Top 5 Cars of 2012

2012 was undeniably a superb year in the automotive world, with a host of beautiful cars released onto the market. Join us at Anuzis Automotives as we count down the best five vehicles from an unforgettable year.

No.5 – Ford Focus ST

The Ford Focus has been a class leader for some time now, down to its appearance, reliability and driveability. So, as you can imagine, a high performance ST version of it was unlikely to disappoint. Priced at around £25k, the Focus ST can accelerate from 0 – 62mph in just 6.5 seconds and it tops out at 154mph. For such a nippy model, fuel economy isn’t too bad and CO2 emissions are quite pleasingly low. Whether you’re a family man or a lone ranger, the Ford Focus ST is sure to deliver you with endless driving pleasure – more than a similarly priced used Land Rover Discovery. More stats on the Focus ST here.

No.4 – Audi A3 Sportback

Reliability, durability and performance. Those words have become synonymous with Audi vehicles over previous decades, and the A3 has held its own as one of their most popular models since the first ones rolled of the production line in the mid-1990s. The Sportback version boasts acceleration from 0 – 62mph in a speedy 7.3 seconds in 1.8 litre TSFI S Line form, as well as a top speed of 144mph. It is priced at just over £27k for this version, which you might say is a little expensive, but there’s no doubting you’re getting a top quality car for your money which shouldn’t give you any problems when serviced.

No.3 – Toyota GT86

The Toyota GT86 really blew us away when it was released in the summer of last year. Not only for its respectable performance figures and classic sports car styling, but also because of its incredible affordability. The model looks fantastic and can accelerate from 0 – 62mph in just 7.6 seconds. It comes with decent equipment and looks snazzy inside. So, how much? £50,000… £60,000 at a push? No, this beautiful creature can be purchased for under £25k! Now that really is something to shout about. Watch an ozzie drive one.

No.2 – McLaren MP4-12C Spider

At number two is a vehicle which can accelerate from 0 – 62mph in just 3.1 seconds. Yes the McLaren MP4-12C Spider performs just as impressively as it looks. It’s one of the most extravagant supercars on the current market and can boast a healthy top speed of 207mph. Don’t expect these luxuries to come for cheap, however, as to drive a new one of these should set you back just shy of £200,000. Yeah, it’s not the best on fuel economy either. I found a good deal on a McLaren MP4-12C Spider at the Canterbury Used Car Stock site.

No.1 – The Dacia Sandero Stepway

There was little discussion needed to determine which model would prevail at number one. The Dacia Sandero Stepway. The name alone oozes class, and this model has everything. It looks great, handles well, delivers decent performance, and guess what? You can pick a brand new one up for less than £8,000! Yes you better believe it, Dacia are effectively redefining the concept of budget motoring. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s as basic as they come, because the top spec version is equipped with a 1.5 litre diesel engine and all the trimmings inside, including satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Who in their right minds wouldn’t want one? Visit Dacia on Facebook here