In pictures: Christian Williams' year in cars

In a festive instalment of his high-octane monthly motoring column for the County Press, the DJ and ‘most hugged man in Britain’ talks us through his highlights of 2020.

At the end of every year it’s common for people to take stock; to talk about the unforgettable moments, the incredible memories and the plans ahead.

Well, one thing you can say about 2020 is that it’s certainly been unforgettable! Who would have thought the world could have changed beyond recognition in such a short period of time?

But I’ve promised not to mention the C-word in this column so instead I thought I’d remember 2020 for all the right reasons. And all of them have four wheels!

Working with BOTB means I travel the length and breadth of the country, handing over the keys to some jaw-dropping motors. Not only do I get to land people with the surprise of a lifetime, I also get first dibs behind the wheel.

So while my presenting work for Virgin Radio takes up my weekend, barely a day goes by in the week when my right foot isn’t pressing to the floor in the latest dream car.

I’ve chosen one highlight for every month of 2020, so strap yourself, turn the music up and let’s hit the road!

January: Lotus Evija

What a way to start the year! This incredible 2,000-bhp electric hypercar just blew my mind.

With the government bringing forward the ban on internal combustion engines to 2030, just imagine if this was the future?

February: Porsche GT3

Something of a sad day for me as I finally bade farewell to the car of my dreams, my Porsche GT3. I’d wanted this car ever since I was a kid and to own one has been a real privilege.

But living in London with two cars isn’t that sensible, especially one which only really comes alive on the track. Still working out what’s going to replace it though…

Christian loves all types of Porsche.

March: time to lounge

Quite literally actually, as I set up a DJ booth from my living room and beamed the sounds of Virgin Radio across the nation.

We all had to get used to a new normal but I must admit it was a joy not to have to worry about the commute.

April: Ferrari (main image above is the Ferrari 458)

Ok, so we all had to be a little industrious during lockdown and while I couldn’t get my hands on an actual Ferrari I was able to source a model one.

I used to love building models as a kid but hadn’t done one since I was about 13.

I can’t tell you the joy it gave me and while I managed to get my hands on a ‘proper’ one later in the year, this gave me a real appreciation of the marque.

May: Lamborghini Urus

Everyone points out the fact that most high-performance cars are using a tiny fraction of their capabilities day-to-day.

So when I was given the keys to a Urus on an airstrip I knew the limits were in my sight. The drag race was a sensory overload — a blur of noise and acceleration.

For an SUV to do 190mph is obscene… and I loved every minute of it!

June: Porsche 918

Coming in around £700,000, it was pretty clear I’d need to be on my best behaviour even to make it into the passenger seat of Porsche’s flagship hypercar.

While the owner didn’t quite trust me with the keys, there’s very little to be said about this feat of monumental German engineering other than ‘wow’.

July: Alton Towers

Ok, I know I said this was about four wheels but I had to include my VIP ride on Nemesis at Alton Towers during a BOTB winner’s surprise. At £10m, the ride was the most expensive of the year and arguably one of the quickest — going from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds.

August: County Press

It was the realisation of a long-held dream when I was unveiled as the County Press’ new motoring correspondent, uniting two of my passions — cars and the place I grew up.

Ever since the first column hit the streets I’ve been inundated with messages from old friends and it’s been a real thrill to be part of island life once again. Mum’s enjoyed it too and she’s the first to send me a copy each week!

September: Audi R8

I’ve loved the R8 for sometime…the everyday supercar. We never go easy on the review vehicles, especially when we’re asked to put them through their paces, but this car was so fast that it actually ripped the sunglasses off my head. Like actually clean off!

I’m not sure an in-depth review can do it more justice than that.

October: Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder

This convertible GT4 was everything a car should be — impressive handling, fabulous driving position and rear wheel drive.

I’ve loved Porsches for a long time but this car is probably the most fun you can have on four wheels. Definitely in my top cars of all time.

November: VW Golf GTE

I’ve been a huge fan of the GTE since it was first launched and have owned one for the last couple of years.

The new version is the eighth iteration of this much-loved hatchback — an electric version of the much-admired GTi — and shows every sign of continuing its love affair with the British public.

The VW Golf GTE.

December: Toyota GR Yaris

Top Gear described this as the best Toyota they’d ever driven and who are we to argue.

It’s a fabulous hot-hatch, packed with features and extras, and drives like a dream.

If you want a road-going rally car which induces the kind of smiles you only have as a kid on Christmas Day, then this is the car for you.

The Toyota GR Yaris.

There is just one thing left for me to say: ​Happy Christmas everyone!