Skip advert
Advertisement

Top of the stops - Braking test

We pick the cars with the best brakes in six classes and put them through their paces in an emergency stop shoot-out

Finding out how fast new cars can go is easy – but what about how quickly they stop? While data about power and torque outputs, top speed and 0-60mph sprint times are all simple to find in glossy brochures, how a car comes to a halt is much harder to quantify. That’s why we record stopping distances in our road tests.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Manufacturers have made huge strides in braking performance over the past 20 years. Thanks to anti-lock braking systems and the latest tyre technology, modern cars stop more quickly and safely than ever before.

To see how good the latest generation is, we gathered six of the best for the ultimate braking and stability test. They are the fastest-stopping cars we’ve driven this year in their respective sectors.

At the top of the scale is the imposing Mercedes S-Class, which rules the roost in the luxury sector, while the blurred car in our main photo – a BMW X6 – represents full-sized SUVs. The Mazda 5 upholds the honour of the compact MPV class, and Vauxhall’s Insignia is the fastest stopping large family model we’ve tested so far this year. Superminis are represented by the MINI Cooper JCW and finally the Ford Ka is our contender from the city car class.

** How would they cope with a 70mph emergency lane change and stop? Read on to find out, and take a look at the exciting video footage here to see for yourself.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates
Mazda CX-60 - front 3/4 static

Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates

Mazda’s SUV has picked up some worthy trim and technical updates
News
13 Nov 2024
Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?
Dacia Duster and MG ZS - front tracking

Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?

The new Dacia Duster and MG ZS are the UK’s cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?
Car group tests
13 Nov 2024