When we're selecting cars to add to our long-term fleet, we're careful to only consider the finest or most interesting machines on the market. Spending an extended period of time in them can reveal hidden depths or faults. So which of the machines we've run on our long-term test fleet in 2017 impressed us the most? We asked around the office - and the results are in.
The Escape to the Country Award for the most fun car to drive
WINNER: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - Highly commended: McLaren 570GT, Subaru BRZ
This developed into a straight battle between world-class British precision engineering and classical Italian charm and character, with the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio sneaking victory from the McLaren 570GT by the narrowest of margins.
“I was beaming within 100 metres,” reckons editor Mark Tisshaw. “So well engineered, it’s more than the sum of its parts. A near-perfect ride and handling balance, an extraordinary Ferrari V6 engine... I could go on.”
Chief tester Matt Saunders was similarly impressed, noting the Alfa was “capable of brightening any journey with that remarkable rear-drive balance”.
Editorial director Jim Holder led the campaign for the McLaren, saying: “It isn’t just sensational to drive, it can be driven with confidence no matter your level of ability.”
The Subaru BRZ came third, championed by senior staff writer Sam Sheehan, who rarely missed an opportunity to pedal it into the country. Although that could just be a desire to escape Tooting.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio long-term updates
The ‘Look At Me, Dammit’ Award for the best car to impress your friends and family with
WINNER: Aston Martin Vanquish S - Highly commended: Mazda MX-5 RF, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
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But officer, Autocar says...
I've just bought a Skoda which has these grips that supposedly hold the bottle in place whilst you unscrew it. Haven't used it yet so can't comment on how effective it is, but lets assume it works 100% as intended.
Does Autocar realise that here in the UK, you can be prosecuted for careless driving if you're caught drinking at the wheel?
"But your Honour, Autocar said..."
A Jaguar XF and a Land Rover
A Jaguar XF and a Land Rover Discovery Sport were also used for long term reviews this year, yet no mention of them above. Do I also detect a lack of the usual expected JLR coverage in other end of year articles? What's up, their 2018 sponsorship cheque hasn't arrived? Autocar and JLR no longer BFF? Or will regular service be resumed in the New Year?
Yawn!
Yawn, yawn! Get over it or go and read some other free motoring rag instead
harf wrote:
You don't find it all odd that the XF, rated 4.5 stars, matching the Alfa and the Bentley, and the Discovery Sport, rated 4 stars, matching the Aston, Mazda, Suzuki, Mercedes, Skoda and Volvo and rated higher than the 3.5 star Audi and Renault don't warrant a single mention?
Reliability
Further to the above and to regular automotive reporters' complaints regarding FCA reliability: it is time FCA cooperate with a Japanese company in reliability issues in exchane of Italian design.
sabre wrote:
... or Tesla built in Japan would be ideal.
fca
FCA is now 4th in reliability in the USA,so they are improving.