What are the Best Cars for the UK Countryside?

Imagine taking a few days off from your busy city life and driving on long country roads for a well-deserved adventure. Taking a break from a monotonous routine can do wonders! 

A road trip to the countryside is a great way to unwind, especially if you’re in the right car that can handle rougher roads.

So, what are the best cars for the UK countryside? Here are our top picks!

Most Affordable Car for UK Country Roads

Ford Fiesta ST

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vehicle, one of the best cars for UK country roads would be the Ford Fiesta ST. Once you’ve tried driving this small hatch, you’ll find it easy and fun to drive.

Here are some of the notable features of the Ford Fiesta ST:

Engine

The Fiesta ST is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces impressive horsepower and torque for its size. 

Performance

This car is known for its sporty and agile handling, making it a fun car to drive. The suspension and steering are tuned for sportier dynamics compared to the standard Fiesta.

Sporty Styling

The Fiesta ST features unique styling elements that set it apart from the standard Fiesta, including a sportier grille, unique alloy wheels, and sporty body accents.

Interior

The interior includes sporty bucket seats, special ST badging, and a sporty steering wheel. It also has features like Ford's SYNC infotainment system with touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.

Safety Features

The Fiesta ST is equipped with advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, and more to enhance driver safety.

It also features upgraded brakes for improved stopping power to match its performance capabilities.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its sporty performance, the Fiesta ST is designed to be relatively fuel-efficient, making it practical for daily driving.

The Fiesta ST is among the best-selling superminis in the market today because of its affordability, features, and the fact that it offers a comfy ride, even if you’ll be on the road for hours. 

Best-selling Car for Cross Country Drives

Mazda MX-5

Maybe you want something a bit more sporty in terms of looks, performance, and the thrill you get behind the wheel. This is where the Mazda MX-5 comes in.

This car is a two-seater with rear-wheel drive, carrying a combination of decent power outputs and a quick chassis. 

Here are some of the key features and characteristics of the Mazda MX-5:

Convertible and RF Versions

The MX-5 is available in two body styles: a soft-top convertible and a retractable fastback (RF) model with a power-folding hardtop.

The RF provides a coupe-like appearance when the top is up but can quickly convert to a convertible.

Engine Options

The MX-5 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, although some markets may offer a smaller 1.5-litre engine. The specific engine options and power outputs may vary by market and model year.

Rear-Wheel Drive

The MX-5 is known for its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, which contributes to its excellent balance and handling characteristics.

SKYACTIV Technology

Mazda's SKYACTIV technology is integrated into the MX-5, emphasizing lightweight construction and optimized chassis design for improved performance and fuel efficiency.

Sporty Handling

The MX-5 is celebrated for its responsive and agile handling, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads and racetracks.

Limited-Slip Differential

Many MX-5 models are equipped with a limited-slip differential, which improves traction and helps deliver power to the rear wheels more effectively during spirited driving.

The MX-5 is a reliable car you can use every day as a city car. Taking it to the rougher country roads won’t be a problem! 

Most Practical Car for Frequent Road Trips

Volkswagen Golf GTI

How about a good and reliable car that won’t break the bank? The Volkswagen Golf GTI is exactly that.

This model from Volkswagen is among the first hatchbacks that became available to the market. A good number of similar models from different carmakers came after it.

However, this doesn’t diminish the reputation of the Golf GTI as an awesome car to drive, be it on city streets or country roads. 

Here are some of the best features we love about the VW Golf GTI:

Turbocharged Engine

The Golf GTI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which delivers strong performance and torque.

Front-Wheel Drive

The Golf GTI features front-wheel drive, providing a sporty driving experience and excellent handling characteristics.

Sport-Tuned Suspension

This car comes with a sport-tuned suspension system that provides a balance between comfort and performance. This setup helps improve cornering and overall handling.

Driving Modes

The GTI offers selectable driving modes, allowing you to adjust settings like throttle response, steering feel, and suspension stiffness to suit your preferences.

Cargo Space

Despite its sporty nature, the Golf GTI offers a decent amount of cargo space in the hatchback configuration, making it practical for everyday use.

GTI Heritage

The Golf GTI has a long and storied history as one of the pioneers in the hot hatch segment, and it continues to carry the GTI badge with pride.

And, of course, being a hatchback, there's plenty of room for the pooches and everything you need when planning a day's road trip!

Best Luxury Car for Your Road Trip Adventures

Porsche 718 Cayman

Do you love to drive a lot and just enjoy the moment? Consider the Porsche 718 Cayman!

If there's no problem when it comes to your budget, you might as well get a relatively affordable luxury sports car, right?

Here are some of the best features you'll love about the Porsche 718 Cayman:

Engine Options

The 718 Cayman is available in various trims with different engine options. The base model often features a turbocharged 2.0-litre flat-four engine.

The Cayman S and other higher-performance variants may have a more potent engine, such as a turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four.

Mid-Engine Layout

The Cayman features a mid-engine layout, which means the engine is positioned between the front and rear axles. This configuration contributes to excellent balance and handling characteristics.

Transmission Options

This model has a 6-speed manual transmission for purists who prefer to row their own gears. Additionally, there's an option for Porsche's PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, which provides lightning-fast gear changes.

Rear-Wheel Drive

The Cayman is a rear-wheel-drive sports car, although Porsche also offers all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants, such as the Cayman S.

Dynamic Chassis Control

Some models of the Cayman have Porsche's Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system, which includes adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars to enhance handling and ride comfort.

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV)

PTV is available in Cayman models and helps improve traction and handling by adjusting the distribution of power to the rear wheels during cornering.

Despite its focus on performance, the Cayman includes comfort features like dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a premium audio system.

Among the Cayman models, the 718 has the best numbers if you look at its acceleration and performance data and arguably the best handling experience compared to other versions.

Features of a Good Car for Long-distance Driving

When shopping for a car for long-distance driving, it's important to prioritise comfort, reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety features to ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey.

Here are some key features and factors to consider:

Comfortable Seats

Look for cars with comfortable and supportive seats, preferably with adjustable lumbar support and cushion length. Seats should provide adequate legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers.

Good Suspension

A smooth and comfortable ride is essential for long drives. Consider a car with a suspension system that can absorb road imperfections effectively without causing excessive body roll or discomfort.

Cruise Control

Cruise control helps reduce driver fatigue during long highway stretches by maintaining a constant speed, reducing the need to keep your foot on the accelerator.

Fuel Efficiency

Opt for a car with good fuel efficiency to reduce the frequency of refuelling stops on long journeys. Fuel-efficient engines or hybrid options can save you money in the long run.

Spacious Interior

Ensure there's enough interior space for your needs, including passengers and luggage. Consider a car with a spacious trunk or cargo area for storing luggage.

Safety Features

Look for advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, to enhance safety during long-distance travel.

Navigation System

A built-in GPS navigation system or a user-friendly infotainment system with GPS navigation can help you stay on course and avoid getting lost.

Towing Capacity

If you plan to tow a trailer or carry heavy loads, make sure the car has an adequate towing capacity to handle your needs.


Remember that your choice of a long-distance driving car should align with your specific needs and preferences. It's essential to balance comfort, efficiency, safety, and reliability based on your travel requirements and the type of roads you'll be navigating.

Takeaway

So, what do you think about our top picks for the best cars for UK country roads? There's a fantastic car for every kind of driver.

Whether you're looking for one with an affordable price tag, a luxury sports car, or a practical vehicle for frequent road trips, there's that car that you'll just fall in love with.

For a more budget-friendly way to buy your dream car, finance it with Carmoola. To apply for car financing, all you need to do is download our app and start the process. 

You'll know the result of your car finance application instantly, and once you know your budget, you can buy the car you want and drive it home!👍