Big scores for Lotus, Subaru and Mitsubishi, while Peugeot and Mercedes lurk at the bottom
Fine citizens of Norfolk, we salute you. Two of Hethel's finest top the list of best drives, with the Lotus Elise scooping first place and Vauxhall's VX220 taking second.
Yes, driving an Elise is as much fun as you can have without the risk of contracting an STD. Ecstatic owners praised the handling and cornering ability of the baby Lotus, as well as its manic-revving 1.8-litre engine.
It'll come as no great shock that the top ten best drives are all sports cars in one guise or another. Mitsubishi's Evo (4rd) edges out its traditional rival, the Subura Impreza (8th), while there's a strong showing from Japanese roadsters in the shape of the Honda S2000 (3rd), Nizzan 350Z (6th), and Mazda's RX8 (7th) and MX5 (10th).
Amidst such rarified company, it's intriguing to see Subaru's Forester SUV up in 11th place, with owners rating it better to drive than an Alfa GT or Mercedes SLK.
'Down at the bottom end, the old-shape Mercedes A-Class is officially your worst drive'
Down at the bottom end, the old-shape Mercedes-Benz A-Class is officially your worst drive. Combining a ride as smooth as George Clooney's chin with the handling abilities of BA's baggage staff, the A-Class just pips the Kia Rio to the last spot.
Perhaps it's forgivable to find the Peugeot 807 (149th) down this end of the list - yes, it's a heap of junk, but at least it's a heap of junk with no pretensions of driveability. The French manufacturer will be embarrassed, however, to see the woeful 307 (148th) keeping it company.
The Peugeot 406 (145th) and Citroen C3 (144th) complete the Gallic-themed arse-end of the list, while the appearance of the Rover 25 (147th) proves that we Brits can do things just as badly as they do them well. Makes the heart swell, doesn't it...
February 14, 2007
Honda's S2000 wins for the third year on the trot, but the big story belongs to Skoda and Fiat
February 14, 2007
Tough luck if you own a French car - Peugeot, Citroen and Renault all lurk in the bottom ten
February 14, 2007
Big scores for Lotus, Subaru and Mitsubishi, while Peugeot and Mercedes lurk at the bottom
February 14, 2007
Want you car to start in the morning? Buy Japanese. Otherwise - you guessed it - choose French
February 14, 2007
Good news for Jaguar as the XJ takes second place, otherwise it's Japan trouncing France again
February 14, 2007
Fiat's Panda does well and Skoda puts in a fine showing. Steer clear of SUVs and MPVs, though...
February 14, 2007
Can you spot the theme here? Japanese cars do well, European cars prop up the bottom of the table
February 14, 2007
All 35 manufacturers rated and listed from good to bad. Or Skoda to Peugeot, if you prefer
February 14, 2007
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