I've just spent a few days with the new McLaren Artura, and after some thought I’m going to say something that I’m not sure I’ve ever said. It’s quite simply the best car I’ve ever driven.

Sure, driving a McLaren is always going to be a great experience, but this one was a little bit different. Mid-engined as always, but a hybrid supercar?

Class-leading technology

Yep. The Artura combines stunning looks, incredible performance, and class-leading technology with affordable running costs. Believe it or not, this thing (nicknamed by most people I talked to as the Batmobile) averaged around 48mpg and I wasn’t driving it gently!
I mean, the price tag of £225k is a big initial outlay, but running costs are at least manageable in terms of fuel and tax. Insurance I’m not going to look at, but I would assume it’s a little pricey, and the tyres… a full set will knock you back north of £1,200.

But back to the actual car. The Artura is powered by an all-new 3.0-litre V6 engine, paired with an electric motor. The combined output is 671 horse-power, which is more than enough for anything up to and including track use. And the handling is simply immense. It also goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, pinning you to the seat at the same time.

The Artura is incredibly well-rounded. The ride is surprisingly comfortable, even on rough roads – it even copes with potholes – and the handling is simply sublime.

Supportive and comfortable

The interior of the Artura is just as impressive as the exterior. The cabin is beautifully appointed, with high-quality materials and finishes. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives.

It’s also neighbour-friendly. It can be driven (for about 19 miles) in pure electric, and therefore if there is charge in the battery, it will always start in EV mode. If you switch immediately to sport, the engine will fire up, but still not rev under your right foot.

Then you notice the text in the display: ‘Engine conditioning’. When this is lit, the engine is busy circulating oil and fluids, warming everything up and making sure it’s ready to go. Thirty seconds later, it fires up properly and you can really go for it!

Stunning performance, fast and agile

So to sum up: stunning performance, fast and agile, an absolute blast to drive and comfortable even on a motorway or pothole-laden B-road, full of tech and a comfortable cabin.

If you’re in the market for a new supercar, the McLaren Artura is definitely worth considering. It turns heads and put a smile on my face every time I had to drive it.
Oh, and if you do buy one, please can I borrow it?