Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera 2dr Car Review - February 2012

Once you've got the Gallardo hurtling along then the handling is very good, offering great down-force and grip that keeps the car glued to the road, and the steering is a little heavy but does everything that you'd expect. However, once you try to drive the Gallardo in a more practical setting, especially around town, then it can be a very bumpy experience. In terms of the driving position, the sports seats offer plenty of support and keep the driver in place when cornering, but rear visibility is almost nothing because of the small rear window.

The standard Gallardo is already very impressive, but the Superleggera offers an even more tuned engine and a lighter chassis, meaning that the performance figures are even better. Acceleration from 0-62mph is an amazing 3.4 seconds, and the top speed of 202mph makes it one of the fastest production sports cars in the world.

Lamborghini have always made sports cars that are sensationally bold and attractive, and it is no different with the Gallardo. The entire body from the front to the rear is one smooth curve, designed for the ultimate in aerodynamics, which is boosted by the large air intakes which do give the Gallardo a brasher look than some of its rivals. Inside, the bold look of the sports seats and interior is very good, although some people will find that it is a little too bold and would prefer something a little more subtle.

Even though the price tag of the Gallardo Superleggera is very significant, the level of luxury and equipment to be found in the car is quite significant. Air conditioning and climate control are small hints towards practicality, and the leather seats do make things a little more comfortable, and a very civilized CD stereo system is also included.

In terms of the practicality of the Lamborghini Gallardo, it is hard to recommend it on any level. It can carry two people with a reasonable level of comfort and with plenty of noise, but it isn't a car that could be practically used for a regular commute. Understandably, a car of this value hasn't been subjected to the Euro NCAP crash test, but it does come with a number of advanced driver aids to keep it on the road, and has airbags for the driver and passenger.

Audi's influence in the production of the Gallardo should help the car to overcome the brand's reputation for being slightly unreliable. However, it is still likely to need regular servicing to keep the car operating at an optimum level.

The list price for this version of the Gallardo is roughly that of a nice family house, but for £183,948, you do get a car that is capable of beating almost anything else on the road or on the track.

The running costs of the Lamborghini Gallardo are also significant, with the fuel efficiency only able to reach an average 20.9mpg. It also has a very high insurance group, but the desirability of the car means that resale shouldn't be too painful. The Gallardo is also supplied with a three year warranty, but for the majority of people who actually buy this Lamborghini Gallardo, they will be more interested in the superb performance rather than the practicalities and running costs of the car.