50 best road tests of 2011: 11-15

Infiniti M30d vs Lexus GS450h 
Junction 11 photographic studio, Banbury, Oxfordshire (January)

Proving that you don’t have to follow the executive class crowd, two premium Japanese saloons squared up in January claiming to offer an interesting alternative to the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

Infiniti’s new M30d proved to be more than a match for its Lexus GS 450h rival, registering the brand’s first Auto Express road test victory. Lower running costs and a more modern design clinched the win.

Citroen DS4 vs rivals
Evelyn Grace Academy, Brixton, London (July)

It was with genuine disappointment that we delivered our verdict on Citroen’s DS4. With the firm enjoying a creative renaissance in recent years, this smart crossover model should have represented the latest in forward-thinking design.

It was given every chance to shine against a conventional small family hatchback (the Volkswagen Golf) and a fully fledged crossover (the Nissan Qashqai), but the DS4 proved to be too compromised to compete. We liked the way it looked, but in other respects, its rivals offer a lot more for your money.

Test top 10s
Tests with most views on autoexpress.co.uk in 2011

Audi A6 Avant vs rivals
Longcross test track, Chobham, Surrey (October)

Each of these contenders has a fine pedigree, with a line of ultra-desirable predecessors behind them. But the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class estate offer surprisingly different executive load-carrying packages. While the Mercedes is the most practical choice and the BMW is the best from behind the wheel, we think the new Audi is the most desirable overall package with its mixture of talents and cutting-edge style.

Add competitive prices along with low CO2 emissions, and the A6 Avant looks set to remain at the top of the class for some time.

Range Rover Evoque vs rivals
Rendlesham, Suffolk (October)

Having already been named Auto Express Car of the Year 2011, Range Rover’s Evoque was on the road to success by September.

To get to know the entire range and to see just how far the fashionable model’s appeal could reach, the following month we drove three and five-door versions alongside more conventional alternatives. The results were bad news for the Range Rover’s rivals! First of all, the Evoque made the pretty Mercedes’ C-Class Coupe look like a conservative choice. When we jumped from the Merc’s driving seat into the Evoque, we all agreed that it felt as if we were going up in the world – and not just because of the raised seating position.

But what about Audi’s Q5? While it can nearly match the Evoque’s brand appeal and crossover approach, it simply seemed a little dull and expensive next to the striking new baby Range Rover.

Tester's notes
Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief

One of the most eagerly-awaited cars of recent years for me has been the Range Rover Evoque. I’ve run a couple of Range Rovers in the past, but could the formula be transferred to something smaller, more efficient and more driver-focused?

Once the road test team had taken the five-door and coupé through its assessments, I carried out my own test: a long trip to the Evoque’s home town – Liverpool. 

There’s no greater test of a car than a 400-mile round trip in a day. I’m a regular on the trip north to see Liverpool FC play, so I know what makes a great long-distance cruiser. I also know what makes a great driver’s car on the twisty stuff near my home.

The Evoque amazed me with its all-round ability: it’s comfortable, stylish, refined, well made and good to drive swiftly – especially the Dynamic version.

It was a welcome return for the Evoque – the locals know what it means to Liverpool and it’s a credit to them. You could say it was a win, win trip – the Reds beat Wolves 2-1, too.

Cut your car costs
Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) facility, Leicestershire (May)

Saving fuel has always meant saving money, but with pump prices soaring to previously unthinkable levels, the proportion of our take-home pay that we pour into our tanks is spiralling.

To help Auto Express readers cut their fuel bills, we offered practical advice from three experts. We lined up a fuel-saving guru to help you adopt the most efficient driving style; a resident new car expert to advise on the best choice of model to suit your daily commute; and a tyre-testing pro to ensure your rubber won’t drag your fuel economy down.