Author: PA Media

For BMW aficionados, the 3 Series Touring is something of a legend. To outsiders it might seem like just another estate, but over the years it has built a reputation as the thinking man’s 3 Series, packing style and practicality into a great-to-drive package.

What’s more, while you might expect the birth of such a model to come from boring business people poring over sales statistics to decide whether a load-lugging version of the popular saloon would be a good idea, its story starts in a much more interesting way…

E30

BMW bosses had not planned to offer an estate version of the second-generation 3 Series because no rival models did, and none offered enough practicality for the 3 Series to be left behind. However, a prototype engineer called Max Reisböck was getting frustrated at the lack of space in the saloon for his family.

He bought a wrecked saloon and set about creating a wagon version in just six months. Friends encouraged him to show the BMW board, and they loved it so much they asked to keep the prototype to study it. Within three years, a production model was on the market.

Over 100,000 were sold, with both petrol and diesel, and rear- and all-wheel drive options.

E36

Following the warm reception of the previous generation, BMW knew it was on to a winner with the 3 Series estate. The E30 might not have been a huge sales success, but it showed there was appetite for the body shape, and it was simply ahead of its time.

With the 1990s and the third-generation 3 Series, BMW’s rivals had caught on. Both Audi and Mercedes-Benz now offered estates, so the E36 had to be good.

Fortunately, it was. Unlike huge modern estates, the E36 was more like a big hatchback, offering lightweight construction and a focus on being fun for the driver. Many enthusiasts consider the wagon to be the best-looking body style for the E36, even over the coupe and convertible versions.

E46

Arguably the prettiest generation of 3 Series, the Touring was a given now that it had established itself as a market leader. Now well-established, BMW considered creating a high-performance version.

The M3, one of the most iconic and best-loved performance cars of the past few decades, had only been offered in saloon and coupe form, but BMW built a prototype M3 Touring to see if everything would fit together.

It was so far advanced that journalists were invited to drive it, pitched as a PR exercise but almost certainly to also gauge customer interest. Sadly, despite a seemingly positive reception, the E46 M3 Touring never made production.

E91

Based on the E90 saloon that debuted in 2005, the E91 was not the biggest or most practical estate at its price point. However, it still earned admiration and drew customers, thanks in part to BMW’s class-leading chassis dynamics, and the prestige of the badge.

While the E46 was once considered for the M3 treatment, there was never any true, well-founded speculation for the E91. However, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine in the 335i delivered 306bhp, and could accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds.

Not enough for you? Fortunately, BMW tuning experts Alpina made an estate variant of its B3, which is the closest thing you can get to a factory-built M3 Touring.

F31

By time the F31 generation Touring came into being, it wasn’t lacking competition from within its own model range.

Not only was the saloon version on the market, but there was also the newly-introduced 3 Series Gran Turismo, as well as the coupe and convertible variants, marketed as the 4 Series. The 3 Series Touring was a little closer to some less premium rivals in the practicality stakes, but was still not the most practical estate out there.

G20

The newly-revealed estate version of the current 3 Series is unlikely to provide many surprises. It will drive superbly and be a little down on space relative to some rivals, while still managing to be one of the best estate options out there courtesy of its other abilities.

Of course, the speculation for an M3 variant is bubbling under as always, but it seems unlikely; of course, keeping your fingers crossed won’t hurt!

Summer is now upon us, and it’s the perfect time to take to the roads and enjoy the lighter evenings and (mostly) dry weather.

But what are the best cars in which to do that? Well, we’ve picked out some of the best – and all for a £15,000 budget.

Mazda MX-5

The MX-5 is a bit of an obvious choice when it comes to summer cars. It’s a drop-top, for starters, which means you can fully enjoy the summer sun when it finally arrives. It’s also involving to drive, as well as reliable and relatively cheap to run, too.

Our budget is enough to nab a current-generation car too, representing impressive value for money. There’s the choice of either a 1.5 or 2.0-litre powered version.

Bentley Turbo R

If you’re going to make the most of the summer, then why not do it in style? Enter the Bentley Turbo R. With a 6.7-litre V8 it’s immensely powerful, and will quickly waft you from point A to point B in effortless luxury.

Fortunately, you can actually grab a Turbo R for around £10,000, which works well for our budget – as we’d keep the remaining £5,000 aside for repairs, maintenance and even fuelling the thing – a full tank will cost over £130.

Porsche Boxster

Debuting as the pint-sized Porsche for those who couldn’t quite afford a 911, the Boxster has carved out a fanbase and market all of its own over the course of a 20+ year career to date.

For this money, both the first and second-generation Boxster are comfortably available. Take a look at the post-2007 Boxster S for optimum performance; it comes equipped with a 291bhp, 3.4-litre flat-six engine, which sounds and goes like a Porsche should.

Audi S1

Audi’s pocket-sized A1 may have been the last car people expected the German firm to give its ‘S’ treatment to, but it did – resulting in the S1. With a 2.0-litre engine under the bonnet giving 227bhp to play with, its performance far exceed what its cutesy looks would lead you to believe.

It’s a car which will make any countryside blast a joy, but it does the everyday jobs very well too – so there should be a grin on your face even during the daily commute.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

A pick-up is always an enjoyable mode of summertime transport, and the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a great option. It’s big, brash and in-your-face, but that’s what you’d expect from a big pick-up truck.

It’s available with a 3.2-litre V6 for our budget, giving the Ranger Wildtrak plenty of performance to go with its looks.

Land Rover Defender

In truth, the Defender is perhaps the car for all weather, but it certainly suits the sun.  At under £15,000 you can find quite a few factory-spec vehicles, many of which are currently geared more for commercial use, as well as many examples that have been tastefully modified by previous owners.

If you’re thinking of making a trip to Cornwall over the summer for a spot of surfing, the Defender certainly stands out alongside the heavy contingent of VW Californias in the beach car park.

Vauxhall VXR8

As many may already know, the VXR8 is a Vauxhall in name only. The reality is this car is a production of General Motors’ Australian subsidy Holden, more specifically, its Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) performance division. This lump of Aussie muscle borrows the 6.2-litre V8 from a Chevrolet Corvette, with 430bhp on tap.

Whether you want a hairy drive on a B-Road, or the opportunity to draw eyes at the many summertime car meets across the country, the VXR8 has to be a candidate.

Renault Avantime

Is an MPV really a summer car? In this instance, absolutely.

Thanks to a large sunroof and minimal pillars, the interior of the Avantime is a very light place to be. Plus, the push of just one button puts into ‘grand air’ mode, which retracts all windows and the sunroof, thus effectively making the car convertible.

The only downside is that these cars are rare, and so they are far more costly than you would expect an over 15-year-old MPV to be – but if you want something that stands out, this is the car for you.

Jaguar XK Convertible

What would such a list be without a V8, drop-top sports car?

Jaguar’s take on grand touring was one of the most impressive convertibles out there in the late-2000s, with its 4.2-litre V8 making a pleasing rumble, and offering up a pleasing portion of performance to boot.  Producing 300bhp, the 4.2-litre motor was later superseded by a 5.0-litre unit in 2009, but you’re unlikely to find the newer, more powerful cars at this price point.

Mini Convertible

If you want something chic that suits the city, look no further than the Mini.

Having produced a convertible for each generation to date since BMW took the reins, there are no shortage of drop-top Minis out there for you to choose from. For this money, you can comfortably find a current-generation example, or one of the higher-spec John Cooper Works variants from its previous incarnation.

Making cars is a complicated and expensive business. That’s why manufacturers often team up to share technologies and know how. It makes the process simpler and cheaper, and the end result is often beneficial to the consumer.

However, these alliances can fly under the radar of the regular punter. Even if you’re aware that companies work together, you might be surprised to learn just how deep some of these alliances run. So we’ve put together a list of some of the biggest and most surprising automotive alliances in the industry…

VW Group

This is the one that most people know but perhaps aren’t aware just how deep the parts sharing goes. The VW Group owns a huge number of manufacturers including Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, Skoda… and Volkswagen, unsurprisingly.

The vast majority of vehicles, particularly in the more mainstream brands, use a shared ‘platform’ known as MQB. What this means is that ‘hard points’ are standardised, so stuff like crash structures, engine mount points and electrical system mount points are all the same.

Therefore, VW Group manufacturers can fit a variety of engine types, infotainment systems and everything else you can think of, so long as they’re built to fit the platform. Other parts get shared, too. The engine, for example, could be essentially the same in a Seat or Skoda.

The downside is that all of these models can feel the same, but VW has done a pretty good job of giving each a slightly distinct character.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance

This trio has been making headlines recently. It has been involved with a potential merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles that, if it had gone through, would have created one of the biggest car makers in the world.

Instead, the trio remains in a strategic alliance that sees them share technology and know-how to advance their research and development more quickly and for less money.

Ionity

As the industry shifts towards electrification, creating all-new powertrains and the networks to support them are proving too daunting for manufacturers to go alone. That’s why we’re seeing a few unlikely partnerships begin to blossom, none more so than Ionity.

This is a new high-speed electric vehicle recharging network that’s being funded by BMW Group, Daimler, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche. There are some rivals here – direct and indirect – which shows just how seriously these carmakers are taking the need to build EV infrastructure quickly. It’s all for the greater good…

Toyota and BMW

There has been speculation about a new Supra, Toyota’s iconic sports car, ever since the last generation went off sale in 2002. This year, finally, the icon was reborn – and it was largely thanks to BMW.

Back in 2012, Toyota had decided it wanted to remake its sports car, but wanted it to have an inline-six-cylinder engine like the old one. It didn’t make one anymore, but BMW did, and rather than invest in a new engine for a single, low-volume car, bosses flew to Germany to make a deal with the Germans.

They eventually agreed to collaborate on a project that would see Toyota help fund the development of a pair of sports cars — the Supra and the latest Z4 — using a BMW engine.

Toyota and Suzuki

One of the more UK-relevant collaborations here is, perhaps unexpectedly, between two Japanese firms. Toyota currently builds its European market Corolla here in the UK, and the underpinnings for that car will soon form the basis of a Suzuki car — quite likely the next-generation Baleno.

Like the Corolla, it will be built in the UK at Toyota’s Derby plant, with the firms also collaborating on the development of hybrid technologies going forward.

Hyundai and Rimac

Rimac is a very niche manufacturer of electric supercars, so it may be strange to hear that Hyundai — one of the largest firms in the world — is looking to them for development assistance. Well, that’s exactly what it’s doing with its upcoming halo ‘N’ car, because the bigger part of Rimac’s business is building and selling electric vehicle components, such as batteries and powertrains.

N is Hyundai’s performance arm, and it has never made a full-blown sports car before. With that in mind, it makes sense to utilise the expertise of a boutique supercar manufacturer to aid with developing a serious machine. Rimac isn’t getting the short end of the stick either, with a reported $90m (about £71m) invested into the firm by Hyundai.

Volvo and Uber

You may think of Uber as just a ride-hailing app, but there’s much more to the firm than just that. In recent years, it has been working with the Swedish premium car manufacturer to accelerate development on driverless cars with the goal of using the tech as part of its service.

The two firms just showcased what is reportedly the first ever production-ready self-driving car — an XC90 SUV kitted out with an abundance of radars and sensors. No word on plans for sales though, with current legislation likely to hinder public availability anytime soon.

Aston Martin and Mercedes

Considering Aston Martin is such an icon of British history, it might shock you to learn that it is part-owned by Mercedes’ parent company Daimler. With a five per cent stake, the Germans don’t have much say in the running of the company, but it does mean Aston Martin gets access to AMG’s fantastic V8 engine (as well as some other less exciting bits like interior switchgear).

Aston Martin is still largely creating its own cars, responsible for the design, platform and development of its V12 engines, but this deal with Daimler reduces development costs and complexity – vital for such a small company.

There are few manufacturers which don’t offer an SUV of some kind. They range from dinky compact versions, right the way to full-fat seven-seater versions. And sitting at the top of the range are the luxury SUVs, offering drivers a truly premium experience.

There are several on the market today, and we’ve picked out some of the very best luxury SUVs available.

Bentley Bentayga

Bentley’s Bentayga aims to deliver everything you’d expect from one of the Crewe-based manufacturer’s luxury sports cars, but in a larger and more off-road orientated package.

Though its looks aren’t as natural as the rest of Bentley’s line-up, the Bentayga certainly fits the bill when it comes to luxury. It’s also impressive when it comes to performance, outpacing many conventional sports cars.

Audi Q7

This list is dominated by Volkswagen Group vehicles, and the Audi Q7 is one such example. It shares a platform with the Bentayga – and the Lamborghini Urus as well for that matter – but manages to undercut both in terms of price.

It still offers a premium ownership experience, however. There’s plenty of standard equipment, and seven-seats too, which makes it a great choice for larger families.

Mercedes GLS

Sitting atop Mercedes’ range of SUVs is this – the GLS. Effectively the S-Class of SUV vehicles in the firm’s range of off-roaders, it packs seven seats and a wealth of technology. It’s been recently updated too, sharpening its looks and bringing it closer into line with the rest of the company’s cars.

If you’re after a more luxurious experience then a six-seater version is available, with two single aircraft-style seats in the middle row replacing the traditional bench.

Lamborghini Urus

Lamborghini would be one of the last car manufacturers you’d expect to create a modern SUV. It’s been historically angled towards big, flamboyant supercars (though it did make one short-lived off-roader), so the Urus came as a bit of a surprise when it was revealed.

It certainly lies on the sportier end of the spectrum, but still gets all manner of high-end materials and technology.

BMW X7

If you’re looking for something with a tank-like presence but with an upmarket interior there are few SUVs that do it better than this big BMW. Some cars hide their size well, but the X7 embraces its heft, going for an intimidating look rather than something more sleek and sophisticated.

On the positive side, it’s supremely comfortable to drive and gets your typical BMW interior, which means top-end materials and the firm’s excellent iDrive infotainment system. The downside is its sheer size, while there’s no getting away from the fact BMW’s top-level luxury models just don’t quite match up to the opulence of Mercedes’.

Range Rover

Range Rover’s offerings are quintessentially British, providing plenty of badge appeal and great driving dynamics, coupled with almost limitless off-road capabilities. For true premium appeal, the basic Range Rover can’t be beaten, especially in its high-end Autobiography trim.

Here you get four-zone climate control that can be optimised for different passengers, LED headlights, luxury leather seating, a high-end surround sound system, and the same serene driving experience you expect from lesser models.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

When Rolls-Royce first revealed it was to make an SUV, many enthusiasts were up in arms. However, it makes perfect sense from a business point of view, and you just know the British luxury car maker was never going to mess it up.

Enter the Cullinan, which is admittedly awkward in its styling but no less elegantly imposing than more established models like the Phantom and Ghost. Inside it’s just as luxurious as you’d expect, with some crazy options such as a cool box with bespoke whiskey glasses, a drawer in the boot built to cater to your favourite past-time, and rear-facing seats with a cocktail table. Exquisite.

Tesla Model X

Tesla has built a reputation for itself as the industry-leader when it comes to electric cars. It has built a niche for itself in that regard, building premium vehicles with zero emissions. The Model X is its SUV model, and it’s a highly desirable thing even if you’re not an ‘eco-warrior’.

Its gullwing doors are still fascinating all these years after they were first revealed, its huge windscreen makes it lovely and airy, and those quibbles about build quality have largely been addressed. And with 300-plus miles of range in some configurations, range anxiety need not be a thing.

Lamborghini is already one of the wackiest car brands on the go. In an age of downsizing engines, electric vehicles and autonomy, it’s refreshing to see a brand so hellbent on keeping big naturally-aspirated V10 and V12 engines.

If you think Lamborghini’s road car efforts are wild though, they still have nothing on some of the concept vehicles the Italian firm has crafted over the years. We’ve picked out some of its best…

Huracan Sterrato

Though the newest concept here, having just been recently revealed, the Huracan Sterrato is definitely deserving of the title of one of Lamborghini’s wildest creations.

Based on the not too tame V10-powered Huracan supercar, it’s an off-road ready monster. The Sterrato gets treated to a 47mm suspension lift to help it clear rougher terrains, while beefy tyres have been introduced to reduce the risk of damage while increasing grip on looser surfaces. Further still, inside there’s a titanium rollcage, a four-point racing harness and new carbon fibre seats. Completing the look is an LED light strip stuck on the roof, because why not?

Estoque

The Lamborghini Estoque was never meant to remain as a one-off, so it’s something of a sad inclusion on this list.

It was the firm’s showcase of how cool it could make a saloon look, and it had enthusiasts across the world frothing at the mouth. The long, sleek angular design was classy yet had a trademark Lamborghini flair thanks to its aggressive visuals that would go on to make the face of the Aventador. Better still, it housed a V10 up front. Lamborghini always teased the idea of production, but sadly it never happened and the Estoque remains a concept to this day.

Asterion

It’s hard to think of a world where Lamborghinis go electrified. If the Asterion is anything to go by though, it perhaps wouldn’t be as sacrilegious as it sounds.

This dinky would-be Huracan successor has the modern Lamborghini hallmarks — dramatic styling and a screeching V10 in the middle. While yes, there is the addition of electric motors, they only serve to make this even more ‘Lamborghini’ — taking power to a combined figure in excess of 900bhp. If that’s the future of the Italian firm, we have no complaints.

Terzo Millennio

The Terzo Millennio – which means “third millennium” – was a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Lamborghini to design the sports car of the future. The pair described it as more of a ‘thinking box’ than a preview of a production car.

It was an electric vehicle, but used supercapacitors instead of batteries because they can store and discharge energy more quickly. These fed an electric motor in each wheel, which would have made it all-wheel-drive.

If Lamborghini does create an all-electric supercar in the future, this is an exciting preview of what it could be like.

Egoista

With Lamborghini’s extrovert styling, it could be argued that you need an ego to drive one. In 2013, the Italian manufacturer celebrated that fact in a 50th anniversary gift to itself in the form of the Egoista, which translates as ‘selfish’.

Based on the Gallardo, it featured a 5.2-litre V10 engine making 600bhp. However, the Gallardo’s body was thrown to one side and in its place was placed a futuristic, angular design with a single-seat cockpit.

Aventador J

What do you do if you work at Lamborghini and the boss says “I want something special for the Geneva motor show, and you have six weeks to do it”? Well, the first thing is probably flap about a bit in a panic. But then you chop the roof off your flagship supercar and create something special.

Rumour had it the Aventador J was created for a very wealthy customer, but it turns out it was an exciting internal project. Lambo engineers took the roof and windscreen off the Aventador and gave it more aggressive front and rear bumpers – as if it needed them. The result is an astonishingly stylish one-off bull.

The rise of the electric car can’t be underestimated. Each manufacturer is rushing their own plug-in car to market, and demand for these new models is increasing by the hour.

But which ones are best? We’ve put together some of the ideal all-electric cars currently on sale.

Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai has changed the game with its new Kona Electric. Capable of travelling up to 279 miles on a single charge, it’s got one of the most impressive ranges of any new electric car available. And as a result of its basis on the regular Kona, it brings funky styling and plenty of in-car technology too.

It’s all put together in a compact package too, which means that it’s just as well suited to urban driving as it is to longer distance motoring.

Jaguar I-Pace

The British firm has struggled in recent years as the diesel crisis hit shortly after it invested heavily in the fuel. Fortunately, its bet on an all-electric SUV has paid off, with customers queuing up to buy one.

It’s easy to see why – the I-Pace is fast when you want it to be but a comfortable cruiser when you want to relax. It’s far from cheap at £64,495, but that’s good value compared with the Tesla Model X, its biggest rival, and with almost 300 miles of range, recharging should be a rare occurrence.

Nissan Leaf

Nissan’s Leaf is often one of the first cars that springs to mind when you think of electric vehicles. It was, after all, one of the very first all-electric cars to become popular, and has gone on to retain a lot of this popularity as the years have gone by.

These days the Leaf can still hold its own. It’ll crack 239 miles on a single charge, and is spacious and comfortable too.

BMW i3s

BMW has taken time to refine its i3 all-electric city car, ditching its petrol range extender thanks to better range. The firm has also added this – the i3s – which gives the car a little added performance.

It comes with a tuned stability system and a slightly more dynamic look – but still encapsulates all the good qualities of the regular i3 too.

Kia e-Niro

Ever since journalists first got behind the wheel of the e-Niro, they’ve praised the crossover for being good to drive and offering a battery capacity that can consign range anxiety to the past.

However, unfortunately the e-Niro has been a victim of its own success. Kia hasn’t been able to source batteries quickly enough to meet demand for the car, so wait times are now up to about 12 months.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Do you want the good news or the bad news? The good news is that the Ioniq Electric is a mighty appealing electric car. It’s practical, good to drive and surprisingly quick, too. The interior feels a little on the cheap side, but it’s far from disappointing.

The bad news, though, is that Hyundai is hit by the same battery shortage as Kia, so wait times can be up to a year. So if you want one, you’re going to have to wait.

Audi E-tron

Audi may be one of the largest carmakers around, but it’s actually been relatively late when it comes to an all-electric model. However this – the E-Tron – is its first model, bringing a premium look and feel as well as impressive electric technology.

Audi claims that it’ll do 248 miles on a single charge, but also provide plenty of space and practicality while it does so.

Renault Zoe

The Renault Zoe offers one of the cheapest entry points to EV ownership, but don’t mistake that for meaning it’s a cheap and cheerful offering that should be avoided – the Zoe is a great little supermini.

Opt for the big battery version and you get 186 miles of range, so most inner-city commuters will only have to charge it once or twice a week. Prices start at just over £17,000 with the plug-in grant.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla could be classed as one of the founding fathers of the electric car. The Model 3, its saloon car, has arguably been one of its most successful. But for many, it was just a touch too expensive and a little out of reach.

That’s where the new Model 3 chimes in. It’s designed to be a bit more affordable, but still capable of delivering plenty of range and high technology levels too.

Volkswagen e-Golf

If you’re looking for a safe bet when it comes to your electric vehicle purchase, you really can’t go wrong with the Volkswagen e-Golf. It brings the build quality and dependability you’d expect from one of the UK’s best-selling models, and simply adds an electric powertrain.

It can travel up to 144 miles before the batteries need topping up, and while that’s far from the best in the segment, it’s perfectly acceptable for the typical commuter. With plug-in car grant applied, prices hover around the £30,000 mark.

For many car enthusiasts, the 90s was the golden era of motoring. Cars were advanced enough to feature some fascinating technology and had giggle-inducing performance, but electronic nannying and heavy safety equipment hadn’t numbed the industry’s most exciting models.

Here we shine a light on some of the most iconic motors to be released during this glorious era for the automobile.

E36 BMW M3

The second-generation BMW M3 is the often-overlooked iteration of one of the most iconic sports coupes ever made. The E30 that started it all, and the drop dead gorgeous E46 that succeeded it tend to steal the limelight, but the E36 is just as worthy of your attention as the others.

With 286bhp it was no slouch, and although it brought new levels of creature comforts compared with its predecessor, the howling 3.0-litre engine made sure it could hold its own on the autobahn when required.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI

In all, there are 10 generations of the Lancer Evolution. Some saw bigger changes than others, but if there’s one thing most enthusiasts agree on, it’s that the series peaked with the sixth-generation.

It marked the last time the road-going model mimicked a successful World Rally Championship version, and as such gained here status for its motorsport-derived boxy body kit, lairy rear wing and simple, no frills interior. The boosty 2.0-litre engine at its heart made 276bhp, which coupled with four-wheel drive contributed to a 0-60mph time of just 4.8 seconds – which is still quick two decades later.

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

Some of the greatest cars ever made have been built so the manufacturer can go racing, and that’s the case with the CLK GTR.

Mercedes-Benz wanted to win the FIA GT Championship but didn’t have a road car that was eligible, so it built a race car before adapting a few to be road legal. The result is a true race car for the road.

Its long tail design is iconic, and houses the legendary 6.9-litre race-derived V12 engine. With around 600bhp, it would shame many modern supercars with its performance.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Incredibly, it’s been more than a quarter of a century since the Escort RS Cosworth was introduced to the world. It’s another car built to dominate the rally scene, and is perhaps most recognisable for that ‘whale tail’ spoiler at the rear.

The 2.0-litre engine might not have extraordinary power at 227bhp, but with a big, old-school turbocharger delivering gobfuls of boost all in one hit, the ‘Cossie’ earned a reputation as a bit of a beast.

Mazda RX-7

Arguably still one of the prettiest sports cars ever made, the third-generation Mazda RX-7 is a lesson in simplicity. The bodywork looks like it is wrapped tightly around the mechanical innards, with no superfluous curves and flourishes, while the lightweight rear-wheel drive platform made it ideal for back road blasts.

Its iconic rotary engine has earned a reputation for being finicky, but look after it with plenty of oil and you’re treated to a glorious unit that adores being revved out to the redline.

Jaguar XJ220

The XJ220’s long, sleek styling looks like a retro vision of an alien spacecraft. At the time, the supercar was considered a bit of a disaster – those who placed early deposits were angry when engineering and emissions requirements saw the V12 ditched in favour of a turbocharged V6, while the recession in the early 90s prompted many to pull out of their purchase.

However, with hindsight its glorious styling, impressive performance and fighty handling have made it highly sought-after. With just 275 made, its rarity has helped, too.

BMW 8 Series

When it comes to iconic shapes, the BMW 8 Series takes the biscuit. A grand tourer packed full with technology, it was an all-new model for the German firm, taking its place at the head of the company’s line-up of passenger cars.

It was available with either a V8 or V12 engine, while the 850CSi got stiffer bushings and dampers to help it in the bends.

Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 took over from where the 348 left off, and in truth it wasn’t all that different to the car it replaced. That said, engine performance was upped, and later an F1-style gearbox was fitted, operated via steering-wheel mounted paddles.

A Spider version was also introduced, giving those who wanted a F355 with the wind-in-your-hair experience an option.

Mazda MX-5

The first-generation Mazda MX-5 trickled into the 90s, having been first introduced in the late 80s. It broke the mould for small, lightweight yet affordable two-seaters – and it’s proved immensely popular ever since.

The original, pop-up headlight NA-generation car is one of the most iconic soft-tops off all time, but it backed up its quirky looks with a reasonably involving drive, and zingy engines.

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a car which needs little introduction. Back in 1998 it took the title of world’s fastest production car, thanks to an incredible top speed of 240.1mph – a speed which puts many modern supercars to shame.

It incorporated innovative new technologies, plenty of high-end building materials and an F1-style central driving position. Its engine bay was even lined in gold.

Sometimes, bigger simply is better. With engines, it’s often the case. However, with bigger engines often comes a bigger price, which is why hugely powerful cars cost quite so much – most of the time.

Though these big-engined brutes tend to cost a lot from new, they often depreciate quite heavily. It means that for under £10,000 you can easily get a hugely powerful used car – and we’ve picked out some of the best.

Audi S6

Want under-the-radar looks with incredible performance? You’ll want the Audi S6, then. The generation we’re looking at features a Lamborghini-derived V10 with 429bhp. It was capable of getting the S6 from 0-60mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Because of its relatively high running costs and appetite for fuel, the S6 depreciated quite hard. Even though there aren’t that many about, you should still be able to acquire one used for under £10,000.

BMW 760Li

Thought that a V10 would be the largest engine you’d be able to get with our £10,000 budget? Then think again. The BMW 760Li packs a gigantic 6.0-litre V12 with 445bhp, making for a deceptively brisk luxury saloon. It’s all about a high-quality driving experience here, with that V12 offering silky-smooth acceleration.

It’s worth pointing out that if something goes wrong – or if the engine hasn’t been properly maintained – then you could be set for a hefty repair bill.

Mercedes S500

We couldn’t make this list without featuring a Mercedes. It’s been building huge engines for some time, and the S500 featured one of the most iconic. It gets a sonorous 5.5-litre V8 with 380bhp, so more than enough to give most modern cars a run for their money.

As with all S Class models, the S500 is jam-packed with high-tech features. At the time, this meant it was one of the most cutting-edge models available, whereas now, it means that there’s an awful lot to break.

Jaguar XK

Though Jaguar’s XK – the replacement for the iconic XK8 – may be down on engine size compared to others in this list, it provides a completely different experience. That said, its 4.2-litre V8 still produces a considerable 300bhp, so it’s not lacking in power.

These represent an excellent used buy too. Our budget of £10,000 will nab a decent example, with not too many miles on the clock.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Now it’s time for something completely different. The Jeep Grand Cherokee may not be a sporty drop-top nor a luxury saloon, but it can offer a big engine – a 5.7-litre V8, in fact. With 322bhp sent through all four wheels, it could crack the 0-60mph dash in a claimed time of 7.1 seconds.

They’re also excellent value-for-money. As we’ve mentioned with almost all of the other cars on this list, do be prepared for increased fuel bills and maintenance if you take the plunge with a Cherokee.

Summer is nearly here, and with it brings longer days, warmer evenings and (sometimes in the UK) slightly drier weather. Fortunately enough, there’s a wide variety of cars currently on the market which make the most of the summertime weather – and we’ve picked out some of the best.

So drop the roof, put the sunglasses on and head out – these are some of the ideal cars for summer on sale today.

BMW Z4

The previous generation Z4 went down a storm with buyers, and now there’s an all-new one. With it brings a sharper interior, a more engaging driving experience and – unlike the metal-roofed car it replaces – a canvas hood.

We’d argue that the new dials on the Z4 are a drawback – they’re complicated and difficult to read – but elsewhere the BMW ticks the boxes. It’s also just as much fun with the roof down as it is up, so it’s ideal for the changeable British weather.

Suzuki Jimny

With the British summer somewhat unpredictable, a sunny day out to the forest could soon become a very wet and muddy one — and that’s where the Suzuki Jimny’s off-road capability comes in handy.

Its ability to go anywhere can make a nice, dry summer green laning session fun — and easy to manage should the weather turn. It’s also a dead cool thing to look at, and will fit in well at any hip seaside day out.

Mazda MX-5

Mazda’s MX-5 epitomises value-for-money yet good-fun motoring. The latest version is one of the best to drive yet, and since it’s been around a little while now, a new one doesn’t have to cost the earth.

There’s also the RF (Retractable Fastback) version available, which incorporates a folding metal hardtop. It gives you a little more protection from the elements if things do go south.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the least road-focused cars on this list – but it’s no less ideal for summertime driving. Why, I hear you ask? Well, the latest generation of Wrangler incorporates a feature which was well-loved on the car it replaces, and that’s the removable roof.

It means you can transform the Wrangler from a full-on hardtop into a pseudo-convertible, with as much open-air space as you could possibly want.

Ford Mustang convertible

Ask anyone for their dream American road trip car, and we’d be willing to put money on them replying with a convertible Ford Mustang. Fortunately though, you don’t have to fly Stateside to enjoy this pony these days, with Ford selling the muscle car in droves here in the UK too. It still packs the same style and choice of a raucous V8 engine as it does in its homeland, only here with the ability to drive it through Derby if you so wish.

Ariel Atom

Buying a track-focus, spartan sports car is quite the commitment. After all, in the winter, autumn and spring months, the weather is rarely dry or warm enough to really make the most of it.

But, if you’re willing to wait for the summer, those three or four days of sunshine just make result in the best driving experience of your life if you choose to invest in an Ariel Atom. It’s a car that will leave you exposed to the elements, but also delivers an incredibly engaging drive. On a dry, clear road, it’s hard to think of a better car.

Caterham 420

The Caterham Seven is a car which follows in a similar vein to the Ariel, albeit with a smidgen more creature comforts. The one we’d opt for is the 420; it uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine and gives the Seven supercar-beating performance, but it’s not as razor-edged as the more powerful 620.

You can also have it with heated seats, which may go against Caterham’s lightweight philosophy, but will no doubt be a welcome feature when there’s a nip in the summertime air.

Hyundai i30N Fastback

Hyundai left Volkswagen reeling after it revealed its Golf GTI-rivalling i30N hatchback. Now, it’s expanding on things with the i30N Fastback – a four-door version of the performance hatch. We’d argue it’s one of the best handling cars of its type, and it’ll swallow up any b-road you can throw in its direction.

But it’s practical too, with a big boot and plenty of interior space. A car for all occasions, you could say, but it’ll make a summer’s day that little bit sweeter.

McLaren 720S Spider

If you’re looking for a big-budget, high-performance drop top, few can compare to the McLaren 720S Spider. The coupe is already a stunning assault on the senses, but chop the roof off and that turns up to 11 thanks to unfiltered engine to that ballistic V8 just behind your head.

What makes the 720S so appealing, though, is just how useable it is every day. Despite the fact it has over 700bhp fed to the rear wheels and a cockpit slung so low you feel like your backside is scraping along the tarmac, it rides nicely and is easy to drive as most normal hatchbacks.

Flick to sport or track mode, though, and it comes alive, meaning you can leave everything in your dust on that country road while still enjoying the sun on your skin.

Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s most famous luxury car makers, turns 115 this year. Over that time, it has created some of the most iconic vehicles of all time and all have featured the same attention to detail and all-British craftsmanship.

It was in 1904 that Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met up in Manchester and agreed to form an all-new car manufacturer. 115 years on, it’s one of the top luxury car makers in the world.

But which are the best cars it has created? We’ve picked out seven of the best from Rolls-Royce.

Phantom VII

It would be hard to make this list without mentioning the Phantom. Often seen as the first in a new wave of Rolls-Royce cars, the Phantom was the opening offering from the company after being purchased by BMW.

It featured next-level degrees of luxury, and it was powerful, too. Though many gawked at the prospect of a BMW-owned Rolls-Royce, the partnership revealed that it could be a fruitful one.

Silver Shadow

The Silver Shadow is undeniably Rolls-Royce. Big, wafty and hard to miss, it looks luxurious even by today’s standards. Back in the 1960s it was like nothing else, and that’s one of the reasons why it proved quite so popular.

Beloved by movie stars and musicians, the Silver Shadow was available with one of two V8 engine choices – producing up to 189bhp. Not much power in modern times, but more than enough for the sixties.

Silver Wraith

The Silver Wraith was the first car to come out of Rolls-Royce after the Second World War. It was designed to replace the Wraith as the smaller car in the firm’s range, because post-war austerity might see a big, luxurious car frowned upon.

Naturally, this being a Rolls-Royce, small and austere are relative terms. Under the bonnet sat a 4.2-litre straight-six cylinder engine that had been destined for the Bentley Mark V, a project that was cancelled when war broke out.

It was one of the last Rolls-Royces to be offered in chassis-only form.

Corniche

The classy Corniche had a troubled start to life, again caused by the Second World War. The name was first applied to a prototype based on the Bentley Mark V, and undertook extensive testing before being blown up at the onset of war while waiting at Dieppe docks to return to England.

The name was eventually revived in 1971, and was applied to an elegant two-door coupe and convertible. The long bonnet wasn’t just a design feature but a requirement to hold Rolls’ standard 6.75-litre V8. Just 1,306 were made at the company’s London factory, Mulliner Park Ward.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

If the Phantom is the formal Rolls for being chauffeured between business meetings, the Drophead Coupe is designed for the casual weekend away. Designed to feel much more informal, and to be the kind of car you want to drive rather than be driven in, the drop-top is the perfect companion for a relaxed countryside drive in summer.

While Rolls-Royces are better known for silently cruising across town, with the roof down you get a better hint of the massive 6.75-litre V12 engine, which has a refined yet angry note that hints at the 435bhp it can deploy.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Some might call it sacrilege, but for Rolls-Royce the Cullinan is a money-spinning no-brainer. The brand’s first SUV has received mixed review for its styling, but there’s no denying that it’s worthy of the Spirit of Ecstasy badging once you’re inside.

Plenty of space, lots of performance on tap, and the kind of sumptuously smooth ride you expect from the world’s leading luxury marque. The fact you can also recline on some of the finest leather out there, and even sip champagne that’s been chilled in a fridge in the back, is just the icing on the cake.

Dawn Black Badge

Rolls-Royce customers have a reputation for preferring to let someone else do the driving, but in the Black Badge models, Goodwood’s finest have created something that’s catered to those who want to drive.

Chief among the changes is a tidy power hike that gives the Dawn 593bhp, which is supercar performance in something that’s more like the drawing room of an exclusive country club than a car. There are also black details throughout, including the Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet.

Rolls-Royce Sweptail

In recent years, Rolls-Royce has upped its personalisation game, and now its bespoke, one-off models capture the imagination. If you have enough money, almost any idea is fair game, as evidenced by the Sweptail model revealed in 2017.

Based on the Phantom, it was commissioned by an unnamed person who worked directly with the design team over four years. The front looks very similar to the standard Phantom, but the rear has an elegant sweeping design inspired by 1930s Rolls-Royces. A neat touch inside is an automated system that deploys a bottle of champagne at the touch of a button.