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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,315
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,321 off RRP*Used from £12,420
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
* 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

Ford Mondeo Estate TDCi Titanium X Sport
Ford Mondeo Estate

Ford Mondeo Estate TDCi Titanium X Sport

First report: Big family ferrier has joined fleet – but are we pining for the S-MAX MPV it replaces?
Long-term tests
20 Mar 2009
Nissan X-Trail: 24,715 miles

Nissan X-Trail: 24,715 miles

FINAL REPORT: How has the practical yet easy-to-drive SUV coped with 12 tough months on our fleet?
Long-term tests
13 Mar 2009
Daihatsu Materia

Daihatsu Materia

First report: Wherever we go, our new baby seems to turn heads – and we’re lapping up all the attention!
Long-term tests
13 Mar 2009
Peugeot Partner Tepee

Peugeot Partner Tepee

Van-styled people carrier has replaced our 207 SW – and it’s standing up well to the rigours of daily family use...
Long-term tests
13 Mar 2009
Yaris D-4D: 6,050 miles

Yaris D-4D: 6,050 miles

Final report: Fuss-free Toyota has proven well up to scratch with us.
Long-term tests
6 Mar 2009
Evo FQ-360: 2,990 miles
Evo FQ-360: 2,990 miles

Evo FQ-360: 2,990 miles

First report: We’ve upgraded to even faster Mitsubishi – but is it a better car to own?
Long-term tests
6 Mar 2009
MINI Cooper D Clubman

MINI Cooper D Clubman

Final report: Our estate signs off in style in a face-to-face with MINI’s hot hatch JCW flagship.
Long-term tests
26 Feb 2009
VW Golf Bluemotion 1.9 TDI
VW Golf Bluemotion 1.9 TDI

VW Golf Bluemotion 1.9 TDI

We’ve hit 55mpg in our BlueMotion test car after 4,450 miles – and that translates to huge savings at the fuel pumps.
Long-term tests
26 Feb 2009
Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi
Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi

Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi

Final report: Our Renault’s been a hit with us after 19,124 miles – but not many others...
Long-term tests
26 Feb 2009
Kia Pro_cee'd

Kia Pro_cee'd

Final report: After 8,064 miles striking white three-door is leaving our fleet. Big question is, will we miss it?
Long-term tests
20 Feb 2009
Chrysler 300c: 11,934 miles

Chrysler 300c: 11,934 miles

FINAL REPORT: It’s a fond farewell to our vast Touring estate after a highly capable nine months of family service...
Long-term tests
11 Feb 2009
Mercedes C320 CDI: 10,800 miles

Mercedes C320 CDI: 10,800 miles

Third Report: Unlikely racer gives us the speed bug
Long-term tests
30 Jan 2009
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Skoda Superb: 5,436 miles
Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb: 5,436 miles

First report: Innovative family car has made a big impression in its short time with us.
Long-term tests
26 Jan 2009
Jaguar XF
Jaguar XF

Jaguar XF

First report: After 4,493 miles our reigning Car of the Year has got off to a flying start on our fleet.
Long-term tests
13 Jan 2009
Citroen C-Crosser 2008 - long-term test
Citroen C-Crosser

Citroen C-Crosser 2008 - long-term test

With its hi-tech stereo system and versatile cabin, Citroen’s new 4x4 is music to our ears
Long-term tests
4 Dec 2008
Peugeot 207 SW

Peugeot 207 SW

After 9,577 miles we send off our supermini estate with a tour of the UK and a bit of tlc...
Long-term tests
1 Dec 2008
Hyundai i30 estate
i30 estate

Hyundai i30 estate

First report after 2,959 miles in our practical new Hyundai people carrier.
Long-term tests
25 Nov 2008
Subaru Justy

Subaru Justy

Costly windscreen chip repairs are spoiling our enjoyment of city car.
Long-term tests
7 Nov 2008
Audi A3 cabrio

Audi A3 cabrio

A great track day let our drop-top shows its class.
Long-term tests
17 Oct 2008
Toyota Yaris 2008 review

Toyota Yaris 2008 review

Our supermini star is proving great as a golf kart, too!
Long-term tests
16 Oct 2008
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail

We like driving our white X-Trail, but it’s still a lot of effort to wash the dirt off!
Long-term tests
9 Oct 2008
Chrysler 300C Touring
Chrysler 300C Touring

Chrysler 300C Touring

We’ve figured out the secret of the huge Chrysler estate’s appeal.
Long-term tests
7 Oct 2008
Mazda 6 TS2
cady

Mazda 6 TS2

Have we found a match made in heaven with our stylish Mazda five-door?
Long-term tests
17 Sep 2008