Every so often, you find people in the motoring fraternity raving about a certain car that has sublime handling, and is a joy to drive. What does it even mean? Beyond good looks, there’s a lot going on under the skin that can determine how well a car drives. Let’s dive into what makes a car handle great, in a road driving context.
A car’s chassis is the starting point of vehicle dynamics. A great-handling car usually has a very rigid chassis. Why? A stiff chassis reduces flex, increasing response to driver inputs, as well as making the driver feel more attuned to what the chassis is doing. As a rule of thumb, the stiffer the chassis, the better.
It’s no use having a great chassis only to have a poorly-tuned suspension ruin the car. The suspension is integral to transfer feedback and forces from the road to the chassis. Contrary to popular belief, a stiffer suspension set up is not always better.
A good suspension strikes a balance between ride and handling. Because of ever-changing road conditions, a suspension must be tuned to ‘breathe’ and absorb most surface imperfections, yet still provide clarity and confidence to the driver.
Communicative steering
Good-old hydraulic steering rack for the Mazda RX-7
One of the integral components of a car’s handling characteristics is the steering. A good steering provides accuracy, feedback and is brimming with feel. Purists will bemoan the industry-wide adoption electric power steering in place of hydraulic ones.
Subaru has mastered the electric power steering system in the BRZ
I disagree, most modern electric systems are just as good, if not better than their hydraulic counterparts. It’s lighter and more efficient (packaging, less power loss). This is indeed a case of newer is better.
Adopting the famous Colin Chapman mantra - ‘simplify, then add lightness’, a great handling car is also relatively lightweight. Modern cars are getting increasingly lardy due to increasing safety requirements. Getting a car to weigh anywhere close to a ton is a miracle.
Mazda MX-5: The epitome of a lightweight, balanced sports car
Lightness has many benefits. With reduced mass, you improve multiple aspects of the car, like acceleration, braking, and of course, handling.
Great driving position
A great driving position brings it all together. A driver that is seated well feels a part of the car, an extension of his/her limbs. This includes having all the major controls (steering, pedals, gear lever, handbrake) in close proximity to the driver. The confidence and satisfaction derived from a great driving position is one of motoring's many joys.
Not only that, a great driving position feels natural to the driver, that instinctively allows one to get in and drive with minimal assimilation. No contortion, no faffing around, just instinctive. This gives a feeling of ultimate control for the driver. A car that has great driving position imparts a sense of occasion, feels special. It makes you want to just keep driving.
So, the next time you’re on the lookout for a car that drives well, be sure to look out for these traits. There won’t be one car that nails all the points I have listed above, but if it ticks most of the right boxes, you’re in for a treat.
Jason's foremost passion is all things automotive, where he spent his formative working years as a Product Planner and Trainer. An Advanced Driving Instructor by training and an all-round enthusiast, Jason loves going into intricate details about driving dynamics. Will drive anything with 4 wheels and a steering.
