Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 5.2 Litre 2dr Car Review - May 2013

A car like the Gallardo is really made to be taken to the track and put through its paces, as the confines of the British roads are likely to stifle the beast under the bonnet. The 5.2 litre petrol engine delivers superb acceleration, propelling the car from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds, while the top speed of 202mph is a target that needs an awful lot of tarmac to achieve safely. The grip is sensational and even when cornering at high speed it never feels as though the car is going to lose control, while the steering is light and enjoys pinpoint accuracy.

Surprisingly for this kind of sports car, there is a remarkable level of adjustment available both in the seat and the steering wheel, making getting comfortable easy, although the low position and small rear window does mean that visibility is limited. As with most supercars, the ride is set to be very firm to provide the best possible control while pushing the car, but it does mean that the ride can be quite bumpy when the Gallardo is driven in more sedate and civilised surroundings.

Like most Lamborghini cars the looks can often divide people, with the low slung aerodynamic body having a large curving windscreen and narrow headlight clusters skirting the sides of the bonnet. The dramatic air vents behind the doors are also a bold statement, and along with the huge alloy wheels contribute to the model's stunning aesthetics. The aerodynamic design gives the Gallardo the appearance of movement even while it is still, and it likely to attract many car aficionados glancing with envy as you roar past.

Historically, supercars such as this would have been fairly sparse in terms of creature comforts and equipment, but as a part of the new generation of supercar it does have a reasonable level of luxury. Climate control helps to keep the cabin comfortable, while the Lamborghini designed leather seats are superbly supportive. Electric mirrors and a CD stereo are also included, but features such as the reversing camera and satellite navigation cost several thousand extra to be included with the car.

The Gallardo is never going to win any awards for its practicality, with a boot that is small even when compared with other high powered sports cars, and a ride that makes the school run rather uncomfortable. However, the cabin is a decent size, and those sitting in the two seats will find legroom and headroom reasonably good.

There are air bags and anti lock brakes included as standard with the car, while the stability control can be adjusted to suit the individual's driving style. A car of this value was never going to be allowed to be crashed for the Euro NCAP safety tests. Historically Lamborghini had a bad reputation for reliability, but this has improved over recent years, although regular servicing is vital to keep the engine working properly.

Costing around the same as a family home in many parts of the country with a list price of £157,668, the Lamborghini is certainly not a car that is for those with shallow pockets. The running costs are also astronomical, with high insurance and tax costs and the 5.2 litre engine that is only able to deliver an average 19.2mpg.

One saving grace for the car is that the limited supply of Gallardo models that go on to the market means that the second hand market has more buyers than sellers, meaning residual value is very good indeed. The car is also supplied with a three year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside breakdown assistance.