Skip advert
Advertisement

Driving games tested

We put 12 great driving games to the test. Which deserves to be at the top of your Christmas list?

Driving games let you have fun without leaving your living room. High-definition consoles like the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 can now process detailed graphics and offer engaging gameplay. But should you go for an arcade title, simulator or kids’ game?

We’ve assessed 12 of the top racing titles on the market to help you decide which is best for you.

How we tested them

We rated our games on fun and gameplay, as well as graphics, car handling and audio. Split-screen multiplayer modes are good, as they let you play friends on the same TV, while we also noted which offered online play. Where possible, we tested our games on the same PS3, but those sold on more than one platform got extra points.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Finally, we rated value. Our prices are from retailer game.co.uk on the day of our test.

Verdict

The spread of games on offer is impressive, but ideally we’d have a karting title for occasional fun, plus a realistic simulator. GT5 takes the win, as it’s arcade one minute and simulator the next. For sheer realism, F1 2012 takes second place, while F1 Race Stars is our pick of the karting titles.

1. Gran Turismo 5: Academy Edition2. F1 20123. F1 Race Stars

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,882 off RRP*Used from £14,496
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,075Avg. savings £2,213 off RRP*Used from £14,990
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £37,870Avg. savings £2,955 off RRP*
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,040Avg. savings £2,827 off RRP*Used from £8,958
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics
These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics header

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics

Is it time to get on board with these 40-year-old cars that have just qualified for the historic vehicle road tax exemption?
Features
12 Jan 2025
New Dacia Bigster embarrasses Nissan Qashqai as prices start from under £25,000
Dacia Bigster - reveal front

New Dacia Bigster embarrasses Nissan Qashqai as prices start from under £25,000

The Dacia Duster’s big brother is available to pre-order now, and is due to go on sale in March
News
15 Jan 2025
Long-awaited Renault 5 finally available to order from £22,995
Renault 5 - full width front

Long-awaited Renault 5 finally available to order from £22,995

Only those with a special R Pass can order their R5 until 29 January, at which point it’ll be available for everyone
News
15 Jan 2025