Bottom Line Up Front
Malcolm Wilson and his son Matthew took an Aston Martin DBX S, a Toyota GR Yaris and a classic Audi Quattro 20v on a rain‑slick tour of the Lake District’s most thrilling public roads.
Aston Martin DBX S, Toyota GR Yaris & Audi Quattro 20v – Rally Legend Shows UK’s Best Driving Roads
Image: Aston Martin DBX S, Toyota GR Yaris & Audi Quattro 20v – Rally Legend Shows UK’s Best Driving Roads – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Each car brings a distinct style to the winding routes. The DBX S looks like a luxury SUV with a muscular V8‑grille and sleek LED lights – a modern take on British grand touring. The GR Yaris is compact and aggressive, its wide‑track body and bright orange accents screaming rally heritage. The 1989 Audi Quattro 20v still wears its boxy, four‑wheel‑drive badge proudly, with a matte black finish that hints at its rally‑era roots.
Performance & Mileage
All three cars proved capable on steep climbs and tight hairpins. The DBX S delivers 717 bhp, pushing the SUV from 0‑60 mph in under 4 seconds, yet feels surprisingly composed on the narrow lanes. The GR Yaris, with 276 bhp, is light enough to dance around corners, offering an engaging chassis feel that rivals any modern hot‑hatch. The Audi Quattro’s 217 bhp twin‑turbo engine still feels alive; its all‑wheel‑drive system provides excellent grip on wet stone‑gravel sections.
Fuel economy varies: the DBX S averages around 20 mpg, the GR Yaris about 32 mpg, and the older Audi around 25 mpg. Despite the rain, the drivers enjoyed confident braking and steady torque throughout the trip.
Price & Rivals
While the DBX S sits in the high‑end luxury market, the GR Yaris competes with hot‑hatches like the VW Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R. The Audi Quattro, now a classic, is priced by collectors and often rivals early Porsche 911s in the vintage market.
| Engine | Mileage (mpg) | Price (approx.) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin DBX S 5.2 L V8, 717 bhp | 20 | £225,000 |
|
| Toyota GR Yaris 1.6 L turbo, 276 bhp | 32 | £38,000 |
|
| Audi Quattro 20v 2.3 L turbo, 217 bhp | 25 | £75,000 (collector) |
|
FAQ
What is the fuel mileage of the Aston Martin DBX S?
It averages about 20 mpg in mixed driving conditions.
Is the Toyota GR Yaris worth buying for everyday use?
Yes – it offers strong performance, practical hatchback space, and reasonable running costs.
How does the Audi Quattro 20v compare to modern AWD cars?
It lacks modern electronics but still delivers a raw, engaging driving feel that many drivers find more enjoyable than today’s smoother setups.
Share Your Thoughts
Which of these three rally‑inspired machines would you take on the Lake District roads? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
