The Ultimate Automotive Yuletide: A 2025 Festive Fleet Face-Off
The year 2025. The scent of pine needles and gingerbread fills the air, and for us here at Autocar, another cherished tradition signals the true commencement of the holiday season: our annual road testers’ Christmas lunch. Gone are the days of obligatory Secret Santa exchanges that often resulted in more bemusement than joy – I recall a particularly memorable incident involving a rather drab brown Volvo estate that took years to live down. This year, we’ve streamlined the proceedings, opting for a more direct approach. Each of us is tasked with presenting a vehicle from the past twelve months that we champion, either through personal affinity or a profound belief in its exceptional merit. The ultimate arbiter of taste and automotive prowess? Our esteemed staff writer, Sam Phillips.
This is, frankly, the automotive equivalent of a child’s Christmas wish list come true. The ability to command virtually any vehicle on the market for a day of professional camaraderie and, dare I say, celebratory indulgence. While we often feel fortunate to be immersed in the automotive world daily, this particular event elevates that sense of privilege. With an entire year’s worth of vehicular innovation and design to draw from, the competition promises to be as fierce as it is fascinating. Shall we embark on this festive automotive journey, starting with a vehicle that, against all odds, has captured my attention: the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid.
The Resurgent Icon: Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
As the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid glides with remarkable aerodynamic grace through the ethereal morning mist clinging to the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head, my initial thought is that a rather professional taxi service has arrived. Contributing editor James Disdale, a man not typically given to overt displays of ecological enthusiasm, offers a wry observation: “Twenty years ago, if you’d told me I’d be nominating a Toyota Prius for this esteemed gathering, I would have laughed.”
He continues, articulating a sentiment that resonates deeply. “But consider the landscape twenty-five years ago, at the Prius’s inception. It was lauded for bringing genuinely clever powertrain technology to an accessible price point. And you know what? That fundamental ethos remains. It’s become the ubiquitous choice for professional drivers, and for good reason: its unparalleled efficiency and reliability make it a fundamentally brilliant car. In these somewhat uncertain economic times, championing a vehicle that is the epitome of everyday practicality and sensible economics makes perfect sense. As fuel efficiency, resource management, and the responsible use of rare materials become increasingly critical, this hybrid powertrain’s relevance only amplifies with each passing year. And before you succumb to the temptation of further ride-sharing service comparisons, I assure you, it’s genuinely engaging to drive!”
He has a compelling point. A brief excursion along the winding coastal road towards the iconic Beachy Head lighthouse reveals a subtly satisfying driving experience. The hushed whir of the electric motors blending with the gentle hum of the combustion engine creates a uniquely composed symphony. As Disdale notes, “The Prius possesses elements reminiscent of the finest Saabs of their era, perhaps even a touch of modern DS Automobiles’ sophisticated flair. It’s a remarkably clever piece of engineering.” This isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about intelligent design that delivers tangible benefits in everyday life.
The Roaring Resurgence: Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Meanwhile, road tester Illya Verpraet appears to have entirely disregarded any prevailing economic headwinds. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse he’s presented is a brooding, powerful presence amidst our cheerful Yuletide assembly.
Its mere proximity ignites a childlike excitement, a palpable sense of anticipation that only a classic V8 muscle car can evoke. The sight of it rolling into our gathering elicits an involuntary urge to applaud. And this one, crucially, is equipped with a manual gearbox.
“I felt the Mustang received a somewhat unfair appraisal during last year’s ‘Handling Day’ event,” explains Verpraet, “primarily because the automatic transmission simply didn’t do it justice. However, upon driving the manual variant, my appreciation skyrocketed. It represents an almost defiant departure from modern automotive trends. It may not boast cutting-edge sophistication, but its sheer unadulterated fun factor is undeniable, and I find myself utterly captivated by it, even if it does occasionally make me feel a tad conspicuous.”
The visceral soundtrack alone produced by the Dark Horse is, for me, a worthy Christmas present. But speaking of V8 symphonies, an unexpected auditory delight emanates from editor-in-chief Steve Cropley’s Porsche Panamera Turbo S.
The Electrified Eleganza: Porsche Panamera Turbo S
The low, resonant burble of the Panamera’s V8 is what heralds its arrival, a sound that precedes the visual. While the Mustang shouts its intentions with unbridled enthusiasm, the Panamera’s V8 delivers a deliciously refined yet undeniably potent murmur.
“I felt this presented a unique opportunity to showcase an ‘ethical V8’,” Cropley remarks, as we patiently await photographer Max’s meticulous setup for capturing the static vehicles, perched precariously on his ladder.
“I drove it here this morning, achieving an impressive 40 miles on pure electric power, and the trip computer indicated an average of 45 miles per gallon over a 150-mile journey. Remarkable, in my opinion. And when you unleash its full potential, the engine note is simply sensational. The four-wheel steering system makes it surprisingly agile on these country lanes, the build quality is impeccable, and the adaptive air suspension is nothing short of brilliant. I genuinely believe it represents the pinnacle of the modern luxury saloon segment. We often speak of plug-in hybrids offering the ‘best of both worlds’; in this case, a substantial electric range seamlessly combined with the visceral thrill of a V8 when the mood strikes, possesses a compelling logic.”
I find myself in complete agreement. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S, even in the somewhat unconventional bronze hue of this particular test car, possesses the effortless sophistication of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class for daily cruising, yet it reveals the unadulterated soul of a sports car when explored with intent. It’s a masterclass in automotive duality. The air suspension, which causes the entire vehicle to visibly rise upon unlocking, is a delightful theatrical touch. And the massage seats? Quite possibly the most advanced and effective I’ve ever encountered. A single one of those would be a gift in itself, let alone integrated into a high-performance plug-in hybrid V8. The Panamera stands as a stark contrast to the Prius and the Mustang, but perhaps even more strikingly disparate from our collective offerings is another bronze marvel: the Morgan Supersport.
The Timeless Craftsmanship: Morgan Supersport
I had the distinct pleasure of driving this very car earlier this year in the rugged landscapes of Wales, back-to-back with the ferociously potent Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, in an exploration of the extreme frontiers of performance car engineering. It was a strong contender for my personal highlight of the year, and thus, my choice for this festive gathering.
I am utterly enamoured with Morgan’s contemporary interpretation of its iconic styling, bestowing upon the Supersport a unique, almost steampunk aesthetic. The allure of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive machine delivering precisely the right balance of power and tactile feedback is simply irresistible. It is, in a word, a gem. And that, fundamentally, is why editor-at-large Matt Prior has selected it for our Christmas reunion.
“I have a deep affection for it,” Prior states, his eyes gleaming. “It’s an unconventional vehicle. I appreciate its distinctive appearance, the meticulous craftsmanship evident in its construction, and the sheer joy it provides when driven. It undeniably brings a smile to my face. Does it exhibit the operational cadence of a sewing machine? Absolutely. Have I encountered anything else this year that has sparked as much genuine interest? Unequivocally not.” What more needs to be said?
This brings us to my own personal selection, a vehicle that I believe represents a significant turning point for accessible electric motoring: the Renault 5.
The Electric Renaissance: Renault 5
I’ve held a profound affection for this car since I experienced it on an extended journey to the northernmost reaches of Denmark during my duties as a Car of the Year juror at the close of 2024. It was then that I began to ponder if this compact electric hatchback might indeed herald a new era for affordable electric vehicles.
Subsequent journeys and extended periods spent with the Renault have solidified this belief, suggesting that the electric powertrain might be only one facet of its revolutionary appeal. I contend that this car is single-handedly resurrecting the spirit of the fun, affordable small car. Regardless of its propulsion, the Renault 5 is an absolute delight to drive, whether you’re navigating urban congestion or playfully exploiting its agility on the very same winding roads near Beachy Head.
It possesses an aspirational quality, despite its accessible price point. It embodies what small cars once represented when models like the Peugeot Saxo, Citroën 106, Vauxhall Corsa, and Ford Fiesta were objects of intense desire for young drivers. Miraculously, Renault has recaptured that elusive magic with the 5. BMW achieved a similar feat with its reimagined Mini, and Fiat mirrored this success with its revived 500. Now, Renault has joined this pantheon with the 5. Who requires a Prius to symbolize affordability and efficiency when you can achieve both, wrapped in such undeniable style?
With that rather emphatic conclusion, I must now draw your attention to a glaring, and frankly, inexcusable omission from our festive gathering. Not one, but two, of our esteemed colleagues are conspicuously absent: road test editor Matt Saunders and his deputy, Richard Lane. Their absence, attributed to childcare responsibilities and pre-booked holidays, has cast a shadow over our reunion.
The Ghost Cars of Christmas Past: The Absentees
“Ricky would undoubtedly have brought a Porsche 911,” was the unanimous verdict echoed by every person present. The conviction was so profound that even patrons at an adjacent table, unfamiliar with Ricky or Autocar, readily concurred. The pub landlord chimed in, the parking attendant offered his agreement, and a passing psychic divined that he’d be arriving in one next year. Such was the collective certainty that Ricky’s chosen steed would be a 911.
Indeed, upon arrival, James Disdale and I exchanged amused glances, hollering across the car park, “Where on earth is the 911?” The absence of Porsche’s perennial icon felt like a gaping void. Its unwavering brilliance demands representation. The truth is, none of us brought one, assuming Ricky would be championing it. Regrettably, neither the man nor his preferred marque materialized today.
But which specific iteration of the ever-expanding 911 range would he have selected? That, admittedly, is a more complex question. However, perhaps it speaks to his discerning taste that the collective consensus leans towards the Carrera S. Or, as a bolder statement, the GT3 RS. But ultimately, the Carrera S is the most probable candidate. And who could blame him? We missed both Ricky and the 911 today, but perhaps next year, the stars will align.
As for Mr. Saunders? While the temptation to consign him to another earth-toned Volvo estate is strong, the overwhelming consensus is that our esteemed road test editor would likely have arrived in the Defender Octa. A Land Rover Defender packing a formidable 626 horsepower. Who wouldn’t covet such a machine for Christmas?
Therefore, chaps, for next year’s gathering, our sole request is simply that you attend. In the interim, before I hand the reins to Sam, I extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May your festive drives be filled with joy and boundless cheer.
The Verdict: Sam Phillips Judges the Festive Fleet
Matt Prior’s assertions regarding the Morgan Supersport’s driving prowess proved entirely accurate during my brief stint behind the wheel before lunch. However, while undeniably brilliant, the Supersport, in my estimation, lacks the all-encompassing versatility required to serve as a primary second vehicle in a discerning garage.
James Disdale presented a compelling argument for the Toyota Prius. His observations regarding its striking, almost otherworldly aesthetics, its pleasingly composed dynamics, and its inherent affordability were entirely valid. His subsequent, rather surreptitious attempt to press a ten-pound note into my hand, however, left me questioning the absolute conviction behind his championing of the Prius.
Steve Cropley’s advocacy for the Porsche Panamera was robust, highlighting its sublime ride quality, its impressive fuel efficiency, and its breathtaking performance. It is, without question, a segment leader and an exceptional choice for many plug-in hybrid prospective buyers. Nevertheless, its considerable weight and premium price tag are aspects that are difficult to disregard.
I was, however, thoroughly captivated by Illya Verpraet’s manual Ford Mustang Dark Horse. In 2025, an era where regulations increasingly conspire against overtly powerful V8 muscle cars, its existence is almost an act of defiance. A commendable choice, though even Illya conceded to feeling a degree of self-consciousness while piloting it.
Vicky Parrott’s case for the Renault 5 was meticulously constructed, acknowledging its evocative retro styling, its respectable electric range, and its accessible pricing. It transforms mundane short urban trips into enjoyable excursions, yet it’s equally rewarding when driven with spirited abandon, a characteristic rarely experienced in a supermini since BMW resurrected the Mini.
In many respects, the Renault 5 has fundamentally reshaped the discourse surrounding electric vehicles. It has conclusively demonstrated that EVs can be both exhilarating to drive and economically viable, all without compromising on perceived quality or desirability. The stakes were exceptionally high for the Renault 5 prior to its launch, and the fact that it has not only met but arguably surpassed these expectations, capturing the cultural zeitgeist in the process, solidifies its position as our undisputed winner.
As the year draws to a close and the promise of new automotive adventures looms, we each carry a personal resolution for the coming twelve months. These aren’t merely fleeting desires but commitments to truly engage with the machines that bring us so much joy. Whether it’s reliving cherished memories on familiar routes, exploring uncharted territories, or breathing new life into forgotten classics, the open road beckons.
And so, as we bid farewell to 2025 and embrace the possibilities of 2026, we invite you to contemplate your own automotive aspirations. What journeys will you embark on? What vehicles will accompany you? The world of automobiles is constantly evolving, offering new experiences and refined pleasures. Don’t let another year pass without making those automotive dreams a reality. Explore the latest innovations, plan your next road trip, and discover the perfect vehicle to create your own unforgettable memories on the open road.
