Our daily drivers & the world's best saloon, with Henry Catchpole | evo Q&A EP3

“Car of the Year” is an award given by automotive publications or organizations to recognize the most outstanding new car in a given year. The host is emphasizing that the win was surprising and that people were impressed by how good the car turned out to be.

The BMW 5 Series is BMW’s larger executive sedan line, often used as the base for performance models like the M5. The episode references “E39 and M5” as cars that “have to be up there,” which ties the 5 Series directly to the super-saloon conversation. It’s discussed because the 5 Series platform is central to BMW’s performance-sedan identity.

A “B road” is a UK road classification for smaller, often narrower and twistier roads than the main A-roads. The host brings it up because car size and weight matter more on tight rural roads, where a big saloon can feel cumbersome even if it’s very capable.

The BMW M5 CS is a performance-focused variant of the M5, known for sharper steering and a more driver-oriented setup than standard M5 models. Here, the host highlights that the steering feel is especially good, and contrasts it with the older BMW E39 5 Series experience.

The “first 100 yards” is an enthusiast way of describing the immediate, initial feel of a car—how it responds right away when you pull out. It’s not a technical measurement, but it’s often used to talk about throttle mapping, steering/ride composure, and how quickly the car “settles” into its character.

“Short shifting” means shifting to a higher gear earlier than you normally would, keeping engine speed lower while still maintaining smooth acceleration. The host is implying the M5 CS has enough low- to mid-range pull that you don’t need to rev it hard to feel fast and fluid.

“Engineered in unison” describes an integrated development approach where chassis, suspension, steering, and powertrain are tuned together rather than separately. The goal is a cohesive feel—so the car’s dynamics and response all work toward the same driving outcome.

Damping is how a suspension controls motion—specifically how quickly the shocks/struts let the car compress and rebound. Changing damping can dramatically alter ride comfort and handling response, but the host is arguing it’s not just a matter of tweaking damping alone.

In suspension context, “geometry” refers to the alignment and setup angles (like camber, caster, and toe) and how the suspension is designed to move. Those settings strongly influence steering feel, tire contact, and how the car behaves under load.

The Mercedes-Benz E500 is a performance-oriented variant of the E-Class, typically known for a strong V8-powered “executive” feel. In this discussion it’s mentioned as an example of a subtle, high-end “Q car” that can still deliver real pace.

A “Q car” is a car that looks understated or even plain, but is secretly very fast or technically advanced. The idea is to avoid drawing attention while still delivering performance when driven hard.

In the context of the episode, “C3” is mentioned alongside other notable cars as part of a list of incredible vehicles, but the transcript doesn’t specify the exact model or brand. Because of that ambiguity, it’s not possible to accurately describe which “C3” is being referenced (for example, it could refer to different cars with that name). If you share more of the surrounding audio or the full name, I can tailor the explanation precisely.

The BMW M5 CS is a track-focused, limited-production variant of the BMW M5, built to be sharper and more performance-oriented than a standard M5. In this segment it’s contrasted with other “special” super saloons, specifically around how its drivetrain character compares.

GT3 racing is a class of sports-car competition where production-based cars are modified under balance-of-performance rules to race against each other. “Factory GT3” implies the automaker directly supports the program with its own team and engineering resources.

Le Mans is the famous endurance race held in France, known for long stints, reliability, and multi-class racing. When the host mentions “back at Le Mans,” they’re talking about whether a manufacturer’s car feels like it belongs in that endurance-racing culture and history.

The Morgan Aero 8 is a British grand tourer known for its distinctive design and classic sports-car feel. The episode mentions it in the context of Le Mans and “Aero 8 and stuff,” which points to its motorsport connection and reputation. It’s discussed because it’s a recognizable shape and a car enthusiasts associate with performance and heritage.

N24 most commonly refers to the Nürburgring 24-hour race (often shortened to “N24”), a major endurance event at Germany’s Nürburgring. The host is suggesting that a car could make sense as an entry there rather than needing a full Le Mans-style racing push.

The Toyota GT 86 is a compact sports coupe designed around simple, fun driving rather than raw power. The episode mentions the speaker selling their GT 86 and then wanting a “fun do it all car” that can also work as a daily and family option. That’s why it comes up: it’s often chosen for approachable, enjoyable driving with practical everyday use.

The Skoda Octavia is a practical family car, and the VRS is its performance trim. The episode compares it to other hot hatches, mentioning an “Octavia VRS mark three” in the same breath as performance-focused alternatives. It’s discussed because it represents a blend of everyday space with a sportier driving setup.

The BMW 4 Series is BMW’s compact luxury coupe/gran coupe line, often chosen by drivers who want a sportier feel than a typical sedan. In the episode, it’s mentioned as part of a comparison set for “sports saloon” style cars, which suggests the discussion is about how different body styles deliver performance and everyday usability. That’s why it fits: it’s a performance-oriented BMW option within the broader sedan/coupe debate.

The Jaguar XE is a compact executive sedan, positioned as a sportier alternative to typical family saloons. In the episode, it’s mentioned in the context of comparing “sports saloon” types, alongside other performance-focused sedans. That makes it relevant because it’s part of the conversation about which cars can deliver both comfort and real driving performance.

The Škoda Octavia VRS is a performance-focused version of the Octavia, typically tuned for sharper driving while staying practical as a daily driver. In this discussion, it’s being compared against hotter hatchbacks like the Focus ST and Megane for how well it fits real-life needs.

The Renault Megane E-Tech is an electric version of the Megane, positioned as a performance-oriented alternative to petrol hot hatches. The episode contrasts it with cars like the Focus ST and mentions “performance car as opposed to a Focus ST or a Megane,” which frames it as a different kind of fast—electric rather than traditional. It’s discussed because it represents how the hot-hatch idea is evolving with electrification.

The Ford Focus ST is a hot-hatch built around front-wheel drive and a sport-tuned chassis for quick, engaging driving. Here it’s used as a benchmark for a more “serious” performance direction compared with the more practical, less hardcore feel of the Octavia VRS.

ISOFIX is a standardized child-seat mounting system that uses rigid anchor points in the car, making it easier to install a child seat correctly. The host brings it up because daily-driver practicality includes how safely and conveniently you can fit child seats without hassle.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) sends power to the rear wheels, which can give different steering and traction characteristics than front-wheel drive. The host’s point is that drivetrain layout alone doesn’t guarantee a good or bad car—implementation matters.

“Quadrifolia” (often written “Quadrifoglio”) is Alfa Romeo’s performance trim/badge, used on its quickest, most track-capable models. It signals a higher-performance specification compared with the standard version.

The BMW 340i is a performance-oriented 3 Series variant, typically known for its strong straight-line pace and balanced everyday usability. In this discussion, it’s being positioned as a “one car you ever need” option within the saloon/hot-hatch comparison.

An “estate” is a station-wagon body style with a longer rear cargo area than a saloon. Here it’s used to contrast practicality (more space) with the saloon look/feel, while claiming you’re not giving up much driving character.

The Volkswagen Golf is a widely used compact hatchback, and the episode specifically references the Golf GTI as the “hot hatch” choice. It mentions “mark six or mark seven Golf GTI,” which highlights how different generations of the GTI are often compared by enthusiasts. The Golf GTI is discussed because it’s a benchmark for practical performance in the hatchback category.

A hot hatch is a performance-focused version of a hatchback—typically with a stronger engine, quicker steering/brakes, and more aggressive tuning than a regular compact. The key idea is that it’s still practical and easy to live with, but it drives with more urgency.

The BMW M2 is a compact performance coupe built around the idea of delivering M-car thrills in a smaller, more agile package. In the episode, it’s mentioned as a purchase choice—“he bought an M2 instead”—which signals it as a satisfying alternative when someone wants performance without going bigger. That’s why it fits the discussion: it’s a go-to “serious fun” BMW.

The Mercedes C 63 is a high-performance version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, known for its strong power and “muscle-car” feel in a more compact luxury package. It’s a popular choice for people who want a daily that still feels exciting when you drive it hard.

MPG (miles per gallon) is a fuel-economy measure that tells you how far a car can travel on one gallon of fuel. When someone quotes a number like “25 MPG,” they’re giving a rough idea of expected real-world consumption for that car or driving situation.

The Renault Clio 182 is a hot-hatch version of the Clio, known for its punchy, track-friendly character compared with a normal family Clio. The “182” refers to its engine output in horsepower, which is why enthusiasts treat it as a more engaging daily-driver option.

“Left rear” is the specific wheel at the back-left corner of the car. In handling discussions, which corner has the weakest grip matters because it can trigger oversteer/understeer and changes in tire load during cornering.

A “rubbish tyre” refers to a tire that has significantly worse grip than the others—often due to wear, damage, or poor condition. That imbalance shows up quickly in cornering because the car’s grip is limited by the weakest tire.

“Studs” are traction devices (typically metal spikes) fitted to tires for grip on ice or snow. On rally cars, studded tires can dramatically change how weight transfers and how quickly the car can rotate under throttle or steering input.

“Switch gear” is the set of electrical controls—buttons, switches, and related housings—used to operate functions like lights, wipers, and other cabin systems. Heat cycling can degrade plastics and internal contacts, leading to failures or looseness.

“Temperature changes” here refers to heat exposure and thermal cycling that can damage interior materials. Plastics and adhesives can soften, warp, or become brittle, which can make touch points (like the steering wheel) degrade.

The BMW M3 is a performance sedan/coupe built by BMW’s M division, known for its driver-focused chassis and high-revving engines (depending on generation). In this segment, it’s mentioned as a car you wouldn’t want damaged—here, by “desert rain,” implying harsh conditions can quickly ruin a daily driver’s appearance or finish.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a compact luxury SUV built for family use, with a focus on practicality and seating flexibility. Here it’s discussed as a daily-driver choice because it’s not too big, yet can still fit a lot—specifically calling out its seven-seat configuration.

“Ingenium” is Jaguar Land Rover’s engine family name, covering multiple turbocharged petrol and diesel designs used across their vehicles. In this segment, the host calls it “terrible” and says they’re adding oil weekly, which points to an oil-consumption or maintenance burden issue on their particular setup.

Coolant is the liquid used to carry heat away from an engine and keep it within a safe operating temperature range. If the cooling system is compromised (wrong fluid, air pockets, leaks), the engine can overheat and cause serious damage.

An extended warranty is extra coverage beyond the factory warranty period, typically covering repairs for certain components for a set time or mileage. In this segment, the speaker implies it shifts the risk of expensive failures to the warranty provider.

“Mid-engined” describes a layout where the engine sits near the center of the car, typically behind the driver and ahead of the rear axle. That placement helps balance weight distribution and can make handling feel more immediate and predictable compared with front- or rear-engine designs.

The Porsche 911 is known for its rear-mounted flat-six engine and long-running, evolution-by-generation design. In this segment, Henry Catchpole discusses the 997-era 911 as a “peak year” for pure driving enjoyment, and contrasts it with later 991 and newer generations.

“Metzger engines” refers to Porsche’s long-running engine family associated with engineer Hans Metzger, known for the air-cooled flat-six architecture used in many classic 911s. In this context, they’re pointing out that these 997-era manual cars had that specific engine lineage and associated updates.

PCM stands for Porsche Communication Management, Porsche’s in-car computer that controls various functions including engine management. A “PCM update” typically means revised software calibration that can improve drivability, emissions behavior, or how the car responds to throttle inputs.

“Oversterey” is a colloquial way of describing oversteer—when the rear of the car rotates more than the driver expects. The speaker is saying the car’s balance is lively and that it feels fast and confidence-inspiring because it rotates predictably.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a track-focused 911 variant built around maximum grip and driver feedback, typically with a more aggressive setup than a standard GT3. Here it’s mentioned alongside RS and GT3 as part of the same 997-era family of “wide-body” performance cars.

“V8” refers to an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. In this context, the speaker is talking about “V8s” as a category of performance cars/engines they associate with a particular era or choice. The point is about engine character and what they’d personally go for.

“Better balanced” is an enthusiast way of describing how a car’s weight distribution and chassis tuning make it feel predictable and composed in corners. The speaker links it to steering feel (“handing-wise”) and how the car turns in sharply. It’s essentially about overall dynamics rather than just straight-line speed.

“Turning in sharply” describes how quickly and decisively a car responds when you initiate a corner—how fast the front end bites and the car starts to rotate. It’s a steering response/dynamics term, often tied to front-end grip, steering geometry, and suspension setup. The speaker uses it to explain why the saloon felt more “edgier.”

Frameless doors are doors where the window glass doesn’t run in a traditional metal window frame. They’re often associated with a more premium look and feel, but they require careful sealing and body rigidity to work well.

Coupé is a body style typically characterized by a shorter roof and a more driver-focused, sporty shape compared with a sedan/saloon. In this discussion, the host is saying buyers who wanted the “competition” version effectively had to choose the coupé because the saloon wasn’t offered in that form.

“VA” appears to be a transcription of a specific engine-related acronym or shorthand the host used while comparing the BMW/V10 discussion to a Porsche-like character. Because the transcript doesn’t clearly spell it out, it’s not possible to define it confidently from this excerpt alone.

A V10 is an engine with ten cylinders arranged in a “V” shape (two banks of five). V10s are often chosen for their smoothness and high-rev character, and the host connects this V10 era to motorsport-derived technology that benefited road cars.

DTM stands for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, a German touring-car racing series. The host mentions it alongside F1 as part of the motorsport environment that pushed engine development and then fed back into road-car technology.

F1 refers to Formula 1, the top level of open-wheel motorsport. The host is using F1 as an example of where “proper motorsport-inspired” engine development ideas were coming from during the V10 era.

A dog-leg gearbox is a manual transmission shift pattern where the first and second gears are arranged “up” and “down” in a way that makes the shift feel more like a racing car. On many BMWs with this layout, the gear lever movement is shorter and the car feels more focused and mechanical.

A homologation car is a road car built to meet the rules required for racing eligibility, usually meaning the manufacturer had to produce a minimum number of similar cars. That’s why these models often feel more “race-derived” than typical road cars.

“Throttle mid corner” refers to how much accelerator input you keep while the car is still turning. It matters because the engine’s torque and the car’s balance determine whether the car stays stable or starts to understeer/oversteer as you load the tires.

In this context, “torque” is the engine’s twisting force that actually moves the car, especially at lower to mid engine speeds. It’s different from horsepower: torque is what you feel as pull, while horsepower is a combined measure of torque and engine speed.

The “power band” is the engine speed range where it produces strong usable power and feels responsive. Drivers often aim to keep the engine operating in that band so the car accelerates cleanly without needing constant throttle corrections.

“CSL” refers to the BMW 3.0 CSL, a famous lightweight BMW coupe built for the era’s touring-car racing. It’s become a cult favorite over time, and the discussion highlights how its original reputation was affected by issues like tire behavior and gearbox characteristics.

That “laminated piece of paper” is an anecdote about the car’s operating limitations—specifically, guidance that it shouldn’t be used in rain. It’s a reminder that some track-oriented setups (tires, cooling, traction characteristics) can be compromised in wet conditions.

DCT stands for Dual-Clutch Transmission, a gearbox that uses two clutches to pre-select the next gear. It typically enables faster, smoother shifts than a traditional automatic, and can feel very “direct” in performance driving.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. In performance-car discussions, “V8” often signals a specific kind of power delivery and character compared with fewer cylinders (like V6) or more (like V12).

The Ferrari 458 is a mid-engine supercar from Ferrari, known for its naturally aspirated V8 and sharp, high-revving character. In this segment, Henry Catchpole singles it out as “the car” he associates with that V8/mid-engine Ferrari idea.

The Ferrari 430 is a V8 mid-engine Ferrari that’s often discussed in terms of how well it delivers a “driver’s car” experience, especially with a manual gearbox. This segment contrasts having a manual in the 430 versus choosing a different model with a different gearbox, emphasizing how the transmission choice changes the character of the car.

“Manual box” means a manual transmission, where the driver selects gears using a clutch pedal and gear lever. In performance cars, the manual gearbox can make throttle response and driving feel more direct because you’re actively managing gear selection rather than relying on an automatic.

A single-clutch gearbox uses one clutch to connect the engine to the transmission. In practice, it can feel different from dual-clutch systems because only one gear path is prepared at a time, which affects shift smoothness and how quickly power delivery changes.

SMG stands for Sequential Manual Gearbox, a BMW system that uses paddle shifters and an automated clutch. It’s designed to feel like a sequential race gearbox, with fast, deliberate shifts controlled electronically rather than by a traditional clutch pedal.

A paddle shift gearbox uses steering-wheel paddles to command gear changes. The gearbox still does the actual shifting, but the paddles let the driver request upshifts and downshifts quickly and precisely.

A sequential gearbox only allows gear changes in order (e.g., 2nd to 3rd, not directly from 2nd to 5th). That’s why it can feel like a “challenge car” or race car: the shifts are deliberate and follow a fixed progression.

Dual-clutch gearboxes use two clutches to pre-select the next gear, which can make shifts feel quicker and often smoother. The speaker contrasts these with earlier single-clutch “sequential” systems, noting that dual-clutch can improve refinement even if the older system was exciting to use.

NVH stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. It describes how much unwanted sound, shaking, and “roughness” the car transmits to occupants—so “better NVH” usually means a more refined, quieter, smoother ride.

“Interim models” are mid-cycle updates or in-between variants a manufacturer introduces while waiting for the next full generation. They’re often used to refine the car, add features, or bridge the gap so the lineup stays competitive.

“Oil car” here appears to be a colloquial reference to an “oil” or “oil-based” performance identity—likely meaning a car that feels like it belongs to an earlier, more traditional era of the brand’s character. The speaker frames it as something you can “trace back” through model history, suggesting a lineage of feel rather than a literal fuel type.

This segment is a follow-up thread asking what happened to previously discussed cars/projects. It frames the rest of the Q&A as an update on ownership and the fate of enthusiast builds.

“Sub eight” is shorthand for achieving a time under eight seconds for a performance metric—most commonly a 0–60 mph or quarter-mile style benchmark in enthusiast talk. Here it’s describing Jeff Ray’s project car as being fast enough to dip below that threshold.

The Lotus Exige is a lightweight, track-focused two-seat sports car derived from the Elise platform. The episode mentions that “kies… went on to fund an exige,” linking it to how one car choice can lead to another in an enthusiast’s journey. It’s discussed because the Exige is typically seen as the more performance-oriented step up within Lotus’s small sports-car lineup.

The Ford Capri is a classic European-style personal sports car, known for its long-running popularity and enthusiast following. The episode references “John obviously still has his capri,” which highlights its role as a car people keep and enjoy over time. It’s discussed as part of the broader mix of memorable cars that owners continue to live with.

The Peugeot 205 CTI is a hot hatch from the 1980s/early 1990s era, remembered for its character and compact, driver-focused feel. The podcast references a specific “Miami Blue Peugeot 205” and even mentions “dinged,” which points to personal ownership stories and the car’s collectible appeal. It’s discussed as part of the lineup of cars people remember and talk about fondly.

The Lotus Elite Series 3 is a classic Lotus grand tourer known for its lightweight, driver-focused feel and distinctive styling. In this segment, Ben Johnson’s car is specifically framed as a “daily” because it’s usable and can be driven regularly despite its age.

The hosts treat “daily driver” less as a strict checklist and more as a personal mindset—whether you’re willing to use a car regularly, accept its quirks, and fit it into your routine. They contrast practical usability with the emotional/identity side of choosing a car to live with.

This is referring to an open-top roof setup (likely a convertible-style roof) and the practical downside of driving with it in place when conditions are wet. The key point is that the roof design can allow water ingress, making the cabin area leak.

A tonneau cover is a fabric or hard cover that seals over an open-top car’s cabin area or rear storage area to reduce exposure to weather. In this context, it replaces the full roof so you can still drive with the top removed but with some protection.

The Audi S3 is a performance version of the A3, typically aimed at drivers who want a daily-friendly hot hatch with stronger acceleration and sportier tuning. The episode says you can “daily a S3,” emphasizing its practical usability alongside performance. That’s why it’s relevant in a discussion about cars that can be both exciting and realistic for everyday life.

The Renault Megane R26 is a hot-hatch built for driver-focused handling, known for its track-bred setup and sharper steering feel compared with a standard Megane. The “R26” is a specific performance trim that enthusiasts often keep as a weekend-and-commute car.

“Barn full” is a hobbyist phrase for storing multiple cars in a private collection, often in a non-public garage or barn. In car culture, it usually implies a curated set of enthusiast cars rather than one-off ownership.

BMW M cars are models from BMW’s M division, tuned specifically for sharper steering, stronger engines, and more track-focused chassis tuning than standard BMWs. When someone says “BMW M cars,” they’re usually talking about that performance sub-brand rather than a single model.

The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a rare, two-door performance model based on the E36 3 Series platform, built to deliver M-style driving with a distinctive coupe body. The episode brings it up in a “stick to one brand” type discussion, where the M Coupe represents a specific BMW M-era choice. It’s notable because it’s a smaller, more focused M car compared with many other BMW performance models.

Porsche is a sports-car brand known for engineering-focused handling and performance. In this context, “Porsches” is being used as a shorthand for the variety of Porsche models you could choose from.