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 Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,350
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,484 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,967 off RRP*Used from £14,100
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 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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BMW 320d M Sport: long-term test review
BMW 3 Series long termer - first report front action

BMW 320d M Sport: long-term test review

Final report: We look back on a much-anticipated six months with the BMW 320d M Sport
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2 Jan 2020
Volkswagen Touareg R-Line: long-term test review
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Volkswagen Touareg R-Line: long-term test review

Final report: VW’s V6 diesel has been a highlight of our time with big SUV
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Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Nav+: long-term test review

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Final report: we look back on eight fun months in our retro Mazda MX-5 roadster
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Volkswagen California Ocean: long-term test review
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Volkswagen California Ocean: long-term test review

Final report: VW California has been a fantastic addition to the fleet that everybody has raved about
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8 Nov 2019
Hyundai Santa Fe Premium SE: long-term test
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Hyundai Santa Fe Premium SE: long-term test

Final report: Hyundai Santa Fe is a fine family car, but surprisingly expensive
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25 Oct 2019
Long term test: Dacia Duster (2018-2024) 4x2 Comfort
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Long term test: Dacia Duster (2018-2024) 4x2 Comfort

Final report: We look back on nine months with our SUV and reckon we bagged a bargain
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SEAT Tarraco SE Technology: long-term test review
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SEAT Tarraco SE Technology: long-term test review

Final report: If you need a large family car you’ll do little better than a SEAT Tarraco, which has catered for our every whim
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Long-term review: Ford Focus Titanium X

Long-term review: Ford Focus Titanium X

Final report: Fun-driving Ford Focus proves a great car for everyday life
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Skoda Fabia SE L: long-term test review
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Skoda Fabia SE L: long-term test review

Final report: We reveal if Skoda Fabia supermini has made the grade
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Kia e-Niro: long-term test
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Kia e-Niro: long-term test

Final report: we look back on six months living with the Kia e-Niro – the UK’s best affordable electric car
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23 Sep 2019
Cupra Ateca: long-term test review
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Cupra Ateca: long-term test review

Final report: Sporty do-it-all Cupra Ateca eventually won our man over, once he set it up to his liking
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Kia Ceed GT-Line S: long-term test review
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Kia Ceed GT-Line S: long-term test review

Final report: the Kia Ceed is a strong contender in the family hatch class; just avoid the auto gearbox
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Long-term test: Mercedes-AMG G 63
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Long-term test: Mercedes-AMG G 63

Final report: our Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV kept stealing the limelight and we will miss it dearly
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Long-term test review: Nissan Leaf Tekna
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Long-term test review: Nissan Leaf Tekna

Final report: With zero instances of range anxiety, the Nissan Leaf Tekna makes EV life enjoyable
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Mercedes X 350 d: long-term test review
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Mercedes X 350 d: long-term test review

Third report: we’re not always sitting comfortably in our Mercedes X 350 d pick-up truck
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Final report: Our Audi A6 Avant estate has been the perfect workmate for photographer Pete
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Final report: Polo is bigger than ever, but we’re sad to see the sweet supermini go
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Mazda 6 2.5 GT Sport Nav+: long-term test review
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Mazda 6 2.5 GT Sport Nav+: long-term test review

Final report: as the new MX-5 takes its place, we bid farewell to our much-loved Mazda 6 family car
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Volvo V60 D3 Momentum Pro: long-term test
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Volvo V60 D3 Momentum Pro: long-term test

Final report: some tech issues aside, our Volvo V60 D3 Momentum Pro estate has been a hit
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Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE: long-term test
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Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE: long-term test

Final report: We gather Hyundai Kona Electric owners to see what life is like with the EV
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: long-term test review
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: long-term test review

Final report: rare Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV is fine for families if you can live with its weaknesses
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Long-term test review: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
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Long-term test review: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce

Final report: Life with our Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce was a drama full of comedy and tragedy
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Ford Fiesta ST: long-term test review

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