Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder E-Gear

Costs

The running costs for the Gallardo will be very high. Insurance will be in the top group, fuel economy is poor and emissions are high. Servicing is also likely to be expensive.

Space and practicality

As far as passengers are concerned, the Gallardo is on a par with its two-seater rivals, with decent head and legroom. There are a few storage areas for oddments, although the boot is not particularly large and its proximity to the engine does mean it may suffer from heat soak.

Controls and display

The layout of the Gallardo is very good, with clearly labelled controls that operate smoothly and in a satisfying manner. The instruments are clear and attractive, while the buttons and switches feel well designed and robust. Some of the switches are located in odd places, but a little time spent inside is enough to make life easier.

Comfort

Given its wild side, the Gallardo offers reasonable comfort levels. The seats are supportive, the ride is acceptable and noise levels are quite low when the engine is being used with restraint.

Car security

A desirable car such as this requires a high level of security, and the Gallardo includes remote central locking with an engine immobiliser and alarm. A remote tracking system is also available for extra peace of mind.

Car safety

A high level of passive safety includes front and side airbags, while on the active safety front the inclusion of four-wheel drive, ABS and ESP coupled to the high specification of the suspension, brakes and engine make it a very capable and safe car in the right hands.

Driver appeal

This is where the Gallardo excels, delivering huge thrills to keen drivers. The engine is a true masterpiece, offering massive low-rev torque combined with sharp responses and searing top-end thrust. The soundtrack is even better, with spectacular noise all around the rev counter. The handling is equally impressive, with the four-wheel drive system offering reassurance combined with responsive steering.

Family car appeal

With only two seats and a small boot, the Gallardo would not make a good family car.

First car appeal

The Gallardo is not an appropriate first car, as its performance and expense will exceed the capability of an inexperienced driver.

Quality and image

Thanks to input from the VW Group, the Gallardo is a high quality car, with a very good standard of finish inside and out. Buyers can be confident that the reliability woes of older Lamborghini products have been eradicated. The Lamborghini's image is also highly attractive, being synonymous with high performance and style. The only possible demerit is that some regard Lamborghinis as being better suited to 'show-offs' than drivers, but the Gallardo's performance rebukes that.

Accessibility

Despite the wedge shape, gaining access to the Gallardo is simple. The door handle pops easily and the long doors have a wide opening. Occupants do need to drop down into the seats, but otherwise it is straightforward.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

An Audi-sourced radio/CD unit is fitted as standard, delivering a high level of sound quality and a simple interface with large screen display. Although the system might struggle at higher speeds with the roof down, the engine is far more exciting to listen to.

Colours and trim

High quality leather and Alcantara feature throughout the cabin of the Gallardo, while the remaining plastic trim is also of a high quality. A range of colours is available, and although much of the trim is dark, the cabin still feels inviting.

Parking

As you might expect, the Gallardo is not the easiest car to park. The driver sits low down in the car making it hard to see the extremities. However, the addition of parking sensors and a rear-view camera helps. The E-Gear model is a little harder to park as the lack of a clutch means a slight pause at the top of the throttle pedal.

Spare wheel

Tyre inflation system fitted as standard.