Long-term tests

Long-term tests

Every Auto Express long-term test, ever...

The Auto Express long-term test is a rigorous examination of a car’s design, engineering and practicality in real world conditions - often accompanied by some slightly silly photos of our experts with their cars. 

Our team lives with each car for a period of around six months, subjecting each to the trials and tribulations of our own daily routines. School runs, shopping trips, commutes, days out, family holidays, visits to the rubbish dump; we live with these cars so you can understand what it would be like to. 

And, of course, we’re car journalists so we regularly go above and beyond the typical use patterns for our long-term test cars. Track and off-road driving, in suitable models, gives a further insight into their qualities. So do the big mileages we cover on roads of all types right around the UK and across Europe, not to mention the photographic and video shoots.  

If you’re in the market to buy a new car, the Auto Express long-term test reports provide an invaluable insight into what your own life might be like as the owner. In combination with our in-depth reviews and group tests, these pages form the most comprehensive evaluation of new cars you’ll find anywhere. 

Over thousands of miles of testing, our experts really get under the skin of all the most popular models on the market and if you have specific questions about the cars we’re running now or have run in the past, we’re here to help… 

What’s on fleet?

Cars we’re reporting on now plus recent long-term test fleet arrivals and departures 

Scroll down for all our long-term test reports...

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,343
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,395
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,470
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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Cupra Tavascan V1 long-term test: sleek SUV surprises with its space
Cupra Tavascan long termer second report - header

Cupra Tavascan V1 long-term test: sleek SUV surprises with its space

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Range Rover Sport - front tracking

Range Rover Sport P550e Autobiography long-term test: Even luxury SUVs get tyred

Third fleetwatch: getting the optional spare tyre proves well worth the extra cost
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Volkswagen ID. Buzz Style LWB long-term test: retro MPV shows bigger is better
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Volkswagen ID. Buzz Style LWB long-term test: retro MPV shows bigger is better

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Volvo EC40 Plus long-term test: this oldie is still a goldie
Volvo EC40 Plus long-term - header

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KGM Actyon K50 long-term test: practical SUV proves both thirsty and bouncy
KGM Actyon K50 long-term - header with laptop

KGM Actyon K50 long-term test: practical SUV proves both thirsty and bouncy

Second fleetwatch: sat-nav woes and refinement issues take the shine off this spacious family car
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Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI long term test: classy hatch is munching the miles with ease
Audi A3 35 TFSI S tronic S line long termer - first report header

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI long term test: classy hatch is munching the miles with ease

First fleetwatch: whether it’s Goodwood trips or town runs, the A3’s been effortless from day one
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Final report: we look back on our time with hot Alfa, another fabulous but flawed car from the brand
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Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five long-term test: EV supermini faces its fiery cousin
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First fleetwatch: we cover over 300 miles without breaking a sweat
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Dacia Duster Journey Hybrid long-term - family with the Dacia

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Second report: our SUV is perfect for family-friendly adventures
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BMW 530e Touring long-term test: punchy estate meets the muscular M5
BMW 530e Touring LT test - 530e and BMW M5

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Lexus LBX Takumi long-term - header outside of a dealership

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Third report: Onboard tech elevates the LBX, although some features falter
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Peugeot E-3008 GT long-term test: a great motorway mile-muncher
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