Road tests of the year 2012: October
October was one of our busiest and most exciting months in terms of road tests. These are our highlights
Tow Car of the Year
Winner: Volkswagen Jetta Read the full test >>
Once again we joined forces with The Caravan Club to perform our annual test of the best tow cars. We loaded our candidates with holiday gear and hooked up a variety of caravans to test their pulling ability and family friendly features.
This year’s competition took CO2 emissions into account for the first time, but that didn’t stop 2011’s overall winner, the VW Jetta, from scooping top honours again. The saloon was praised for its pulling ability and the fact the huge boot swallowed all the family gear. Class winners included the VW CC, Mercedes M-Class, Skoda Yeti and Chevrolet Captiva.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Volvo XC90 vs Chevrolet Captiva
Winner: Hyundai Santa Fe Read the full test >>
Hyundai has taken a step upmarket with every fresh model it has launched, and the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe marked a new high. Flagship versions are priced close to premium SUV territory, so we pitched the car against a pair of classy and capable off-road rivals.
The Santa Fe certainly had the measure of the Chevrolet Captiva – although the Chevy did beat it for space in the third row of seats – while the raft of standard-fit equipment gave it the edge over the Volvo XC90. However, we thought the cheaper, five-seat versions made more sense, unless you really need two extra seats.
Subaru BRZ vs Mazda MX-5
Winner: Subaru BRZ Read the full test >>
Subaru has ploughed its own furrow for years, with boxer-engined, four-wheel-drive, rally-bred sports cars, so the launch of the rear-drive BRZ marked a sea change for the company. And what better way to test its credentials than to compare it to the car that’s had a monopoly on cheap rear-drive thrills for over 20 years?
While the Subaru BRZ is a coupe and the Mazda MX-5 is a roadster, these two have very similar characters which place driver involvement as top priority. Neither car deserved to lose this test, but the BRZ edged the win, thanks to its sharper chassis and greater everyday practicality. It’s one of the finest drivers’ cars on the market today.
Mercedes A-Class vs Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series
Winner: BMW 1 Series Read the full test >>
It's not often that a car maker will completely overhaul one of its best-sellers, yet that’s exactly what Mercedes did with the all-new A-Class. The stylish newcomer impressed when we first tried it, but its first test in the UK was a toughie, as we lined up the BMW 1 Series and recently launched Audi A3 as the opposition.
Unfortunately, the A250 AMG Sport we tested didn’t show the newcomer in its best light. Catwalk looks gave it an advantage against the fussy BMW and plain Audi, while the hi-tech infotainment system was a highlight inside. However, a small boot and claustrophobic cabin put it on the back foot, while a slow seven-speed auto, sluggish throttle and dull chassis spoiled the driving experience. High running costs sealed its fate.
The fight between the 125i M Sport and A3 1.8 TFSI S line was closer, but the BMW won thanks to its mix of driving dynamics and relatively low running costs.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo vs VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI vs Ford Focus ST
Winner: VW Scirocco/Ford Focus ST Read the full test >>
Having already triumphed in in a previous test, the Hyundai Veloster was back for another of our double twin tests.
In the original shoot-out, against the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Vauxhall Astra GTC, we felt the car would be even more attractive with more power. Hyundai duly obliged by launching the Veloster Turbo, so we picked a pair of sterner rivals for the new flagship.
Bolting a turbocharger to the engine certainly boosted the Veloster’s appeal, but it wasn’t enough to give the car the edge over the VW Scirocco, with its coupe desirability, or the performance-per-pound value of the Ford Focus ST.
BMW 3 Series Touring vs Merc C-Class Estate vs Audi A4 Avant
Winner: BMW 3 Series Touring Read the full test >>
The BMW 3 Series saloon had swept all before it in its first test in March. Fast-forward to October, and it was the turn of the 3 Series Touring estate to try to emulate its four-door brother.
We rated the top-spec diesel against its arch rivals, and while the margins between the trio were very small, the 330d had the biggest boot, with useful opening tailgate glass, and a great mix of performance and economy, so it took a clear win.
The Mercedes C-Class Estate came second, narrowly beating the Audi A4 Avant thanks to its greater practicality.
Performance Car of the Year
Winner: Toyota GT 86 Read the full test >>
High-octane thrills were the order of the day when we gathered for our annual Performance Car of the Year shoot-out. Once again we picked 10 of the most exciting models launched in the past 12 months and headed to the stunning Anglesey Circuit in North Wales.
Each of our contenders was rated for handling, desirability and price, before senior road tester and seasoned racer Owen Mildenhall pitted them against the clock around the tight and twisty Anglesey track. With a pair of Porsches, a race-bred Lotus, a monstrous AMG Mercedes and a fast Ford in the mix, the battle for honours was always going to be tight.
The brilliant Boxster and fantastic Focus ST were both in with a shout, but when the dust settled it was the new Toyota GT 86 that took a surprise win. The coupe wowed all our testers with beautifully balanced handling that ensures drivers will savour every second at the wheel.
