For the past few years, our magazine has been compiling a feature looking at the year’s road test stats, typically published in one of the Christmas double issues. In 2023, it was quite striking to see the average star rating drop from four to 3.5, with no five-star verdicts. It was not a great vintage year for cars.
However, as 2024 rolled in, it immediately started serving up some really impressive cars such as the Dacia Duster, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Morgan Plus Four, and the range of Skoda models. This raised questions about whether the tide had turned or if there was a shift in the industry.
One way to find out was to join editor and Car of the Year juror Mark Tisshaw at Tannistest in Denmark. This event, organized by the Car of the Year committee, brought together many of the year’s significant cars for back-to-back testing. It was a great opportunity to test and compare a wide range of vehicles in one place.
During the event, I had the chance to drive numerous forgettable crossovers that failed to leave a lasting impression. While these cars may be decent and practical, they often lack the uniqueness and innovation that make a vehicle truly stand out. This raises the question of whether they are truly necessary in the market.
However, these average cars serve a purpose by allowing exceptional models to shine even brighter. There are some truly clever and delightful cars entering the market, such as the Renault 5 which stands out for its brilliance and affordability compared to the Mini Cooper E.
One standout feature of the Renault 5 is its seamless blend of retro and modern design, coupled with advanced technology. Similarly, the Dacia Duster offers a similar experience at a more affordable price point.
After testing electric and hybrid cars, the Suzuki Swift provided a refreshing change with its manual gearbox. It was one of the few cars at Tannistest with this feature, highlighting the shift towards automatic transmissions in the industry.
