Audi R8 Spyder full 9 point review

  • Performance

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Spyder comes with two petrol engines: a 4.2 V8 or a barnstorming 5.2 V10 engine. Even with the V8 the car is blisteringly fast, powering from 0-62mph in less than five seconds. The V10 really is something else, though. It pulls like an express train no matter how many revs are on the dial and, if you give it stacks on a regular basis, you could end up wearing a neck brace as well as a huge grin.

  • Ride & Handling

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad With so much explosive power on tap, it’s as well that the Spyder has the chassis to match. The traction from the Quattro four-wheel drive is simply immense and the suspension is so well judged you can spear around corners at speeds that would prove suicidal in lesser so-called supercars. It’s all the more impressive then that the Spyder’s vice-like grip is accompanied by first-rate comfort.

  • Refinement

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Both engines sound terrific, but the V10 sounds particularly musical when you treat it rough. Both units melt into the background at speed, too. With a distinct lack of mechanical vibration, and wind noise as subdued as is possible in a soft-top car, the Spyder has few, if any, rivals that come close to matching its impeccable refinement.

  • Buying & Owning

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership If you’re doubting whether an Audi badge can cut it in the supercar fraternity, then don’t – the R8 is as desirable as cars come, and that’s reflected in its rock-solid resale values. On the flipside, running costs will be astronomical, with fuel-, tyre- and insurance costs all putting a big dent in your bank balance. Still, if you can afford to buy it, then there’s every likelihood you’ll have the wherewithal to run it.

  • Quality & Reliability

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The quality of the Spyder’s engineering is unsurpassed, even in this rarefied class. The tightness of the panel gaps and the fit and finish of the interior provide evidence of scrupulous attention to detail, while the operation, construction and snug fit of the hood are immaculate.

  • Safety & Security

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Four airbags and every conceivable electronic driver aid come as standard, but the best safety devices are the huge levels of grip and massive braking power built into every Spyder. Security is every bit as good as any top-of-the-range Audi. Sure, a Stanley knife will get through the fabric hood, but getting the car started without the keys is quite another matter; and unquestionably thieves will find a car as distinctive as the Spyder hard to sell on.

  • Behind The Wheel

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Although many controls are recognisable from lesser Audis, every part is of very high quality and the low-slung driving position is spot-on. Carbonfibre door pulls, supportive sports seats, aluminium detailing, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a slotted aluminium gate for the gearshift emphasise the sporty theme. A central control panel identical to the one used in the R8 coupe gives access to the sat-nav and entertainment menus, but it’s a little slower to respond than the latest systems.

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin You have to watch your head as you slide behind the wheel, but once you're in, there's plenty of leg- and shoulder room. The roof is fully automatic and – impressively – it can be opened and shut at speeds up to 30mph. No-one buys a supercar for practicality, but the Spyder is still usable. A large suitcase will fit under the bonnet, but unfortunately the need to store the roof somewhere means the Spyder loses out on the extra storage facility behind the seats that you get in the coupe.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Spyder comes with all the essentials you'd expect in a bespoke supercar, including remote central locking, air-conditioning, leather upholstery, alloy wheels and a retractable rear spoiler. A semi-automatic gearbox version adds just over £5000 to the invoice, although we wouldn’t recommend it. However, magnetic ride (featuring adaptive suspension), electric seats and satellite-navigation are all standard.

R8 rivals

R8 used rivals