CAR - 2005's Hottest Cars.

[OliS]

The January edition of CAR magazine has a 2005's Hottest Car supplement, which of course features the hottest hatchback of the year, the Clio Trophy!

They test a variety of cars around Silverstone's National circuit. The Clio clocked a lap time of 1:14.80, and was given a on track 'Fish-out-of-water' rating of 'Swimmin' (which is good!) and an on road 'Real world usability' rating of 90%. Again the reviewer comments on the Clio's excellent dynamics, but has a dig at the interior quality etc. Par for the course really!

The Clio destroyed it's closest competitor the Fiesta ST which managed a 1:17.06 lap, the Golf GTi managed a 1:15.40, and the Astra VXR posted a lap of 1:14.60.

Definately one worth adding to the collection!

 

[mr StinKa gob]

Suprising the VX seems to be alot faster then cars youd expect it to beat. Everyone states it has alot of torque steer, and is a beast to handle. Im suprised it beat the trophy and more suprised it beat the goft gti.

Maybe its not as bad as everyone makes out.

 

[Nik]

Yeah, thats a good result for the VXR

 

[mr StinKa gob]

Maybe its just so powerful what it loses on the corners it makes up on the straight?

 

[OliS]

I agree with Stromba :shock: :wink:

The Silverstone National circuit seems to be one that would favour cars with more horsepower than handling finesse, it is punctuated by three straights, from Copse to Becketts, from Becketts to Brooklands and then the sweep round on the home straight.

On a tighter circuit such as Bedford's West circuit, EVO magazine have timed the Clio Cup as being quicker than the VXR (don't have the figures on me!). Horses for courses I guess.

On the road is where it matters for me though, and I would like to think that on my favourite twisty B-roads the Clio's chassis would give me that advantage over the VXR, but then if it was a drag race on a straightish dual carrageway I am sure the Clio would be second best to the VXR.