This 12 months, maybe greater than another, has thrown up its fair proportion of obstacles for everyone to beat. Regardless of all of the disruption, our dedication to bringing you the perfect automobile opinions has been unwavering, and thru 2020 we continued to drive and write about each new automobile that went on sale.
We like a problem right here at Auto Specific, and our crew of seasoned testers responded to the decision – guaranteeing we have been in a position to ship the standard high-quality perception and knowledgeable verdicts that you have come to count on from the UK’s best-selling weekly automobile journal.
We have been in a position to drive a bunch of various equipment, from modest superminis to the most recent supercars and every thing in between. For us, it is the best job on the earth, and we hope you proceed to get pleasure from all of our car-related views and opinions by into 2021.
Scroll down beneath to learn our round-up of the largest drives of 2020…
January
Hyundai i10 flies the flag for small metropolis vehicles
This 12 months we began to query whether or not town automobile section was lengthy for this world, however that didn’t cease Hyundai from launching a brand new model of its smallest automobile in January, with the discharge of the most recent i10.
In our first drive of the automobile we found that it was improved when it comes to practicality and tech, and its earlier traits of being enjoyable to drive, environment friendly and refined have been nonetheless current. All this led us to conclude that there was loads of life left within the metropolis automobile but.
Learn the total evaluation of the Hyundai i10 right here…
New Ford Puma impresses on the highway
We weren’t positive what to consider the brand new Ford Puma earlier than it arrived – in any case, it shared a reputation with a very completely different form of automobile. The previous Puma was a sporty coupé, but this new one was a small SUV.
Fortunately as soon as we’d pushed one, we understood: the brand new Puma is among the best-handling crossovers ever. It was additionally impressively refined, snug and fairly economical, too. So although the seems to be have been divisive, we got here away impressed.
Learn the total evaluation of the Ford Puma right here…
Honda e fulfills idea automobile promise
The Honda e was one of the crucial hotly anticipated new vehicles in the beginning of the 12 months within the Auto Specific workplace, as a result of our staffers cherished the best way it seemed. Our first likelihood to drive it arrived in January and we have been glad that it lived as much as our expectations – for probably the most half.
We discovered that the Honda e was nice to drive, snug, refined, and its inside was, if something much more spectacular than the outside. The hi-tech cabin wowed us with its massive show screens, intelligent improvements and clear, fashionable look. We couldn’t wait to check it in opposition to rivals within the UK.
Learn the total evaluation of the Honda e right here…
February
Expensive Grandland X flagship doesn’t persuade
The Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4 arrived in February. We like the usual mannequin, as a result of it has a lot of house inside and is sweet worth. Nevertheless, the plug-in hybrid mannequin didn’t appear fairly as convincing.
We have been disenchanted by the inside high quality and the poor journey, however the largest sticking level was the £46,000 price ticket. That’s extremely costly for a comparatively humble automobile, and even because the Grandland X vary’s flagship mannequin it didn’t make for purchase.
Learn the total evaluation of the Grandland X right here…
A 45 S ramps up mega-hatchback warmth
If any automobile was to be described as a mega-hatch, it could be the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces an astonishing 415bhp, and our first drive of the automobile within the UK this 12 months cemented simply how spectacular that’s.
The A 45 S, sooner off the road than the AMG GT supercar, was a delight. Its engine sounded nice as nicely, and the grippy chassis meant it was implausible to drive. The one sticking level was the £50,570 worth, which was remarkable for a sizzling hatch, however we concluded that the automobile was suitably upmarket to justify its sports activities car-rivalling worth level.
Learn the total evaluation of the A 45 S right here…
Flat-six engine is a giant hit in Cayman GTS
The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS was one of the crucial immediately spectacular vehicles we drove this 12 months. It’s not a lot completely different to earlier four-cylinder Caymans, however the addition of a flat-six engine to the GTS turned it into one of the crucial thrilling and involving driver’s vehicles on sale. It’s important to rev its naturally aspirated motor exhausting, however the unit enhances the remainder of the automobile – which is ultra-sharp to drive – completely.
Learn the total evaluation of the Cayman GTS right here…
March
Ford Kuga is once more best-driving medium SUV
The Ford Kuga was once generally known as one of many best-driving medium-size SUVs in the marketplace, but in recent times it misplaced a lot of its attraction in that space. Nevertheless this 12 months Ford stormed again with a brand new mannequin that goes again to the highest of the category for dealing with.
We additionally discovered that the brand new mannequin is sweet in different areas too: it’s snug, sensible and filled with helpful customary package. We have been additionally happy by the sturdy engine line-up, with loads of alternative for all types of consumers.
Learn the total evaluation of the Ford Kuga right here…
New Defender exhibits off its strengths
The brand new Defender was considered one of our most eagerly anticipated new vehicles, so we jumped on the likelihood to get behind the wheel for the primary time in Africa. This was set to be a implausible introduction to the brand new model of the famously succesful off-roader, and so it proved.
We travelled to Opuwo, Namibia, and obtained behind the wheel of the brand new Defender, which seemed nearly alien within the African panorama. The 110 fashions have been kitted out with necessities together with roof-mounted spare wheels, sand ladders, winches and further provides. In spite of everything, the approaching days have been set to be a trial-by-fire of the brand new automobile’s skill at off-roading.
We solely drove for 1.eight miles on tarmac earlier than heading off highway – and that was all of the on-road motion we obtained on the journey. The bottom was dry, however latest flooding meant that we needed to take care to not harm the vehicles or get caught. Even so, we found that the Defender was in a position to hit upwards of 70mph over the free floor. It was surprisingly agile and enjoyable, too. The air suspension was in a position to dampen out the bumpy surfaces simply, although the automobile is kind of heavy.
The following day we have been into even harder terrain – a jagged, rocky route over a mountain that travellers have been taking for many years. It took us hours to journey as little as 5 miles, but we have been impressed with how succesful the Defender proved to be over a number of the harshest terrain on the planet. Cameras and different expertise within the automobile helped us to really feel assured about inserting the automobile within the excellent spot to recover from a few of these treacherous rocks.
Subsequent was a bit of super-soft sand mixed with 40-degree warmth, however we have been impressed by the Defender’s composure. On day three, we have been fortunate sufficient to identify giraffes and elephants, and plotted a path to keep away from disturbing them. After that, a river crossing examined the Defender’s skill in deep water. Fortunately, it handed with flying colors and meant we have been quickly again on the airport, prepared to move dwelling.
Our huge function was accompanied by unimaginable photos of the automobile tackling the panorama, and we have been in a position to produce a video concerning the journey as nicely. All of that’s on our web site and it’s nicely value trying out.
Learn the total evaluation of the Defender right here…
Costly electrical Corsa-e lags behind rivals
The Vauxhall Corsa had already proven us some new methods with its improved driving expertise and expertise, so when the all-electric Corsa-e was launched, we had excessive hopes. Sadly, we discovered that the Corsa-e wasn’t prone to be a small EV frontrunner, as a result of it was too costly.
The poor journey and unsightly steering meant that it wasn’t nice to drive, both, nevertheless it was nonetheless impressively fast, nicely geared up and had an honest quantity of vary. It was simply that different choices, significantly the Peugeot e-208 and Renault Zoe, have been a lot better worth.
Learn the total evaluation of the Corsa-e right here…
Spectacular new Skoda Octavia builds on previous mannequin’s successful components
It was clear as quickly as we drove the brand new Octavia that Skoda had not tampered with its successful components. That’s a strong basis to construct on, however with the brand new fourth-generation Octavia, the engineers had loftier ambitions, pushing its profitable recipe even additional to create probably the most convincing model but.
The Octavia had all the time been the good selection within the household hatchback class, and this new mannequin constructed on that fundamental precept. It’s good worth for a begin, but it’s additionally one of the crucial sensible vehicles in its class; it was nearly remarkable till then to have a 600-litre boot in a household hatch – and extra within the property.
The inside impressed as nicely, with sensible supplies and a pleasant 10-inch infotainment show together with all of the options you would need, pushing the Skoda additional upmarket with an entire revolution within the cabin.
The engine vary was a robust level as nicely. The 1.5-litre petrol mannequin remained a nice all-round alternative and the two.0-litre diesel motor was nice, too, delivering sturdy efficiency and gasoline economic system. We noticed over 66mpg on the journey pc, in reality. Issues will solely get extra frugal with the arrival of two plug-in hybrid variations in 2021.
This new Skoda was only a good to drive because the earlier mannequin, with exact steering and a snug journey. We got here away feeling very impressed certainly.
Learn the total evaluation of the Skoda Octavia right here…
New Audi RS Four Avant isn’t fairly the total package deal
The Audi RS vary has all the time featured some actually interesting quick property vehicles. A brand new model of the RS Four Avant got here out this 12 months and it was pretty much as good as ever; it proved to be extremely quick, massively grippy, but snug and refined on the motorway.
It makes an outstanding all-rounder, however as we came upon in our first drive, the RS Four isn’t as satisfying to drive as we had hoped. Its engine wasn’t very thrilling and it didn’t have the playfulness of a Mercedes-AMG C 63.
Learn the total evaluation of the Audi RS Four Avant right here…
April
New Audi A3 delivers sharper seems to be and the identical refined character
Few premium household vehicles have been in a position to match the Audi A3’s enchantment in Britain; greater than 600,000 have been offered because the automobile was launched in 1996, throughout hatchback, saloon and convertible bodystyles.
We have been in a position to attempt the most recent model – now solely out there as a five-door Sportback or saloon – this spring, and have been happy and unsurprised to seek out that it retains most of the key attributes which have made the A3 profitable over time.
The obvious one was the inside high quality, which is pretty much as good as ever. There’s a special design route; it’s now not unfussy, however as an alternative has an angular, even flamboyant look. This doesn’t detract from the automobile’s hi-tech really feel although.
The driving expertise didn’t seem to have modified a lot, although. We discovered that the brand new one had related ranges of consolation and refinement to the earlier mannequin. That was no dangerous factor, as a result of the A3 was nice to drive at any velocity.
Learn the total evaluation of the Audi A3 right here…
Could
Prototype whets our urge for food for Enyaq EV
The Skoda Enyaq was one of the crucial necessary new vehicles launched in 2020 and we obtained an early style of it in Could.
It’s the model’s first all-electric automobile, and can use the identical platform because the just lately launched Volkswagen ID.3 (referred to as MEB). After a drive in a camouflaged prototype, we concluded that, even at that early stage, the Enyaq could be a robust competitor within the electrical automobile market.
We discovered the prototype quiet and refined, with spectacular in-car tech and a very sensible cabin. Over the potholed roads on our Irish take a look at drive route the Enyaq was very spectacular, and left us eagerly anticipating the manufacturing model.
Learn the total evaluation of the Enyaq EV right here…
June
New Tesla Mannequin Y on the highway in Europe
Tesla’s core mannequin vary was accomplished this 12 months with the introduction of the Mannequin Y. Now the model has fashions in all the key premium automobile markets: a big saloon (Mannequin S), a big SUV (Mannequin X), a compact govt saloon (Mannequin 3) and now, a medium-size SUV. Our first likelihood to attempt the automobile in Europe arrived in June.
The Mannequin Y that we drove featured a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive set-up, and the unimaginable energy (no figures have been quoted by Tesla, nevertheless it was clearly potent) was in a position to masks the Mannequin Y’s weight and dimension nicely. We mentioned that no different SUV of an identical dimension would have the ability to get near the efficiency on provide.
With a variety of round 298 miles on a completely charged battery, the Tesla stacks up nicely for every day use as nicely – though we realised {that a} heavy proper foot can deplete the vary shortly.
We additionally found that the Mannequin Y is stiffer than we anticipated – the Efficiency model’s barely agency suspension meant that it was much less snug than we’d have appreciated. A minimum of this set-up meant that the Mannequin Y felt agile in twistier sections, though we criticised its steering for missing really feel and suggestions from the highway.
In contrast with the Mannequin 3 – which shares the identical platform – the Mannequin Y’s larger centre of gravity was apparent however the brand new SUV was extra balanced and agile than the bigger and heavier Mannequin X, with minimal physique roll and loads of grip.
We have been additionally glad to see a brand new off-road help function, which smooths out the throttle response to assist cut back the danger of the tyres breaking traction on free surfaces. Mixed with four-wheel drive, it ought to give the Mannequin Y some off-road skill, though we have been fast to level out that this was removed from the automobile’s consolation zone.
The brakes have been sturdy sufficient to haul the Mannequin Y to a cease constantly, and there was a robust braking impact on lifting off within the default setting. You’ll be able to change the quantity of power recuperation if you wish to, although, which we have been glad to see.
When it got here to the inside, the one modifications from the Mannequin Three that we seen have been a bigger panoramic roof and a powered tailgate, however a number of the supplies inside didn’t really feel like what we’ve come to count on in a premium SUV. Cabin house was beneficiant and, as you would possibly count on, the boot was spacious too. Whereas there was room for enchancment, the Tesla Mannequin Y was nonetheless very spectacular.
Learn the total evaluation of the Tesla Mannequin Y right here…
Behind the wheel of much-anticipated ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.Three was considered one of our most extremely anticipated new vehicles of 2020 and our first drive confirmed that it didn’t disappoint.
We mentioned that the ID.Three supplied nice practicality and refinement, low operating prices and robust efficiency, and issues would solely get higher when cheaper fashions arrived later within the 12 months. It proved a very sturdy begin for fashions utilizing the brand new MEB electrical automobile platform from VW.
Learn the total evaluation of the ID.3 right here…
Refined new Jazz will enchantment to its followers
The Honda e was the main focus of consideration this 12 months, however a brand new Jazz is much more than a footnote for the Japanese model. After we drove the brand new hybrid mannequin, we discovered that it retained all the important thing options of earlier variations, but introduced new-found effectivity and refinement to the combination.
The part-electric powertrain meant that it was impressively quiet, particularly at decrease speeds. It appeared to be very environment friendly on our take a look at drive as nicely, and it was very simple to drive. Nevertheless, we discovered that it wasn’t a lot enjoyable – it was composed and secure, however nowhere close to as pleasing because the rival Ford Fiesta, for instance.
Learn the total evaluation of the Honda Jazz right here…
July
Hybrid Ferrari delivers gorgeous tempo
A brand new Ferrari is all the time an occasion, however the SF90 was one thing else. With 987bhp, it’s one of the crucial highly effective manufacturing vehicles ever, and might speed up from 0-62mph in simply 2.5 seconds.
It’s additionally new territory for Ferrari, because of its V8 petrol/triple-electric motor set-up making it the model’s first plug-in hybrid. We described it as mind-blowing, with an intense and accessible driving expertise like nothing else.
Learn the total evaluation of the Ferrari SF90 right here…
Polestar builds a critical rival for Tesla
Volvo’s sister model Polestar arrived in 2020 with one of many first vehicles to correctly rival the Tesla Mannequin 3, the Polestar 2. Whereas we discovered that the two wasn’t as quick or as environment friendly because the Tesla, its higher construct high quality, extra trendy cabin and robust refinement all landed as causes for EV consumers to think about one over the Mannequin 3.
From behind the wheel, we mentioned that the Polestar 2 was a bit of on the agency aspect, and though it was good to drive, it may provide extra pleasure to the driving force. But with a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds and a variety of 292 miles, it’s a implausible all-rounder.
Learn the total evaluation of the Polestar 2 right here…
August
Aston Martin’s first SUV hits the highway
Sports activities automobile makers are more and more unable to construct a enterprise on area of interest vehicles geared toward fans, so manufacturers like Aston Martin have to construct sensible fashions to promote in large numbers and stability the books. This 12 months the British agency introduced out the DBX, its first SUV and the automobile that it hopes will deliver monetary stability sooner or later.
We drove the manufacturing automobile for the primary time in 2020’s sizzling summer season. The DBX was clearly an Aston from outdoors – its design echoes the model’s sports activities vehicles and the grille is the obvious household hyperlink. We discovered that it was truly larger than it seemed, as a result of Aston’s designers needed it to appear much less brash than one thing like a Vary Rover.
But whereas the DBX has a extra refined exterior, we discovered that its engine was simply as vocal as any considered one of its rivals. The 4.0-litre petrol V8 from Mercedes has 542bhp and 700Nm of torque, so efficiency was astonishing and it had the proper soundtrack, too: a V8 roar if you put your foot down, however clean and refined at a cruise.
That spectacular energy is delivered through a nine-speed automated gearbox that lets the DBX go from 0-60mph in 4.Three seconds. Its high velocity of 181mph isn’t dangerous for a 2.2-tonne household SUV, both. We concluded that the DBX had efficiency worthy of a sports activities automobile maker like Aston.
The dealing with was simply pretty much as good. Due to the automobile’s six driving modes (together with an Particular person setting), which allow you to tune the DBX’s chassis, steering, engine, gearbox and exhaust, you may arrange the automobile the way you prefer it. Which means it may be snug or sporty relying on the highway.
We additionally discovered that the DBX’s steering was fast and had loads of really feel, and the engine was responsive. In truth, we mentioned, it’s one of many best-handling massive SUVs round.
A full-length panoramic sunroof made it ethereal inside and there was leather-based in all places. The opposite supplies have been of top of the range, though a Bentley Bentayga is best constructed.
We additionally mentioned that as a result of Aston has needed to depend on its associate, components of the inside are missing. The infotainment and switchgear are all from Mercedes vehicles, which could be factor if it have been present, however the 12.3-inch display is a era behind Mercedes’ present fashions. It’s not nice to make use of, we mentioned, and the sprint seems to be a bit old school.
Nevertheless we have been in a position to forgive the DBX that as a result of it had all of the practicality and refinement you would want in a luxurious SUV, but was additionally actually good to drive. Given this can be a machine that weighs over two tonnes, it was extremely agile by a collection of bends, but you would simply seat 5 folks in consolation.
After our first drive, we identified that the DBX is much less brash than a Lamborghini Urus, not as daring as a Bentley Bentayga and extra unique than a Porsche Cayenne. It’s an outstanding first effort at constructing an SUV from Aston Martin and definitely considered one of our highlights of 2020.
Learn the total evaluation of the Aston Martin DBX right here…
September
New VW Golf GTI exhibits all-round strengths
Many argue that the Volkswagen Golf GTI was the unique sizzling hatch, so a brand new one is all the time thrilling.
We found that regardless of this model being much less thrilling than a Honda Civic Sort R, it’s nonetheless among the finest all-rounders as a result of it’s simply as sensible and straightforward to drive as a standard Golf, but is enjoyable if you need. We mentioned that it affords an awesome stability between consolation and physique management, and that it feels extra alive and alert in corners than previous variations.
Learn the total evaluation of the VW Golf GTI right here…
October
New Tiguan doesn’t mess with confirmed components
The Volkswagen Tiguan is considered one of VW’s hottest vehicles, so it was logical that this 12 months’s revised model wouldn’t stray too removed from the successful components.
The mid-life facelift added new tech and a brand new look, however we discovered that it was remarkably much like the earlier model on the highway. That meant it was unremarkable to drive however snug, and with engine vary bringing economic system blended with punchy efficiency.
Learn the total evaluation of the Tiguan right here…
S-Class raises luxurious to a brand new degree
The launch of a brand new Mercedes S-Class has turn into an occasion that the entire business pays consideration to, as a result of the limo all the time comes filled with cutting-edge tech that can make its method into humbler Mercedes fashions. The arrival of 2020’s new S-Class was thrilling, even supposing it seems to be so much like the earlier era.
For a begin, the S-Class is the primary automobile to have Degree Three autonomous driving, which suggests it might assume full management on motorways throughout daylight, the place authorized. We discovered that it would want some fine-tuning after we examined it on a observe, nevertheless it’s clear this expertise is on the best way.
The S-Class proved to be extremely quiet inside; other than a rustle of wind we seen across the door mirrors at 70mph, it proved to be library-like within the cabin. Even the engine was nearly inaudible, besides below exhausting acceleration. The mannequin we examined (an S 400d 4MATIC) used a 2.9-litre six-cylinder diesel with 325bhp and 700Nm, so 0-62mph takes simply 5.Four seconds, but it might do 38.7mpg. It’s additionally four-wheel drive, which is a primary for the S-Class within the UK.
We discovered that the brand new mannequin was fantastically snug at motorway speeds, identical to earlier generations, but the S-Class stunned us with its exact steering and minimal physique roll, so it was fairly good to drive as nicely.
The non-obligatory lively physique management (ABC) system helped the air suspension to sort out all types of roads simply.
One other function of our take a look at automobile was the non-obligatory four-wheel steering. It means the S-Class has the identical turning circle as an A-Class hatch. The S-Class wasn’t first with this, as a result of Audi and Porsche fashions have had this function for years, nevertheless it’s spectacular nonetheless in a automobile so massive.
Different intelligent new tech included augmented actuality as a part of the head-up show, telling you precisely the place to show through the sat-nav program.
General we mentioned that the S-Class pushes boundaries with game-changing expertise, plus unimaginable refinement and luxury. Future plug-in variations seemed like they’ll be greatest, however even the diesel we tried was excellent.
Learn the total evaluation of of the S-Class right here…
New Formentor goes pretty much as good because it seems to be
The Cupra Formentor is the efficiency model’s first standalone mannequin; it’s not primarily based on a automobile constructed by sister agency SEAT. Throughout our first drive, we discovered that it drives in addition to it seems to be.
It makes use of related components to the Cupra Ateca, together with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 306bhp and four-wheel drive, so it’s quick, enjoyable and grippy. It’s fairly sensible, too, though we weren’t too impressed with the inside plastics.
Learn the total evaluation of the Cupra Formentor right here…
November
Toyota’s pocket rocket blows us away
Toyota’s GR Yaris emerged as one of many stars of 2020 after we lastly had the prospect to get behind the wheel of the tiny sizzling hatch for a primary drive.
The automobile was supposed as a homologation particular to assist Toyota’s effort within the World Rally Championship in 2021. However whereas the GR Yaris rally venture was scrapped, 25,000 highway vehicles will nonetheless be constructed. Energy is offered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine growing 257bhp and 360Nm torque, whereas drive is shipped to all 4 wheels by a six-speed handbook ’field. Toyota says 0-62mph takes 5.5 seconds, and high velocity is 143mph.
It’s honest to say the particular Yaris left a giant impression on tester Steve Sutcliffe. He referred to as it “a automobile that might be written about and cherished by fans for a few years.”
It’s not simply the straight-line efficiency of this pocket rocket that hits dwelling; it’s the best way it merely eats up B-roads that marks it out as one of the crucial particular efficiency vehicles of the previous few years. Throughout nation, we’d wager that some real supercars wouldn’t have the ability to sustain, because of not simply the ability and poise however the stopping energy too. Regardless of its comparatively tiny dimension, the GR Yaris has enormous brakes which have been lifted from the Supra.
Nevertheless, this Yaris isn’t only a rally monster. Whereas the chassis and suspension work is critical GR division stuff, it’s nonetheless a cushty and sensible household supermini. It’s nicely completed inside, too, combining high-quality, customary Yaris components with enormous bucket seats and different touches that trace on the degree of efficiency on provide.
At £29,995 – rising to £33,495 for a Circuit Pack automobile – it’s definitely an costly supermini, and nicely past the worth of our favorite on this section, the Ford Fiesta ST. Nevertheless, the GR Yaris has much more efficiency than the Ford, and a very particular chassis and driveline mixture.
Learn the total evaluation of the GR Toyota Yaris right here…
Puma ST is greatest sizzling crossover we’ve tried
The Ford Fiesta ST has been our favorite small sizzling hatch because it was launched in 2018. In 2020, Ford utilized the profitable recipe to the brand new Puma, and we discovered that the corporate’s efficiency division had as soon as once more provide you with the products.
Lastly, a small SUV that’s enjoyable to drive was born. With 197bhp on faucet from the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and an excellently judged chassis, it’s probably the most convincing sizzling crossover thus far.
Learn the total evaluation of the Puma ST right here…
Take a look at the remainder of our 2020 round-up beneath…
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