Wednesday, 11 Mar 2026

title:Britain’s Best Driver’s Car 2024: Winner & Top Contenders Revealed

content:Britain’s Best Driver’s Car 2024: The Ultimate Guide

If you live for cars that turn every commute into an adventure, Autocar’s annual Britain’s Best Driver’s Car competition is your go-to. This year, 10 of the most exciting new cars—from EVs to resto-mods—were tested on road and track to find the perfect blend of fun, performance, and usability. The winner? The McLaren Artura—and it’s easy to see why.

content:The 2024 Winner: McLaren Artura

The McLaren Artura took the top spot for its rare balance of supercar thrills and daily livability. Judges praised its hydraulically assisted steering (a telepathic link to the road) and hybrid torque fill, which smooths out the boosty delivery of older McLarens. You can cruise silently in EV mode (great for neighborhoods) or unleash 700+ hp on the track. It’s compact enough for tight roads, rides smoothly in comfort mode, and rewards aggressive driving with flat cornering and precise control. As one judge put it: “You can live with this car every day and still get your thrills.”

content:Top Contenders & Rankings

2nd Place: Analog Automotive Lotus Elise Resto-Mod

This enhanced classic proved old designs still compete. Judges loved its lightness, agility, and scrambly four-cylinder engine. It’s more track-focused than the original, with precise feedback and loads of grip—though some noted the non-adjustable seat and slightly heavier steering as minor downsides. For analog driving fans, it’s a standout.

3rd Place: Aston Martin Vantage

The Vantage impressed with muscle car vibes and precise control. It’s heavier than some competitors, but the steering is nicely weighted, and the turbo V8 delivers tons of mid-range torque. Judges found it satisfying to drive, with consistent high scores—though it’s stiffer on the road than a true GT.

Other Standouts

  • Toyota GR Yaris: Even better than the first gen, with improved ergonomics and more power. Its compactness and adjustability make it a fan favorite.
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5N: A surprise EV contender—641 hp, four-wheel drive, and fake manual mode for interaction. It’s capable on track, doesn’t overheat, and has an engaging chassis.
  • Ariel Nomad: Some judges preferred it to the Atom, thanks to long-travel suspension and adjustable handling on rough tracks.

content:Key Trends from the 2024 Competition

This year’s lineup revealed two big trends:

  1. EVs are gaining ground: The Hyundai Ioniq 5N and Lotus Emira (hybrid) proved electric cars can be fun, not just fast.
  2. Balance matters: Winners aren’t just the fastest—they need to be usable. The Artura’s daily livability set it apart from extreme competitors like the Noble M500 (a work-in-progress prototype).

content:Toolbox & Action Guide

Immediate Action Checklist

  1. Read Autocar’s full feature at magazinshop.com/autocar for deep dives into each car.
  2. Test drive the McLaren Artura or Toyota GR Yaris if you’re shopping for a driver’s car.
  3. Follow Autocar’s YouTube channel for video reviews of all 2024 contenders.

Advanced Resources

  • Autocar Magazine: The leading source for in-depth automotive reviews and competitions.
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5N Video: Watch Autocar’s recent review to see the EV’s track capabilities.

content:Final Thoughts

The McLaren Artura’s win is well-deserved—it’s a supercar that doesn’t force you to choose between thrills and daily use. Whether you love hybrid tech, classic analog cars, or muscle-bound Astons, this year’s competition had something for everyone.

Question for you: Which 2024 contender would you pick as your daily driver? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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