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...

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Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

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Omoda 5

Omoda 5

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Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

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Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

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More on Long-term tests

MINI Countryman Cooper D
MINI Countryman Cooper D boot

MINI Countryman Cooper D

How many staff can we squeeze into chunky Brit 4x4? Auto Express puts it to the ultimate practicality test...
Long-term tests
9 Jun 2011
Peugeot RCZ
Peugeot RCZ vs Jagaur XKR-S

Peugeot RCZ

Our coupe is blessed with many talents, but it's no match for Jaguar's sensational new XKR-S. Or is it?
Long-term tests
7 Jun 2011
Skoda Superb Estate: Second Report
Skoda Superb Estate header

Skoda Superb Estate: Second Report

At last we've found a better all-rounder than our long-termer... a different version of the same car!
Long-term tests
7 Jun 2011
Vauxhall Corsa 2011 - long term test
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa 2011 - long term test

Cut-price motoring and attractive styling are key to supermini’s appeal.
Long-term tests
6 Jun 2011
Renault Megane ST
Renault Megane ST header

Renault Megane ST

Is our Renault Megane Sport Tourer ‘tres bien’, or do we wish it a ‘bon voyage’?
Long-term tests
31 May 2011
Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage header

Kia Sportage

Our snappers are exchanging cars – but does Korean crossover represent better part of the deal?
Long-term tests
27 May 2011
Audi A1: First report
Audi A1: First report header

Audi A1: First report

It requires guts to take on MINI, but our new premium small car has the stomach for a fight
Long-term tests
20 May 2011
Mercedes E350
Mercedes E350 header

Mercedes E350

Luxury estate is proving to be a prized asset – and a real winner when it comes to fuel consumption
Long-term tests
20 May 2011
Mazda 5: First report
Mazda 5: First report header

Mazda 5: First report

A growing family needs a bigger car. So after a 2 supermini and 3 hatch, the 5 MPV is the next Mazda for us to test!
Long-term tests
13 May 2011
Hyundai ix35
Hyundai ix35 corner

Hyundai ix35

Long weekends have allowed SUV to stretch its legs out of town – and it’s really impressed
Long-term tests
9 May 2011
Audi A5 Sportback
Audi A5 Sportback

Audi A5 Sportback

A hi-tech service at Audi’s flagship dealer has seen our Sportback restored to full fitness
Long-term tests
9 May 2011
SEAT Ibiza ST
SEAT Ibiza ST header

SEAT Ibiza ST

Stylish, practical supermini estate has joined our fleet in time for the warm weather and the holiday season
Long-term tests
28 Apr 2011
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Saab 9-5
Saab 9-5 header

Saab 9-5

Does stylish Swedish saloon have what it takes to fill the shoes of an old favourite?
Long-term tests
15 Apr 2011
Ford S-MAX
Ford S-MAX header

Ford S-MAX

A starring role in a Ford technical video was the latest assignment for our MPV
Long-term tests
8 Apr 2011
MINI Countryman Cooper D
MINI Countryman Cooper D header

MINI Countryman Cooper D

Kids grow up fast – and the MINI has too since we first tried one. Now, the Countryman is a fine travelling companion...
Long-term tests
8 Apr 2011
Suzuki Swift
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Suzuki Swift

It’s big in the city, and supermini is also a star on open road
Long-term tests
1 Apr 2011
Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3 corner

Citroen DS3

Regular driver has taken enforced break. But everyone else loves hatch!
Long-term tests
1 Apr 2011
Skoda Superb Estate
Skoda Superb Estate header

Skoda Superb Estate

There’s plenty to love about our new load-lugger – and we’re hoping the honey moon period will continue
Long-term tests
28 Mar 2011
Mazda 3
Mazda 3 header

Mazda 3

After a tough winter, hatch is due a check-up. Does it get a clean bill of health?
Long-term tests
18 Mar 2011
Hyundai ix35
Hyundai ix35 header

Hyundai ix35

Classy Korean looks great, but is proving to be a car of two halves for our publishing director
Long-term tests
14 Mar 2011
Renault Megane ST
Renault Megane ST header

Renault Megane ST

Our new arrival has already ticked plenty of boxes as a stylish, flexible and fun load carrier
Long-term tests
14 Mar 2011
Toyota Auris Hybrid: Final report
Toyota Auris Hybrid header

Toyota Auris Hybrid: Final report

Hassle-free petrol-electric hatch has taken the stress out of everyday driving – and we’re going to miss it...
Long-term tests
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Peugeot RCZ THP 200
Peugeot RCZ THP 200 front

Peugeot RCZ THP 200

We’ve fallen head over heels for stunning new coupé. But will our love affair last?
Long-term tests
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