Skip advert
Advertisement

In-car vacuum cleaner mini test

We test the new in-car vacuum cleaner from Dyson to find out how it compares to our current best buy

Cleaning up crumbs in your car is simple with a dedicated vacuum cleaner. There’s no need to drag the household vac to your driveway, as the latest handhelds are small enough to be left in the boot for use away from the mains.

Dyson’s updated Animal DC34 has a motorised brush head for picking up pet hair, plus its digital motor claims to spin five times faster than an F1 engine. We put it up against our current favourite: the Halfords 12V Car Vacuum.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our road test team loves these vacs, and we tested them on cars ahead of a photoshoot. We used them to shift dog hairs from the boot, biscuit crumbs from the driver’s seat and muck from the footwell. Plus, we counted the attachments included and rated suction over a section of carpet. Price was also a factor.

The Dyson’s suction is second to none, plus it’s easy to empty. Battery life is limited, though, and it’s just too pricey. So the Halfords is still best for clearing up on the go. Unlike the Dyson, it’s not cordless, but there’s a long 12-volt cable and it also has three attachments.

Money no object: Dyson DC34 Animal

Price: £179.99

Contact: www.dyson.co.uk

Rating:★★★★

Dyson DC34 Animal

Best buy: Halfords 12V Car Vacuum

Price: £19.99

Contact: www.halfords.com

Rating:★★★★★

Halfords 12V Car Vacuum
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,322 off RRP*Used from £10,799
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £4,332 off RRP*Used from £11,400
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £8,450
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,075 off RRP*Used from £10,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Why are Chinese cars flooding the UK?
New Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7

Why are Chinese cars flooding the UK?

We investigate why the British market is so attractive to Chinese brands
Features
31 Oct 2025
Citroen C3 Aircross vs Dacia Jogger: the budget seven-seater test we’ve been waiting for
Citroen C3 Aircross vs Dacia Jogger - front tracking

Citroen C3 Aircross vs Dacia Jogger: the budget seven-seater test we’ve been waiting for

New Citroen C3 Aircross arrives to challenge Dacia Jogger’s budget seven-seater crown
Car group tests
1 Nov 2025
The Renault 4 looks irresistible thanks to its bargain pricing
Opinion - Renault 4

The Renault 4 looks irresistible thanks to its bargain pricing

Mike Rutherford takes a look at the New Car World Championships, where the Renault 4 took top honours
Opinion
2 Nov 2025