The Ultimate Driving Debate: 2025’s Automotive Luminaries Gather for a Festive Showdown
In the hallowed halls of automotive journalism, where passion for precision engineering and the open road reigns supreme, an annual tradition has emerged that signifies the true commencement of the holiday season. This isn’t about exchanging baubles or singing carols; it’s a spirited debate, a friendly joust of vehicular champions championed by the very individuals who spend their lives behind the wheel, scrutinizing every nuance of performance, design, and technological advancement. As an industry expert with a decade immersed in this exhilarating world, I can attest that this gathering, affectionately dubbed the “Road Testers’ Christmas Lunch,” represents more than just a convivial meal – it’s a deep dive into the soul of the automotive year, a culmination of twelve months spent assessing the finest machines to grace our roads.
Forget the conventional corporate holiday party. Here, the air crackles with genuine enthusiasm and a healthy dose of professional rivalry. The premise is elegantly simple, yet profoundly revealing: each participant selects a vehicle from the past year that they believe stands head and shoulders above the rest, a car that has ignited their passion or, in their expert opinion, represents the pinnacle of automotive achievement for 2025. The ultimate arbiter of this esteemed contest? Our very own Staff Writer, whose keen eye and discerning palate for automotive excellence will crown the undisputed champion.
This is the kind of scenario that fuels our dreams, the ultimate indulgence for those of us whose lives revolve around horsepower, torque, and the symphony of a well-tuned engine. To have the opportunity to commandeer any marque, any model, and present it to our esteemed colleagues for evaluation is a privilege that underscores the extraordinary nature of our profession. While we at Autocar Towers often feel as though every day is a holiday, this particular occasion elevates that sentiment to an entirely new level. With the vast automotive landscape of the past year as our oyster, brimming with technological marvels and design triumphs, the question arises: where shall we begin this year’s festive automotive inquest?
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid: A Resurgence of Eco-Sensible Excellence
Our journey into the heart of 2025’s automotive landscape begins with a car that, at first glance, might elicit a wry smile or a dismissive scoff from the uninitiated. As the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid gracefully slices through the ethereal morning mist blanketing the dramatic coastline near Beachy Head, my esteemed colleague, contributor James Disdale, admits with a chuckle, “If you’d told me twenty years ago that I’d be nominating a Toyota Prius for this gathering, I’d have laughed.”
Yet, Disdale’s sentiment quickly pivots to a profound appreciation for the Prius’s enduring legacy. “Look back 25 years to its debut,” he continues, “and the Prius was lauded for delivering groundbreaking powertrain technology in an accessible package. And you know what? It’s still doing exactly that. It has become synonymous with the taxi industry, and for good reason. The Prius is remarkably efficient, incredibly reliable, and a fundamentally brilliant car. In these uncertain economic times, why wouldn’t you champion a vehicle that represents true everyday value and practicality? As concerns over fuel efficiency, resource conservation, and the responsible use of rare earth metals intensify, this hybrid powertrain is not just relevant; it’s becoming increasingly vital. And before you dismiss it with any further ride-share jokes, I must insist – it’s genuinely a pleasure to drive!”
Disdale’s impassioned defense resonates deeply. Taking the reins of the Prius for a brief sojourn along the winding Sussex coastal road, I find myself surprisingly captivated by its serene, almost meditative, driving experience. The subtle whir of its electric motor, seamlessly transitioning with the internal combustion engine, creates a peculiar sense of satisfaction. “The Prius,” Disdale observes, “possesses echoes of Saab’s engineering prowess at its best, perhaps even a whisper of the modern DS automotive spirit. It’s a car of genuine ingenuity.”
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse: A Roaring Rebellion Against Modern Sobriety
In stark contrast to the eco-conscious ethos embodied by the Prius, road tester Illya Verpraet has clearly opted to sidestep the prevailing cost-of-living crisis narrative. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse he arrives in commands an almost palpable presence, a deliciously brooding silhouette amidst our cheerfully festive assembly.
Simply being in its vicinity evokes a childlike exuberance, a visceral thrill that only a V8 muscle car can impart. The very sight of it rolling into our gathering elicits an involuntary urge to applaud, especially when one learns it’s paired with a manual gearbox – a rare and cherished commodity in today’s automated automotive world.
“I felt the Mustang received a somewhat unfair assessment during last year’s ‘Handling Day’ event because it was an automatic, which didn’t showcase its true potential,” Verpraet explains. “However, driving the manual variant was an entirely different experience. It’s an unapologetically analog machine in an increasingly digital age. It may not boast cutting-edge sophistication, but its sheer, unadulterated fun factor is undeniable. I absolutely adore it, even if it does inject a healthy dose of self-consciousness into my driving persona.”
For me, the very sound emanating from the Dark Horse is enough to imbue my Christmas spirit with unparalleled joy. Speaking of V8 sonatas, an unexpected but no less welcome arrival is editor-in-chief Steve Cropley’s Porsche Panamera Turbo S.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S: Sophistication Meets Unbridled V8 Prowess
The unmistakable auditory signature of the Panamera precedes its visual appearance. A remarkably restrained, yet undeniably potent, low-frequency burble announces its arrival. Where the Mustang unleashes a thundering crescendo, the Panamera’s V8 offers a deliciously refined, almost menacing, undertone.
“I saw this as a unique opportunity to showcase an ‘ethical’ V8,” Cropley reveals, as we all patiently await photographer Max to capture the perfect static shot, all while maintaining a precarious balance on his ladder. “I drove it here this morning and achieved an impressive 40 miles of pure electric range. Even after a 150-mile journey, the trip computer indicated an average of 45 miles per gallon. But should you decide to unleash its full potential, the soundtrack is simply magnificent. The four-wheel steering renders it remarkably agile, even on these narrow, winding roads. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the air suspension system is nothing short of brilliant in its efficacy. I genuinely believe it represents the zenith of its luxury sedan class. We often discuss plug-in hybrids as the ‘best of both worlds,’ but the combination of a substantial EV range and the visceral thrill of a V8 when the mood strikes offers a compelling and logical proposition.”
I find myself in complete agreement. The Panamera Turbo S, even in the rather unconventional bronze hue of our test vehicle, possesses the effortless grace of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class during everyday touring, yet harbors the unmistakable soul of a sports car, ready to be unleashed at a moment’s notice. It is, without question, a marvel. I, too, am particularly enamored with the air suspension; the way the entire car perceptibly rises as you unlock it, like an eager puppy, is a delightful touch. And let’s not even begin on the massage seats – they are, quite possibly, the most advanced and luxurious I have ever encountered. A single one of those seats would be a Christmas miracle, let alone integrated into a V8 plug-in hybrid grand tourer.
While the Panamera presents a striking departure from the egalitarian spirit of the Prius and the raw muscle of the Mustang, it is perhaps our other bronze contender, a Morgan Supersport, that offers the most profound divergence.
The Morgan Supersport: A Steampunk Symphony of Lightweight Purity
I had the distinct pleasure of piloting this very car in the rugged Welsh countryside earlier this year, a direct comparison to the electrifying Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a juxtaposition that celebrated the extreme ends of performance car engineering. It was also a vehicle I seriously contemplated bringing to this gathering, a true highlight of my automotive year.
There’s an undeniable allure to Morgan’s contemporary interpretation of its classic styling, imbuing the Supersport with a peculiar, almost steampunk, aesthetic. The inherent appeal of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive machine, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of power and tactile feedback, is simply irresistible. It is, in essence, a gem. And it is precisely this potent combination of charm and driving purity that editor-at-large Matt Prior has selected for our festive soiree.
“I’m fond of it,” Prior states matter-of-factly. “It’s an eccentric automobile. I appreciate its visual language, its construction methods, and the sheer joy it delivers when piloted. It elicits a smile, consistently. Does it sound like a sewing machine? Yes. But have I driven anything more engaging this year? Emphatically, no.” Need I elaborate further?
The Renault 5: A Modern Icon of Affordable Electric Enthusiasm
And now, to conclude our initial review of the contenders and present my own personal automotive champion: the Renault 5.
This car holds a special place in my heart. My affection for it began during its tenure as a Car of the Year juror in late 2024. A lengthy drive to the northernmost reaches of Denmark solidified my conviction that this compact electric vehicle might well represent a pivotal moment for affordable electric mobility.
Subsequent drives and extended periods spent with the Renault 5 have led me to believe that its significance extends far beyond its electric powertrain. I contend that it is single-handedly resurrecting the joy of driving affordable, small cars. Regardless of propulsion – petrol or electric – the Renault 5 is an absolute delight, whether you’re navigating city streets or engaging in spirited driving on winding country lanes.
It embodies aspiration, despite its accessible price point. It recaptures the essence of what small cars once represented – that fervent desire amongst young drivers for vehicles like the Peugeot Saxo, the Citroën 106, the Vauxhall Corsa, and the Ford Fiesta. Renault, in its genius, has managed to bottle that elusive magic, much as BMW did with its reinvented Mini and Fiat with its resurrected 500. Now, Renault has achieved it with the 5.
Who needs a Prius to embody affordability and efficiency when you can possess all of that, and do so with such undeniable style?
The Absentee’s Spectre: The Unseen Contenders
As I prepare to hand over the reins to Sam, I must acknowledge a glaring omission, or rather, two significant absences from our esteemed gathering. Road test editor Matt Saunders and his deputy, Richard Lane, are both conspicuously absent. Their absence, attributed to childcare duties and pre-planned holidays respectively, has left a void in our otherwise robust discussion.
Thus, we deem it fitting to conclude our festive feast by contemplating what automotive treasures these absent colleagues would have graced us with, had they been present.
“Ricky would have brought a Porsche 911.” This pronouncement was echoed with near-unanimous conviction by every single person in attendance. Even patrons at a nearby table, unfamiliar with Ricky or Autocar, agreed with this assessment. The pub landlord, the parking attendant, and even a passing psychic chimed in, all predicting Ricky’s allegiance to the iconic 911.
Indeed, the consensus was so overwhelming that it became a running joke throughout our arrival. James Disdale and I, after a spirited exchange across the car park, found ourselves questioning the absence of a 911, a car that, in our collective opinion, should have been a non-negotiable entry. The truth is, its omission was a testament to our shared assumption that Ricky would undoubtedly be its champion. Sadly, neither Ricky nor the 911 materialized today.
But which iteration of the ever-expanding 911 range would Ricky have championed? That, admittedly, is a more nuanced question. However, perhaps to his credit, the collective verdict leans towards the Carrera S, or potentially the GT3 RS. Yet, the prevailing sentiment points towards the Carrera S. And who can blame him? We all miss Ricky, and we miss the 911. Perhaps next year, gentlemen.
As for Mr. Saunders? While the temptation to assign him another unassuming brown Volvo estate is strong, the overwhelming consensus suggests that our esteemed road test editor would likely have presented the Defender Octa. A Land Rover Defender boasting an astonishing 626bhp – who wouldn’t wish for such a machine as a Christmas present?
Next year, chaps, our only request is that you simply turn up. In the interim, as I prepare to cede the floor to Sam, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May your festive drives be filled with joy and abundant cheer.
The Verdict: A Judgement by Sam Phillips
Matt Prior’s eloquent defense of the Morgan Supersport’s driving prowess proved entirely accurate during my brief turn behind the wheel prior to lunch. However, I concur that the Supersport, while undeniably brilliant, lacks the all-encompassing versatility required to serve as a primary vehicle in a two-car garage.
James Disdale’s advocacy for the Toyota Prius was compelling. His observations regarding its futuristic aesthetic, engaging dynamics, and attractive pricing were certainly valid. The subtle attempt to slip me a ten-pound note afterward, however, did raise a flicker of doubt about his absolute conviction in the Prius’s ultimate victory.
Steve Cropley passionately championed the Porsche Panamera Turbo S, extolling its sublime ride quality, impressive fuel economy, and blistering performance. It is, without question, a segment leader and will undoubtedly satisfy a great many plug-in hybrid enthusiasts. However, its considerable weight and premium price tag remain significant considerations.
I found myself genuinely captivated by Illya Verpraet’s manual Ford Mustang Dark Horse. In 2025, a year where regulations increasingly challenge the existence of V8 muscle cars, it represents a bold and exhilarating statement. A superb choice, though even Illya conceded to feeling a tad self-conscious behind its wheel.
Vicky Parrott’s case for the Renault 5 was meticulously constructed, acknowledging its evocative retro styling, commendable range, and accessible price point. It transforms mundane urban commutes into enjoyable excursions and exhibits a delightful propensity for spirited driving when the road allows – a characteristic rarely seen in the supermini segment since BMW’s reimagining of the Mini.
In many respects, the Renault 5 has fundamentally altered the conversation surrounding electric vehicles. It definitively proves that electric cars can be both exhilarating to drive and remarkably affordable, all without compromising on perceived quality.
Significant expectations were placed upon the Renault 5 prior to its launch. That it has not only met these expectations but has arguably even captured the cultural zeitgeist, solidifying its position as our undisputed champion, is a testament to its exceptional engineering and design.
Our Dream Christmas Drives:
Vicky Parrott: My envisioned Christmas Day drive would take me across the breathtaking landscapes of Cranborne Chase in Dorset, perhaps even venturing along Zig Zag Hill. Having grown up in the vicinity, this region is steeped in cherished memories, including navigating its winding paths in my very first car: a 1984 Renault 5, which I purchased in 2002 for a mere £50. That car will forever hold a special place in my heart, but the advancements made over the past two decades are truly astonishing.
Matt Prior: An early start, heading towards the rugged west coast, a leisurely pace, and a picnic basket filled with festive treats stowed securely in the boot. The Supersport is the quintessential romantic grand tourer, not a dedicated sports car. We’d savor lunch by the sea, turning for home mid-afternoon, basking in the warm glow of the setting sun filtering through the expansive rear window.
Steve Cropley: For years, I’ve harbored a desire to undertake a comprehensive exploration of the Malvern Hills. Its inspirational scenery and intriguing roads have been glimpsed during brief, often rushed, visits to Morgan. I would utilize the formidable Porsche to dedicate ample time to discovering promising routes and hidden gems over several days.
Illya Verpraet: The United States remains largely unexplored territory for me. Contrary to prevalent stereotypes, the country boasts some truly spectacular winding roads. Now that automotive engineering has advanced to the point where cars can confidently navigate such challenging terrain, I’m eager to explore the iconic canyon roads of California. And with the Dark Horse’s robust 453 horsepower, I’m confident it will be more than sufficient to outrun any unexpected encounters with rogue immigration enforcement squads, should the need arise.
James Disdale: For a festive excursion, I’d embrace the vibrant, Santa’s sleigh-red finish of our Prius test car and dedicate it to the delightful task of delivering presents to friends and family across the nation. Given the Prius’s genuinely engaging driving characteristics, I would most certainly leverage the quietude of the holiday roads to seek out the most exhilarating and twisty routes available.
Our New Year’s Resolutions:
Vicky Parrott: My 1992 Mercedes SL has regrettably seen insufficient use over the past year. A wise individual, Steve Cropley, once imparted the invaluable wisdom that having a purpose for your vehicle is paramount. This coming year, I plan to embark on a road trip with a dear friend who has also recently acquired an SL. Furthermore, I am determined to take my nine-year-old daughter to the Goodwood Revival. My resolution, in essence, is to create lasting memories.
Matt Prior: My Land Rover Defender will be transformed into a soft-top, transitioning from a utilitarian workhorse – a role now capably filled by my Audi A2 – into a more relaxed and enjoyable weekend vehicle. I anticipate using it less frequently, but most certainly enjoying it more profoundly.
Steve Cropley: In the coming year, my intention is to drive as extensively as ever. However, I will endeavor to commence my journeys earlier each day. Driving is particularly pleasurable when traffic is sparse, a condition that generally persists well into the day. The most reliable method to ensure this benefit is to initiate travel before the majority of drivers have even left their homes.
Illya Verpraet: I have an overdue obligation to utilize my personal vehicles more frequently. A significant continental road trip, which I was unable to undertake this year, is long overdue. My recently acquired BMW E30 is currently undergoing winter servicing and will undoubtedly be the instrument for achieving this dual objective, hopefully along with many other enriching driving experiences.
James Disdale: This is a resolution I profess every year, but for 2026, I am truly committed. After allowing it to languish under a protective cover for a decade, I am finally going to embark on the resurrection of my Mk2 Volkswagen Golf GTI, which has proudly borne my name on its V5 registration document since 2003. However, I fully anticipate repeating this very same declaration this time next year…
