

Luxury drop-top’s interior is starting to show some worrying signs of wear and tear
Long-term tests
28 May 2012
Range Rover Evoque: Second report
Range Rover Evoque header

Range Rover Evoque: Second report

Our editor is still smitten with our Car of the Year. But it could be more efficient…
Long-term tests
23 May 2012
Honda CR-Z: First report
Honda CR-Z header

Honda CR-Z: First report

Can a petrol-electric coupe be truly sporty? Our senior road tester is about to find out...
Long-term tests
16 May 2012
Vauxhall Corsa: Final report
Vauxhall Corsa front

Vauxhall Corsa: Final report

Our man tries out some of his cleaning kit to spruce up supermini before it leaves us
Long-term tests
14 May 2012
Jaguar XF: Third report
Jaguar XF front

Jaguar XF: Third report

Refined diesel executive saloon is now living the executive lifestyle in the hands of our publishing director
Long-term tests
9 May 2012
VW Polo 1.2 TSI: Final report
VW Polo 1.2 TSI header

VW Polo 1.2 TSI: Final report

Like the sweets, supermini's price has jumped over the years. Is it worth it?
Long-term tests
7 May 2012