50 best road tests of 2011: 6-10

New Ford Focus vs rivals
North Yorkshire Moors (January)

We started the year with what was arguably one of the most significant tests of the decade. When Ford launches a new Focus, the world takes note. Ford compact family hatchbacks have topped the sales charts for generations, and recent cars have reset the benchmark for this ever-popular class.

To put the new Focus’ chassis to the test we headed to some of the UK’s most challenging roads, on the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors. It wasn’t long before we realised that in this area the latest generation had addressed many of its predecessor’s flaws, while sharp handling remained at the core of the Ford’s package.

Unfortunately, the cramped boot let the Focus down, and unlike its predecessor the car didn’t wipe the floor with the opposition. It settled instead for second place behind VW’s superb Golf, but ahead of the big-selling Vauxhall Astra.

Tester's notes
Graeme Lambert, Road tester

Appearances really can be deceptive. The header shot shown here for the Ford Focus road test looks calm and serene, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

When we arrived on the North Yorkshire Moors at night, the driving conditions were so extreme that we could barely see the road. 

One of the team even struggled to find the hotel car park. The next morning things weren’t much better, and it didn’t look like a great day for one of the most important shoots of the road test year.

Still, we braved the freezing rain to clean the cars, and positioned them ready for the money shot. The sky was a menacing grey, the rain coated the vehicles’ bodywork and the wind tried its best to knock over photographer Pete Gibson’s camera gear.

But then it happened; the wind died, the rain vanished and, just as the Nikon’s shutter was released, the sun bathed the cars in a warm winter glow. The best things clearly come to those who wait.

Mercedes C-Class vs rivals
Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Leics (May)

Mercedes said it had carried out a “comprehensive modernisation” to its C-Class, and in May the new car came up against its compact executive class rivals. Disappointingly, it wasn’t to be, as the newcomer couldn’t match the abilities of its two lifelong rivals – the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

We appreciated the raft of small enhancements made to the C-Class, but what it needed was a giant leap. The 3 Series came out on top – and with a new car imminent, it could be some time before we see anything but a BMW badge at the top of this class…

Kia Picanto 3dr vs rivals
Brindley Place, Birmingham (November)

Kia has been knocking on the door of its mainstream rivals for some time now. The Sportage and Venga prove the firm has what it takes to beat the best, and the new Picanto three-door repeated the success of its larger brothers earlier this month.

The five-door model lost out to its Hyundai i10 sister car when it debuted in June, but that doesn’t come in sporty-looking three-door form. Instead, the Picanto faced the brilliant Fiat 500 TwinAir and the Ford Ka.

Our testers fell for the twin-cylinder turbo Fiat, but in the cold light of day we judged the Picanto to be the best buy. Why? For style and charm the 500 has this sector sewn up, but the Kia is cheaper, better equipped, more frugal and has a seven-year warranty; as an ownership proposition, you can’t fault it.

Test top 10s
Slowest 0-60mph times from 2011

Vauxhall Corsa vs rivals
Trinity Buoy Wharf, Docklands, London (May)

Economy and flexibility are the defining ideas behind Vauxhall’s Corsa ecoFLEX, so when we took the green supermini to a Docklands office complex constructed out of recycled shipping containers, it should have felt right at home.

We put the facelifted Corsa to the test against Ford’s Fiesta ECOnetic and Peugoet’s 207 Oxygo+. While it was important the cars demonstrated their environmental credentials, we were also determined to identify which car did more than just lower your carbon footprint. The winner here would need to be entertaining to drive and practical, as well as being affordable and economical.

And when we delivered our verdict, the Corsa found itself in an uncomfortable third place. The Fiesta was not only the cheapest of our supermini trio, but also the most impressive. Excellent economy and impressive driving dynamics earned the Peugeot an easy second place, leaving the slow and uninspiring Corsa behind.

Tester's notes
Pete Gibson, Staff photographer

It doesn’t matter where I am, or what I’m doing; I’m always looking for good photo locations. And when I spotted these multi-coloured containers at Trinity Buoy Wharf in the heart of London’s Docklands, I knew we had to go there.

A decent location can make the difference between a good photo and a great one, and these recycled shipping containers provided a fantastic backdrop for the road test debut of the revised Vauxhall Corsa. They’ve been converted into flats, offices and workshops, so we needed to be there at the crack of dawn to make sure I got the shot I wanted.

On a chilly morning in May, I persuaded the road test team to assemble at 5am on the banks of the River Thames. I think it was worth the early start, but I’m not sure my colleagues agreed... Of course, it helps when the cars are all brightly coloured like this. My heart always sinks when I spot a line of grey and dark blue motors in the Auto Express garage..

Audi Q3 vs rivals
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire (November)

Audi is on the march. Its rapidly growing range includes everything from the tiny A1 to the gargantuan Q7 – but until recently there was a vacancy for a small SUV.

It has been filled by the Q3, which put in a strong showing on its UK road test debut. Audi chose to launch its baby 4x4 in North Yorkshire, so we turned up with a BMW X1 and Ford Kuga to put it to the test at the first opportunity. And the 2.0 TDI quattro version of the Q3 won hands down.