Car care expert Meguiar’s offers a dizzying array of products to choose from and it’s shampoos are among some of the best car shampoos on the market. You can pick from regular shampoos like this one I’m testing here, or you can choose from a range of wax and wash products.  Is the Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash a product you should be adding to your detailing arsenal? That’s what I’m here to find out.

How We Tested Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash

First, I diluted Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash shampoo according to the individual instructions. Then I observed the amount of foam it produced and assessed how slick it felt on the panel. Finally, I carried out a visual and physical inspection to see how much dirt, if any, was left after washing. The price and how much shampoo is needed per wash were also taken into consideration.

RRP: from £8.45. Not available in the US, but there are plenty of other Meguiar’s products to choose from.

Meguiar's NXT Generation Car Wash shampoo bottle

First Impressions

Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash looks suitably advanced and futuristic thanks to its labelling. The purple shampoo looks somewhat alien in origin. Open the bottle and you’re greeted by a pleasant citrussy smell. I can’t tell you what fruit Meguiar’s was aiming for, but it’s tangy and fresh.

Meguiar's NXT Generation Car Wash shampoo testing

Features

Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash does not scrimp on features. First off, it’s pH-neutral, definitely what I want to see in a shampoo. Next, synthetic lubricating oils deliver exceptional slickness. Meguiar’s says that this shampoo will loosen and emulsify even the toughest dirt and road grime, and I certainly hope so.

Finally, engineered water softeners help reduce deposits in hard-water areas. Water spots in hard-water areas are a keen detailer’s worst nightmare. Knowing you’ve got a shampoo that will help you achieve a spot-free finish is a massive bonus.

Meguiar's NXT Generation Car Wash shampoo washing

What’s It Like To Use Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash

The dilution instructions are a little odd. The bottle says you need 2 capfuls (0.7 fl. oz) per gallon, which is an odd measurement as that’s not a lot of water. Realistically you’ll be using 3 gallons or so, which means 2 fl. oz per wash. That’s quite a lot compared to other shampoos. But it’s worth it because Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash is very good indeed.

It feels exceptionally slick on the paintwork and delivers superb cleaning. The water softeners are the icing on the cake, and they give this shampoo an edge over its many rivals.

The Verdict

I like Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash a lot. Yes, you need to use a little more than with other shampoos, but it’s worth it. It washes so well, and I love the addition of water softeners to help you out. This shampoo has gone straight into my personal detailing lineup. If you want to add it to yours, check out price comparisons for the larger bottle (as tested) below: