Skip advert
Advertisement

ESC

Rules came in last year dictating that all newly launched cars have anti-skid electronic stability control (ESC), with every new car getting it from October 2014. However, many drivers of older models still haven’t experienced it.

The Porsche Experience at Silverstone proved what an effective driver aid ESC is. The wet-handling area features a kickplate that violently tries to throw the rear-wheel-drive 911 into a spin. All our readers had two goes: one with ESC on, the other with it off.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Peter didn’t realise it was on. “I brought the car back under control with ESC on, and assumed I had a lot more skill than I expected,” he said. “Without it I spun three times. I’m impressed: ESC is a must.”

Only two drivers caught the spin with ESC on and off – youngsters Aaron and Nathan – so both were confident they didn’t need it. “I’d never actively seek it,” said Nathan. “My next car will be a Toyota GT 86, and I know I can turn its ESC off fully.”

Most of our readers knew the system worked by using wheel sensors to detect slip and applying the brakes on individual wheels to bring the car back in line. But the name was a mystery to some of our panel.

Verdict: take it

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,890
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £15,876
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Porsche 911 review
Porsche 911 - main image

Porsche 911 review

In-depth reviews
21 Mar 2025
Porsche Panamera review
Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid - main image

Porsche Panamera review

In-depth reviews
28 Feb 2025

Most Popular

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025