The world of high-performance driving tests often centers on exotic machinery – Porsches, Ferraris, and track-focused lightweights. Yet, occasionally, a surprisingly mainstream vehicle slips into the mix, forcing a reevaluation of what truly defines a capable driver’s car. Autocar’s annual Britain’s Best Driver’s Car (BBDC) competition has seen a few such instances, where everyday models hold their own against formidable rivals.
The Early Surprises: 1991 and the Rise of the Ordinary
The first notable occurrences came in 1991, when the third edition of BBDC saw a Peugeot 605 SVE 24 and a BMW 318i join the lineup. These weren’t hot hatches or performance variants; they were common, road-friendly cars competing alongside the Honda NSX, Mazda MX-5, and Porsche 911 Carrera 2.
The BMW 318i, in particular, impressed testers with its “utterly vice-free chassis,” proving a surprisingly effective tool on the track. While its modest 60mph time (10.2 seconds) drew mixed reactions, its “terrific gearchange, willing engine, accurate steering, and reasonable grip” earned praise. Even Formula 1 driver Derek Warwick noted its “outstanding drivability” and lack of brake fade, though ultimately deemed “not enough fun.” The 318i finished sixth.
The Peugeot 605, conversely, struggled to translate its road comfort into track performance, proving less competitive. Warwick bluntly stated it was “no fun at all.”
The Late 1990s and Early 2000s: Persistence of the Unexpected
The trend continued sporadically. In 1999, the Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion entered the fray, leveraging its all-wheel-drive system. Despite a punchy engine, its soft suspension let it down on track. As one tester pointed out, it was “always one car that’s out of its depth.”
Perhaps the most remarkable instance came in 2000, when an Audi A2 – a small, unpretentious supermini – joined the field alongside a Lamborghini Diablo GT, Noble M12 GT, and Lotus 340R. Despite being the slowest car by 10 seconds, the A2 defied expectations with “shocking agility and brilliantly communicative steering.” This highlighted that exceptional handling can overcome raw power, proving that the fundamentals matter more than specifications.
The Modern Era: Honda and Ford Join the Fray
The early 2000s saw further surprises. The Honda Accord Type S (not the higher-spec Type R) held its own against the Audi S4 and Volvo S60R in 2003, impressing with precise steering and a responsive gearchange. The verdict: “Japan beats Europe” in terms of chassis sensitivity and poise.
Even Ford joined the mix in 2007, entering a 2.5-liter Mondeo. While outpaced by the Lotus 2-Eleven, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and Lamborghini Murciélago, it still delivered a surprisingly enjoyable experience on both road and track. The Mondeo secured a respectable position, even beating the underperforming Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG.
These instances demonstrate that exceptional driving dynamics aren’t exclusive to high-performance cars. A well-engineered, balanced vehicle can outperform more powerful but less refined rivals, challenging the notion that speed alone determines greatness. The story of these unexpected contenders reveals that the core principles of automotive engineering – steering feel, chassis balance, and driver engagement – matter just as much as horsepower and exotic materials.
