[PhoenixFortune]

How representative are test drives to the later performance of a car in terms of comfort and ease to drive?

I'm planning to test drive three new cars, but I've only ever driven two cars in my life (my instructor's 2007 Astra and my 2001 Corsa), so I have no idea how well I will get on with them.

I suppose it depends on the car and the person, but how fast do you tend to know when you like a car from the test drive? Especially if it's a make you've never driven before and are not used to the updated technology...

[JC.]

The biggest battle is getting comfy. If you can achieve that then whatever it is will be fine to drive. If you can't get comfortable you're going to hate every moment being in the car.
It's only after that you start looking at whether the car has enough grunt under the bonnet to keep you amused etc...

In reality, you're not going to have the tail hanging out on a test drive anyway. Wait for a nice straight piece of road and then warn the other occupant that you are going to try full power in 2nd gear. Give it a little poke for maybe 2000 extra revs and then slot it back into top gear and drive normally again. That little test will soon tell you if it'll be quick enough for you.