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When news thatDysonwas adding a handheld vacuum to its range reached my ears, I was excited.

This is a brand known for its cutting-edge engineering; its boundary-pushing designs.

Dyson V8 next to the Car+Boat handheld

The Dyson V8 (left… or is it right?) next to the Dyson Car+Boat

What innovations would it come up with for the all-new Dyson Car+Boat?

Turns out, not many.

The specs, too, seemed very similar to what I remembered from another vacuum.

Dyson V8 next to the Car+Boat handheld

The Dyson V8 (left… or is it right?) next to the Dyson Car+Boat

Then I got my oldDyson V8out, to compare, and had a Lindsey LohanParent Trapmoment.

The Car+Boat wasn’t just similar to the V8, it was identical.

It even says ‘Dyson V8’ on the box of my review model.

Person using the Dyson Car+Boat handheld vacuum being used on a sofa

The relatively compact size of the V8 makes it suited to use as a handheld

The third a Mini motorized tool isn’t included as standard, but can be purchased separately.

Let me explain…

A handy solution?

The V8 isn’t thebest Dyson vacuumbased on specs.

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However, the V8isthe best option for handheld use.

It’s also the most compact, and therefore better at getting into awkward nooks and crannies.

The dust cup is slightly irritatingly small for a whole-home vacuum, but generous for a handheld.

In short, the V8 is still an excellenthandheld vacuum.