3 best cars for a backroad blast

Jeep research has revealed Britain’s quietest roads — naturally, we’re exploring the best cars to exploit them. Here’s our top 3 performers for when the journey is all that matters.

When was the last time you just went for a drive; not to anywhere in particular, or for any specific reason, but just to drive? If you’re a petrolhead, there’s probably a secluded section of tarmac that already springs to mind for when you want to stretch your car’s legs and let the revs ring out. Now, thanks to Jeep’s latest study, we know exactly which roads receive the least daily traffic – making them perfect for just such an occasion. 

Thus, a conundrum is born. While the British Isles are home to some of the most scenic driving roads in the world (especially if you venture into the Scottish Highlands) they’re also some of the most poorly maintained. What’s more, these engaging routes are often narrow with limited visibility and inclement weather thrown in for good measure. 

To overcome these hurdles and make the most of every mile, you’ll want something agile, communicative, lightweight, supplely damped, and preferably on the smaller side. We’ve done the legwork and paired our favourite backroad bashers to their asphalt equal. Just as every great wine has a perfect cheese to complement, these performance machines are the ultimate match for roads less travelled. 

A844 (Isle of Bute, Scotland) Ford Fiesta ST 

With a population of just over 7,000, the idyllic isle of Bute boasts truly stunning natural beauty as well as deserted driving roads. In fact, with a daily traffic count of just 77 cars, Bute’s A844 wins the title of Britain’s quietest major road. Taking drivers on a lap of the southern portion of the island, the 22-mile route promises to entertain keen drivers with elevation changes, tight technical sections, and even some flowing sweepers. But why a Fiesta? 

It's simple really: for Scotland, the hot hatch is king. Sure, we all dream of flying down our favourite road in a supercar, but the reality is those cars are far too wide, fragile, and powerful to be enjoyed within the confines of the law.  

In comes the ST. This spicy Fiesta has all the elements that make more exotic machinery great, only at a far more accessible level. Offering 200 hp from its thrummy 3-cylinder turbo, the ST’s straight line performance can be enjoyed for longer than in a full-fat sportscar. What’s more, the Fiesta’s world-class chassis and controls bristling with feedback ensure a go-kart feel at suitable speeds. Plus, its supermini dimensions mean you won’t wince at every oncoming van and tractor. What’s not to like? 

A5091 (Lake District, England) Alpine A110 R Turini 

At 1,124 vehicles daily, the A5091 is practically bustlingly compared to Bute’s road, but it’s set against an equally jaw-dropping backdrop. Covering just 5.2 miles this gem climbs past waterfalls and quaint villages before sweeping downhill with a series of fast curves.  

Owing to its wider, more evenly paved surface, the A5091 befits a machine with more firepower too. That’s why we’ve chosen Alpine’s latest A110 R Turini to pair it. Benefiting from the same ultra lightweight formula as the track-focused R, Alpine has launched the Turini variant for those looking for ‘greater versatility on the road.’ In practice, this means the R’s carbon wheels are replaced with regular 18-inch aluminium items – a relief should you clip a hidden pothole at speed.  

All the R’s best bits remain, though. 300 bhp makes light work of firing the carbon-clad body towards the horizon, while beefier brakes and standard fit Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres offer grip for all weather conditions – good news if the heavens open in traditional Lake District fashion.

A481 (Radnorshire, Wales) BMW M2 

Although the A481 isn’t the most visually appealing route on this list, its estimated 708 vehicles daily means you’re unlikely to be stuck in traffic. Rather, the Welsh route’s real draw comes from its 10 miles of winding mountain road that doesn’t lead anywhere of note. In our books that represents the epitome of driving for the sheer thrill of it, and we reckon BMW’s M2 is the perfect car to tackle such a route.  

With broadly similar dimensions to the fabled E46 M3 of the early 2000s, the hot 2 series is awe-inspiring on the types of narrow British roads petrolheads adore. Then there’s the sonorous 460-hp straight-six, rear-wheel-drive, and clever active differential to provide unlimited adjustability. And the clincher? That would be the last-ever BMW M manual gearbox sitting proudly between the carbon buckets.  

Do you agree with our top picks? If not, let us know your dream driver’s car and road pairings.

Header: BMW