4Car Writes: A year of road testing

Once the dust settled, multiple personalities were excluded (only to sheepishly return a few days later), but little was resolved, which explains why they're called 'discussion' rather than 'conclusion' forums, I suppose. But yes, our forummer probably should keep the GTI, because 17 year old ones are gaining classic status. But new cars are, for me, better than old ones - they're quieter, safer, more powerful yet cleaner and, taxes aside, we are told that cost of ownership is still (comparatively) cheaper than it used to be.

Not all progress is positive, however. Modern cars are too heavy, mostly because of safety and refinement improvements. They don't ride well enough, because we all fancy the look of 18-inch alloys. And they can also be a bit on the inert side, for a number of reasons; chiefly society's obesity-creating desire to save as much physical effort as possible at all times (yet go to the gym an drink diet cola instead?), and governments' more credible requirement (albeit an irritant to the petrolhead) to make cars quieter and cleaner.

But on the whole, I think it's fair to say that cars have improved considerably over the past 20 years. So, are 2004's cars any good?

Inevitably, yes and no. And also inevitably, I haven't yet driven everything that was launched this year yet; however, in no particular order, here's what I've really liked:

The best affordable sports car around, the Mitsubishi Evolution VIII 260, my favourite from the whole Evo range. This year's Prior 'good affordable family car' award goes to the Toyota Corolla Verso; so long as you don't actually try and seat the seven people it claims it can carry. Renault's Clio 182 Cup is an excellent thing; as is Smart's Roadster Brabus, though it could use more steering feel and a better gearbox. The latest Vauxhall Astra's pretty competitive, but bettered by the new Ford Focus, which is not as great a leap as the previous one, but that's not really surprising. Mercedes' SLK is so much better than the last one it's not true; the Lotus Exige is great fun; the Vauxhall Monaro is a thoroughly likeable bruiser, as is the C6 Corvette. The BMW M5 is spectacular, but its thirst is terrifying and its fuel tank inadequate; neither is a problem for the Mitsubishi Colt, which is quite nice, as is its more characterful Smart ForFour cousin.

I've also been impressed by our long-term Toyota Prius, which has completed 13,500 breakdown-free miles (excepting the breakdown between Tom and I on our economy run) in the past six months. Of the stuff I haven't driven, I'm most excited by the new 911, which I'm assured is brill, and the Golf GTI which, happily, I will be spending some quality time with by the time you read this. Also can't wait to drive Chrysler's 300C.

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