Skip advert
Advertisement

Performance Car of the Year 2012

Which is the best driver's car of 2012? We count them down from 10 to one

Welcome to Britain’s best Performance Car of the Year contest. Over the past 12 months, a bumper crop of fast cars has gone on sale, ranging from great-value pocket rockets to mid-engined exotics. In celebration, we’ve gathered together 10 of the best for our annual high-octane shoot-out.

We’ve rated each contender for handling on the road, performance, desirability and price, before going against the clock at the challenging Anglesey circuit in Wales.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We've also been in search of cheap thrills with eight performance bargains and gone for a drive on the wild side in a pair of crazy racers for the road. Buckle up...

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,250Avg. savings £2,419 off RRP*Used from £10,995
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,761 off RRP*Used from £17,795
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £703 off RRP*Used from £10,250
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Electric and Dacia Spring are EV extremes but I've found the sweet spot
Opinion - EV sweet spot

Range Rover Electric and Dacia Spring are EV extremes but I've found the sweet spot

Mike Rutherford believes he's figured out the trick to getting the best EV bargain
Opinion
20 Sep 2026
Skoda Peaq review
Skoda Peaq 2026 - Ellis Hyde

Skoda Peaq review

The Skoda Peaq is the Czech brand's biggest and most expensive car ever, and is a worthy flagship
In-depth reviews
20 Sep 2026
Paris Motor Show 2026: your guide to all the key cars
Paris Motor Show 2026 header image

Paris Motor Show 2026: your guide to all the key cars

Huge motor show looks set for some suitably big reveals in October
News
21 Sep 2026