TECH STUFF

MODEL TESTED:

McLaren Artura hybrid

POWER: 617bhp

SPEED: 0-62 in 3 seconds

TOP: 205mph

ECONOMY: 61.5mpg

PRICE: £189,200

As tested; £209,600

The ride is remarkable for a supercar and, if you select Comfort mode, it is superbly fluid. The steering feel cannot be rivalled by anything on sale today and, as it is hydraulically-assisted rather than electric, l really prefer that. The gearbox is seamless and clicks through gears with such panache that you feel, occasionally, that it intuitively knows what you are about to do. There seemed almost no corner l could not take at any speed, so sure-footed is this car. On the road, there is power galore – and that will never run out.

The interior is typically McLaren, with lightweight seats that snuggle you, buttons for the gear selection and a wonderful steering wheel not cluttered with button controls. The screen is now mounted to the drivers left, in easy reach. Controls for chassis and powertrain – still separate – are now on rockers either side of the dashboard, while the centre console only has fi ve buttons, gears, start and hazard lights.

Conclusion

The e-motor element of the car, with the exception of covering the turbo lag, is a tad pointless to me but nothing takes away from the fact that this is a superb, very special car. My favourite model has always been the 720S, soon to be replaced by the 750S. l now battle with myself as to whether this takes the crown. l guess the ultimate answer will be when Woking sends me the 750S –then all will be revealed.