50 best road tests of 2011: 36-40

Britain’s safest cars
Euro NCAP road test feature (March)

When we set off on any journey, probably the last thing on our minds is the consequences of an accident. But it’s good to know that your car will protect you and your family when it counts: in the event of a collision.

Drawing on the findings of hundreds of Euro NCAP crash tests, we compiled a rundown of the safest cars in seven classes – and top performers included the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Skoda Superb, Kia Sportage and BMW 5 Series.

Kia Rio vs rivals   
Bristol Planetarium (September)

Bristol Planetarium provided a dramatic backdrop as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa faced a fierce challenge to their domination of the supermini class in September from the new Kia Rio. While the previous-generation Rio wasn’t able to rival the class leaders, Kia’s recent cars have proven to be more than a match for European favourites.

Smart styling, fine practicality and entertaining handling made the Rio an instant hit with our road test team. Add in competitive pricing and a seven-year warranty, and we were very close to handing the Kia a landmark victory.

At the 11th hour, the Fiesta managed to hold on to its crown, but only just. We couldn’t ignore the Ford’s fine dynamics and excellent all-round package. The Renault Clio was still impressive enough to take third despite its age, while the Corsa trailed home a disappointing fourth.

Tester's notes
Owen Mildenhall, Senior road test editor

After a busy year of road tests you’d expect the most glamorous cars to stick in the mind, but the supermini sector is so closely fought that a standout newcomer leaves a lasting impression.  

The new Kia Rio is a prime example. With Kia riding the crest of a wave, launching better and better cars, the smart-looking hatch was a strong bet to give the established class favourites a run for their money. 

So we headed out on a 400-mile round trip that took in A-roads, motorways and our test track, before finishing up in Bristol for a photoshoot. Parked in Millennium Square in the heart of the city’s regenerated dockside, the stunning mirrored globe of the planetarium proved to be the perfect backdrop for our colourful quartet.

The torrential rain that passed through just before we parked didn’t dampen our enthusiasm for the Kia. At the end of the test, it only lost out to the Ford Fiesta by a whisker, and rivals don’t come any tougher than that.

Aston Martin Virage vs Mercedes SLS AMG
Blyton Park Driving Centre, Lincs (October)

Rarely have two cars turned as many heads en route to our test track than when we cruised to Lincolnshire in Aston Martin’s stunning new Virage and Mercedes’ brutally handsome SLS AMG.

Both are fantastic machines fulfilling different briefs, yet it was the Aston’s better refinement and ride quality that earned it a win over the faster SLS.

Test top 10s
Best test car braking from 70-0mph in 2011

Peugeot 508 SW vs rivals
John Lewis, Croydon, Surrey (May)

Value pricing, brilliant branding and unquestionable quality – the key strengths of John Lewis are mirrored in the upmarket family estate class.

Peugeot’s 508 SW was hoping for great things when it took on four top class rivals, yet it finished fourth. Skoda’s Superb Estate and VW’s Passat led from the front, followed by Ford’s Mondeo. Vauxhall’s Insignia ST was fifth.

Mercedes C-Class Coupe vs BMW 3 Series Coupe
Bruntingthorpe proving ground, Leicestershire (September)

After the disappointment of the dated CLC, Mercedes had some serious making up to do with the UK’s coupe buyers.

And we were pleasantly surprised when we drove the new C-Class Coupe and found a superb balance of ride and handling, along with attractive looks and an upmarket cabin.

The BMW 3 Series Coupe has long been a favourite with keen drivers, but the low-powered 318 just didn’t feel as special as its Mercedes rival.