The 2025 Autocar Long‑Term Fleet Awards: 35 Cars, 12 Drivers, 166k Miles – Best Cars We Owned
The 2025 Autocar Long‑Term Fleet Awards: 35 Cars, 12 Drivers, 166k Miles – Best Cars We Owned
Image: The 2025 Autocar Long‑Term Fleet Awards: 35 Cars, 12 Drivers, 166k Miles – Best Cars We Owned – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Over the past twelve months the Autocar test team lived with 35 different new‑car models, racked up a staggering 166,378 miles and, most importantly, discovered which machines feel like a true home on wheels. From a three‑wheel Morgan trike to the hulking Ineos Grenadier, the results were as varied as the mileage logged. Below you’ll find a rundown of the winners, the runner‑ups and a handful of surprise honour‑rolls that proved the fleet’s diversity.
How the Long‑Term Test Works
Every model first goes through Autocar’s standard road‑test, where we hand out star ratings based on performance, comfort and technology. The real magic happens when a car stays in the fleet for months on end. Drivers live with it day‑in, day‑out, test it in city traffic, on the motorway and even on a muddy farm track. The data collected – fuel‑economy, reliability, how often the ADAS systems intervene, the joy factor of a turbo‑petrol engine versus a silent EV – feeds into the final awards.
Winners at a Glance
Mazda MX‑5 took the top spot as the car we’d have kept forever, while the Renault 5 was crowned the most fit‑for‑purpose city car. The Škoda Superb Estate earned the accolade for longest‑distance comfort, and the polarising Jaecoo 7 snagged the title of most debated model.
Why the MX‑5 Won “Best Car to Own Forever”
It’s hard to argue with a car that inspired one of our writers to buy his own version after the test. The 2.0‑litre roadster combines a rev‑hungry engine, perfect‑weight chassis and a roof that folds away in seconds – pure, unadulterated driving pleasure. Even the runner‑up, the Jeep Wrangler, could not match the MX‑5’s blend of everyday usability and weekend‑warrior spirit.
Renault 5 – The Urban Workhorse
The new electric Renault 5 impressed with its punchy acceleration, quiet cabin and a design that makes city parking a breeze. Its short range never mattered for the test drivers who spent most of their time zig‑zagging through narrow streets. The Dacia Duster, the runner‑up, was praised for being a reliable, no‑nonsense off‑roader – but the Renault’s personality gave it the edge.
Škoda Superb Estate – The Long‑Distance Champion
A diesel‑powered Škoda Superb Estate averaged over 50 mpg on a London‑to‑Salzburg‑via‑Paris marathon, keeping occupants comfortable with its spacious interior and whisper‑quiet engine. Even the Bentley Bentayga, though luxurious, could not beat the Superb’s fuel‑efficiency and pragmatic design for marathon‑style journeys.
Jaecoo 7 – The Most Divisive
Chinese newcomer Jaecoo 7 sparked heated debate. Some loved its low price and massive dealer network; others dismissed it as a copycat of the Range Rover Evoque. The controversy alone made it a perfect fit for the “most hotly debated” category, with Volvo’s EX30 taking second place.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX‑5 | 4,180 | 1,735 | 1,235 |
| Renault 5 EV | 4,050 | 1,750 | 1,480 |
| Škoda Superb Estate | 4,845 | 1,860 | 1,470 |
| Jaecoo 7 | 4,500 | 1,920 | 1,650 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Winner | Runner‑up |
|---|---|---|
| Best Fun Factor | Mazda MX‑5 | Morgan Super 3 |
| Best City Car | Renault 5 | Dacia Duster |
| Best Long‑Distance Comfort | Škoda Superb | Bentley Bentayga |
| Most Debated | Jaecoo 7 | Volvo EX30 |
Engine Specifications of the Winners
| Model | Power | Torque | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX‑5 2.0 L | 181 hp | 151 Nm | Petrol (turbo‑petrol) |
| Renault 5 EV | 115 hp | 210 Nm | Electric |
| Škoda Superb Diesel | 150 hp | 340 Nm | Diesel |
| Jaecoo 7 1.5 L | 130 hp | 210 Nm | Petrol |
Price Comparison (Base MSRP, UK)
| Model | Starting Price | Typical On‑Road Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX‑5 | £26,500 | £28,800 |
| Renault 5 EV | £22,900 | £25,300 |
| Škoda Superb Estate | £31,200 | £34,700 |
| Jaecoo 7 | £24,500 | £27,100 |
Personal Anecdotes from the Road
One of our senior testers, Charlie Martin, confessed that after a year of sharing the MX‑5 he “couldn’t resist buying his own” – a testament to the car’s addictive nature. Meanwhile, Murray Scullion discovered a hidden joy in the tactile key of the Citroën ë‑C3, reminding us that even in 2025, a simple mechanical key can feel luxurious.
When the team took the Škoda Superb on a 1,200‑mile dash to Fort William, Alastair Clements marveled at how the diesel engine stayed quiet while the seats remained supportive – a combination that turned a grueling trip into a nap‑friendly cruise.
What This Means for Buyers in 2025
If you’re hunting for a car that feels like a long‑term partner, the MX‑5’s blend of lightweight dynamics and everyday practicality makes it hard to beat. Urban dwellers will appreciate the Renault 5’s compact dimensions, quick‑charge capability, and low running costs. For families or professionals who log hundreds of miles each month, the Superb’s diesel efficiency and spacious rear seat are still unrivalled in the market.
On the controversy front, the Jaecoo 7 proves that a strong price point can outweigh design criticisms – a lesson for anyone weighing cost against brand cachet. And for those who love quirky tech, the Citroën ë‑C3 shows that a good old key can still be a premium feature in an era dominated by touchscreens.
Conclusion
The 2025 Autocar Long‑Term Fleet Awards highlight that a car’s true character emerges only after you live with it. Whether you crave the pure joy of a roadster, the efficiency of a diesel estate, or the buzz of a hot‑new Chinese crossover, the data from 166,000 miles of real‑world driving gives you a reliable compass. Keep an eye on the winners when you’re next at the dealership – they’ve already proven they can survive the long haul.
FAQ – Your Long‑Term Test Questions Answered
- 1. How many miles did the Autocar team log in total?
- 166,378 miles across 35 different cars.
- 2. Which car received the most votes for “best to own forever”?
- The Mazda MX‑5.
- 3. Are the awards based only on performance?
- No – they consider comfort, reliability, fuel economy, ADAS performance and daily usability.
- 4. Did any electric car win a main category?
- While no EV topped a primary category, the Renault 5 EV was runner‑up for best city car and the Tesla Model 3 earned a special commendation for long‑distance capability.
- 5. What made the Škoda Superb stand out for long trips?
- Its diesel engine delivered >50 mpg, the seats were exceptionally supportive, and the cabin remained quiet even on highways.
- 6. Why is the Jaecoo 7 considered so controversial?
- Its rapid market uptake, low price, and styling that many feel mimics the Range Rover Evoque split opinions sharply.
- 7. Which car impressed the most with its quirky features?
- The Citroën ë‑C3, simply because it retains a traditional ignition key.
- 8. Are the award results relevant for used‑car buyers?
- Absolutely – the long‑term data shows how these models age, retain value and handle everyday wear.
- 9. Did any off‑road specialist make the shortlist?
- Yes, the Jeep Wrangler was runner‑up for “best to own forever” and the Dacia Duster earned accolades for pure utility.
- 10. Where can I read the full Autocar long‑term test report?
- Visit the official Autocar site at https://www.autocar.co.uk/long-term-fleet-awards-2025 for the complete breakdown.
