The Ultimate Autocar Festive Fleet: Unveiling the Pinnacle of Automotive Excellence in 2025
As the crisp air of late December 2025 settles, a familiar tradition unfolds at Autocar Towers, a ritual far more spirited than any Secret Santa exchange. This year, we’ve amplified the festive cheer by eschewing the obligatory gift-giving for a more direct, and arguably more exhilarating, expression of automotive passion: the road testers’ Christmas lunch showdown. Instead of exchanging presents, we’ve arrived armed with our personal automotive champions, cars from the past twelve months that we believe truly embody the spirit of automotive innovation and desirability. Our esteemed colleague, Sam Phillips, takes on the unenviable task of adjudicating our collective vehicular devotion. This isn’t just a lunch; it’s a curated exhibition of automotive excellence, a testament to the diverse and dynamic landscape of new vehicle offerings available in the United States market.
The premise is simple, yet profoundly exciting: select a car you’ve championed throughout the year, a vehicle that has captured your imagination, or one you firmly believe represents the zenith of automotive achievement. This allows us, as seasoned industry professionals with a decade of hands-on experience, to engage in a friendly, yet fiercely debated, appraisal of the year’s most compelling machines. The allure of this tradition is undeniable; the opportunity to select virtually any new vehicle and present it to discerning colleagues for evaluation is, in many ways, the realization of a professional dream. While our daily lives at Autocar are a constant immersion in automotive brilliance, this annual gathering offers a unique platform to celebrate and dissect the very best the industry has to offer.
The Eco-Conscious Champion: A Surprising Contender Emerges
Our festive convoy begins with a vehicle that, for many, would have been an unthinkable nomination just a few years ago. As a sleek, aerodynamically sculpted silhouette emerges from the morning mist clinging to the dramatic coastline, a collective murmur of surprise ripples through the assembled group. James Disdale, a contributor whose sharp wit is matched only by his keen automotive insights, offers a candid confession: “Honestly, if you’d told me twenty years ago that I’d be nominating a Toyota Prius for something like this, I’d have laughed hysterically.”
Yet, Disdale’s conviction is palpable. He elaborates, “But you have to consider the trajectory. Twenty-five years ago, the original Prius was lauded for its groundbreaking powertrain technology delivered in an accessible package. And that core principle remains. It’s become the ubiquitous choice for taxi fleets, and for good reason: the Prius delivers unparalleled efficiency and legendary reliability. In these uncertain economic times, why wouldn’t you champion a vehicle that is the ultimate everyday workhorse? As fuel economy, resource scarcity, and the responsible use of materials become ever more critical, this hybrid powertrain isn’t just relevant; it’s increasingly indispensable. And before anyone makes another tired Uber joke, I must emphasize, it’s genuinely a pleasure to drive!”
His points resonate deeply. A brief sojourn behind the wheel of the Prius, tracing the ribbons of asphalt that hug the Sussex coast towards the iconic Beachy Head lighthouse, reveals a subtly engaging and surprisingly satisfying driving experience. There’s an almost meditative quality to its hushed, efficient operation, a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess. Disdale aptly summarizes its appeal: “The Prius possesses a certain refined character, reminiscent of the best of Saab’s innovations, perhaps even a hint of contemporary DS design. It’s a remarkably clever car.” This year, the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid stands as a bold statement, championing intelligent engineering and unwavering practicality.
The Roaring Heartbeat of Tradition: A Muscle Car Reimagined
In stark contrast to the Prius’s considered pragmatism, road tester Illya Verpraet arrives with a machine that unapologetically embraces its V8 heritage. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is a deliciously brooding presence, a palpable embodiment of automotive exuberance that seems to disregard the prevailing economic climate. Its mere presence ignites a childlike sense of excitement, a visceral thrill that only a potent American muscle car can evoke. The deep, resonant growl as it pulls into our gathering is an overture to automotive passion. And the fact that it’s equipped with a manual gearbox only amplifies its appeal, a rare and celebrated feature in today’s increasingly automated automotive landscape.
Verpraet’s rationale is clear: “The previous generation Mustang automatic didn’t quite hit the mark at ‘Handling Day’ last year. It felt somewhat compromised. However, driving the manual variant was an entirely different revelation. It’s a wonderfully anachronistic machine. It might not boast cutting-edge sophistication, but it delivers an unadulterated dose of fun. I absolutely love it, even if it does make me feel a touch conspicuous at times.” The very sound of the Dark Horse is, for many, a Christmas miracle in itself.
The Sophisticated V8 Symphony: A Plug-In Powerhouse
Speaking of V8 soundtracks, an unexpected yet utterly captivating entrant is editor-in-chief Steve Cropley’s Porsche Panamera Turbo S. Before it even comes into view, its presence is announced by a remarkable, low-frequency burble. While the Mustang’s V8 roars with unbridled aggression, the Panamera’s offers a deliciously refined yet undeniably potent murmur.
Cropley articulates his choice with characteristic insight: “This presents a fantastic opportunity to experience a V8 in a more progressive, perhaps even ‘ethical,’ context. I drove it here this morning, achieving a solid 40 miles on electric power alone, and the trip computer indicated an impressive 45 miles per gallon after a 150-mile journey. And when you truly unleash its capabilities, the V8 soundtrack is simply sensational. The four-wheel steering system makes it remarkably agile, even on these intricate country lanes. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the air suspension is exceptionally effective, providing a ride quality that is nothing short of brilliant. I genuinely believe this is the pinnacle of its segment, a true executive express with sporting credentials. We often discuss PHEVs as offering the best of both worlds – well, a useful electric range combined with the visceral thrill of a V8 when the mood strikes, that’s a compelling proposition with undeniable logic.”
It’s impossible to disagree. The Panamera Turbo S, even in the somewhat unconventional bronze hue of our test car, exudes an effortless brilliance that rivals the finest Mercedes S-Class models in terms of everyday touring comfort, yet possesses the soul of a true sports car when pushed. The air suspension is a particular delight, subtly raising the car as you unlock it, akin to an eager canine greeting its owner. Furthermore, the massage seats are arguably the finest I’ve ever encountered; a pair of those alone would be a magnificent Christmas gift, let alone integrated into a potent V8 plug-in hybrid.
The Steampunk Soul: A Modern Interpretation of Timeless Craftsmanship
While the Panamera presents a striking departure from the Prius and the Mustang, our next contender, another bronze marvel, the Morgan Supersport, ventures into an entirely different realm of automotive fascination. I had the distinct pleasure of driving this exact vehicle in the rugged landscapes of Wales earlier this year, a back-to-back comparison with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N that served as a celebration of the extreme ends of performance car engineering. The Supersport was a serious contender for my personal car of the year.
I am captivated by Morgan’s modern interpretation of its iconic styling, which imbues the Supersport with a wonderfully peculiar, almost steampunk, aesthetic. The allure of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive machine with precisely the right amount of power and an utterly tactile driving experience is simply undeniable. It’s a true gem. And this, ultimately, is why editor-at-large Matt Prior has selected it for our festive gathering.
Prior’s enthusiasm is evident: “I simply love it. It’s a delightfully quirky car. I appreciate its distinctive appearance, its artisanal construction, and the sheer joy it brings to the driving experience. It puts a smile on my face like few other cars. Does it have the mechanical symphony of a sewing machine? Yes. But I can honestly say, in the course of this year, I haven’t driven anything else that stirs the soul quite like it.” His sentiments require little further elaboration.
The Electric Renaissance: A Small Car with Big Impact
We conclude our curated collection with my own personal champion, the Renault 5. This is a car I have adored since I piloted it to the northernmost reaches of Denmark as part of my duties as a Car of the Year juror at the close of 2024. It was during that epic journey that I began to suspect this might represent a pivotal moment for affordable electric vehicles.
As I spent more time with the Renault 5, undertaking various journeys, it became clear that the electric powertrain was only part of its revolutionary appeal. I firmly believe this car is resurrecting the spirit of fun, affordable small cars. Regardless of powertrain, the R5 is an absolute delight to drive, whether you’re navigating urban congestion or enthusiastically tackling the winding curves of Beachy Head.
It possesses an aspirational quality despite its accessible price point. It harks back to a golden era when small cars like the Peugeot Saxo, Citroën 106, Vauxhall Corsa, and Ford Fiesta were objects of intense desire for young drivers. Renault has, against all odds, recaptured that elusive magic. BMW achieved a similar feat with its reinvented Mini, as did Fiat with its resurrected 500. Now, Renault has accomplished the same with the 5. Why settle for the pragmatic efficiency of a Prius when you can have all that, coupled with an undeniable sense of style and panache?
The Unseen Contenders: Imagining the Absent Experts
With such a compelling array of vehicles before us, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the glaring omissions from our gathering. Two key figures, road test editor Matt Saunders and his deputy, Richard Lane, are regrettably absent due to childcare commitments and pre-planned holidays. This prompts a spirited, albeit speculative, discussion: what automotive masterpieces would they have brought had they been present?
“Ricky would have brought a Porsche 911,” is the resounding verdict echoed by virtually every individual present. The consensus was so strong that even patrons at a neighboring pub, strangers to Ricky and Autocar, unanimously agreed. The pub landlord, the parking attendant, and even a passing psychic all chimed in with the same prediction for next year. The conviction that Ricky would have chosen a 911 was simply overwhelming. In fact, upon arrival, James Disdale and I ourselves scanned the car park, questioning the absence of this automotive icon.
Indeed, the Porsche 911 is a perennial benchmark, a vehicle that truly deserves a place in any such discussion. Its absence stems from our collective assumption that Ricky would undoubtedly champion it. The question then becomes: which variant would he have selected from the ever-expanding 911 family? While a precise answer is elusive, the communal sentiment leans towards the Carrera S, or perhaps even the high-octane GT3 RS. However, the most probable choice, reflecting a balance of performance and everyday usability, is the Porsche 911 Carrera S. We missed both Ricky and the 911, but we hold out hope for their presence next year.
As for Mr. Saunders, while the temptation to assign him another understated brown Volvo estate is strong, the prevailing opinion is that our esteemed road test editor would likely have arrived in the formidable Land Rover Defender Octa. With its colossal 626bhp, it’s a Christmas wish list item for anyone who appreciates brute force and off-road capability. Who wouldn’t want that for Christmas?
The Verdict: A Champion Emerges from the Pack
As the festive lunch draws to a close, Sam Phillips, our appointed judge, steps forward to deliver his verdict. He acknowledges the impressive driving dynamics of the Morgan Supersport, as championed by Matt Prior, but rightly concludes that its niche appeal prevents it from being a truly versatile second car.
James Disdale’s passionate advocacy for the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid is recognized, with Phillips concurring on its futuristic aesthetics, pleasing dynamics, and affordability. However, he humorously notes Disdale’s surreptitious attempt to slip him a £10 note, a gesture that subtly hinted at a lack of complete conviction.
Steve Cropley’s endorsement of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is also well-received, with Phillips lauding its exceptional ride quality, impressive fuel economy, and blistering performance. He concedes it’s a class leader, ideal for many PHEV buyers, but its considerable heft and price tag remain undeniable factors.
Illya Verpraet’s manual Ford Mustang Dark Horse garners significant admiration. In an era of increasing automotive regulation, a V8 muscle car with a manual transmission is a bold and exhilarating choice. Yet, even Verpraet admits to a fleeting sense of self-consciousness while behind the wheel.
Finally, Vicky Parrott’s case for the Renault 5 is presented with compelling clarity. Phillips applauds its nostalgic design, commendable range, and accessible pricing. He agrees that it transforms mundane short trips into enjoyable excursions and, remarkably, remains rewarding even when driven with spirited intent – a characteristic rarely seen in a modern supermini since the resurgence of the Mini.
The Renault 5, Phillips observes, has redefined the narrative surrounding electric vehicles. It has definitively proven that EVs can be both engaging to drive and affordable, without compromising on perceived quality. The considerable expectations placed upon the R5 prior to its launch were substantial, and its success in meeting and even exceeding those expectations, while simultaneously capturing the cultural zeitgeist, makes it the undisputed champion of our 2025 festive fleet. It represents not just a car, but a cultural moment, a revival of accessible automotive joy.
Embrace the Drive: Your Next Automotive Adventure Awaits
As the festive season draws to a close, the spirit of automotive exploration continues. Whether you’re drawn to the cutting edge of electric innovation, the enduring power of a V8, or the timeless charm of classic craftsmanship, the automotive landscape of 2025 offers a compelling array of choices. We invite you to explore these remarkable vehicles, to experience the thrill of the drive, and to discover the machine that will ignite your own passion. Your next automotive adventure, and indeed your own personal “Christmas lunch bunch” of automotive dreams, awaits.
