Category: News

Car enthusiasts will often tell you that the best cars come from days gone by. They say modern cars are too big, too heavy, and lack the immediacy of response you get from older cars.

That may be true in many cases, but there are still plenty of exhilarating lightweight performance cars that hark back to a rose-tinted era. Here’s our pick of the best…

Mazda MX-5

If you’re looking for an affordable drop-top sports car, there are few better than the iconic Mazda MX-5.

While some may argue it lost its way over the years, Mazda has hit back with a car that returns to its roots. In entry-level 1.5-litre form, it weighs less than a tonne, and despite lacking power, is great fun on a twisty back road.

Toyota GT86

The GT86 shares a spirit with the MX-5, but the Toyota offers a much more driver-focused experience. It’s also only available as a coupe, so those who want the wind in their hair should look the Mazda’s way.

But opt for the Toyota and you have one of the best sports car bargains on the market. It’s a simple car that delivers brilliantly at what it does. And if 197bhp isn’t enough, there are plenty of tuning options to get more out of that Subaru-sourced engine.

Porsche 718 Cayman

In the premium sports car market, the Porsche Cayman has been top dog for decades. It’s easy to see why – handsome looks, loads of kit, and a fantastic driving experience are all combined in one well-made package.

And while the Cayman is the quintessential sports car, Porsche has expanded the range into a family of ‘718’ models, meaning you can opt for slower versions that are more usable everyday, convertible Boxster and Spyder versions that are perfect for a summer’s day road trip, and hardcore cars like the GT4 that are ideal for a track day. There’s something for everyone in this range.

Alpine A110

You might not recognise the name Alpine – pronounced Al-peen – but there’s plenty of history behind it. It was a famous sports and race car manufacturer founded in 1955, and is perhaps best known for the rally success of its A110 model.

It ceased making cars in 1995, but the name was revived in 2017 with a new version of the A110, built by Renaultsport. It’s one of the purest sports car driving experiences on the market today.

Morgan 3-Wheeler

If you’re not too fussed about outright performance, instead looking for something that’ll put a smile on your face, look no further than the Morgan 3-Wheeler. Built to revive the iconic three-wheeler built between 1932 and 1952, it’s like nothing else on the road.

As the name suggests, it only has three wheels – two at the front, one at the rear – so grip isn’t particularly high. That does make it incredibly good fun to drive, though, and with its totally unique styling and outboard engine, you’ll certainly turn heads.

Caterham Seven 620S

There are countless Caterhams you could choose from, but right now our pick would be the recently updated 620S because it’s right at the sharp end of the firm’s this-thing-is-trying-to-kill-me driving experience spectrum. It’s the perfect antidote to those who argue cars are getting too big and heavy.

To give some context, this is essentially the race version of the Seven, tamed a little for the road. Emphasis on ‘little’…

Ariel Atom

In the super-lightweight, super-pure driving segment alongside the Seven sits the Ariel Atom. Its development is much more sophisticated than its styling suggests – to the untrained eye it looks scaffolding on wheels.

But under the minimal body work sits the ferocious engine from a Honda Civic Type R, while that scaffolding is actually just the chassis that’s normally hidden from sight by unnecessary addendum like doors.

BAC Mono

One of the most serious sports cars out there, the little-known BAC Mono takes the ‘race car for the road’ ethos to the next level. The company says its Mono sports car is ‘aimed at drivers who seek a purist driving experience’, so don’t expect creature comforts.

What you can expect, though, is supercar-esque performance, a central driving position, and one of the most capable track cars on the market.

Electrified cars are sweeping the new market, with just about every new vehicle launched having some kind of battery-powered or assisted variant.

Though these models promise efficiency and low-cost motoring, the cost of a new hybrid can be expensive as a result of the technology onboard. That doesn’t mean finding an electrified car on a budget is an impossible task though, with plenty of affordable used models sweeping the classifieds. We take a look at some of the best for £10,000…

Toyota Prius

Sure, the Toyota Prius may once have been the laughing stock of petrolheads across the world — seen as the car to end all fun on the roads.

But there’s a reason this hybrid sold well in its second-generation — being one of the first affordable and efficient electrified cars on the market. Popularity means there’s a lot out there on the second-hand market, with plenty of well-used examples available in our budget. These cars are notoriously reliable though, so there shouldn’t be much to worry about.

Honda Insight

Honda’s answer to the Prius, the Insight never quite took off the same way its competitor managed to — but still delivered bags of efficiency in an affordable package.

Our budget brings cars as recent as 2014 into the realms of possibility, with mileage from 30,000. Much like the Prius, these are renowned for reliability as long as they’re well-maintained.

Lexus RX 400h

Hybrid SUVs are quickly becoming commonplace, but Lexus was well ahead of that game with its RX 400h.

Back in the day, this Japanese machine proves hybrid technology didn’t have to be the preserve of aerodynamically-focused and spartan-designed city cars — and that the efficient tech could work in a more premium package. Reliability is strong, with very little to be concerned for.

Toyota Auris

The third Toyota-designed product on this list isn’t the last, and it continues to show just how ahead of the game the Japanese firm is with hybridisation — and how popular its models proved to be.

The Auris packed cutting-edge technology into an otherwise unassuming package, meaning it’s a car that’s unlikely to alienate drivers. High-mileage examples from as recent as 2015 can be had in budget, though we’d recommend looking for a slightly older, but higher-spec and lower mileage variant.

Honda CR-Z

When Honda revealed the CR-Z as the turn of the ‘10s, it looked set to be a proper sporty hybrid hatch — in the vein of the original and much-loved CR-X.

It didn’t quite prove to be the hot-hatch wannabe that many enthusiasts hoped for, but the CR-Z was still a fun little car — even packing a manual gearbox — and a stylish and efficient one at that. Plenty of low-milage examples can be had in budget and, much like the rest of this list, there are very few issues to report.

Suzuki Ignis SVHS

The newest car on the list may not be a hybrid in a full-blown sense, but Suzuki’s Ignis SVHS packs some clever electrified technology at an affordable price.

Its ‘mild-hybrid’ system allows for less time with the petrol engine in use — with pulling away and coming to a stop resulting in the power unit being switched off as a result of its larger battery. High-spec SV5 examples from 2017 come within budget, meaning any purchase should still be within Suzuki’s warranty.

Infiniti M

A 3.5-litre, V6-powered saloon producing 302bhp doesn’t sound like a natural addition to this list — but the Infiniti M is just that, and qualifies for our £10,000 hybrid goal.

It’s no performance car, but this premium effort from Nissan is a rare sight on UK roads — and packs plenty of luxury and kit considering the price point. Mileage will be high, but the six-cylinder engine is well-proven in its many applications so should be fairly bulletproof.

Honda Civic

From the unusual to the outright unassuming, Honda’s hybrid Civic never really set pulses racing — but that’s the charm of the package.

It takes the dependable Civic saloon platform and packs in its incredibly efficient hybrid powertrain to create a car that’s affordable to run and will never be a trouble to run. Examples top out at around £8,000, meaning there’s plenty of wiggle room in our budget.

The first all-electric excavators from JCB have rolled off the production line and been delivered to customers.

The 19C-1E, which JCB says is the construction industry’s first fully-electric mini excavator, is produced in Cheadle, Staffordshire, for customers across Europe and North America.

It’s said to be five times quieter than an equivalent diesel model and can be fully charged in under two hours. It should also cost about 50 per cent less to charge than if it was running on diesel, while servicing expenses are expected to be 70 per cent lower.

JCB hopes the model will be particularly popular with companies working inside buildings and on inner-city construction sites, where emissions constraints and noise sensitivity are more important.

It uses similar batteries to leading electric vehicles and provides the same level of performance as the firm’s 1.9-tonne diesel-powered excavator.

Tim Burnhope, JCB chief innovation officer, said: “In urban environments in particular, contractors are understandably very keen to operate zero emissions equipment whenever possible, including outdoors.

“I’m delighted that the model is now in full production after successful feedback from customers in many key markets during the evaluation stage.”

The spoken word is awash with phrases and pronunciation that will twist your tongue at will, or make you question quite how a certain spelling was agreed upon in the first place. And while it is often the names of people and places that can be the hardest of all to say correctly, motoring is certainly not free from names that will trip you up. 

From brands to badges, these are the motoring pronunciations that commonly trip up everyone from Top Gear to Thomas from the pub.

Koenigsegg (Cone-iggs-egg)

This Swedish supercar marque is named for its founder, and while it has built plenty of truly impressive cars in its increasingly rich history, ultimately all conversations about the brand come back to its name. 

However, so long as you’re spelling Koenigsegg correctly, it is said as it is written, but for some it can be very easy to add an extra letter; if we had a pound for every time we were at a car show and heard some declare the One:1 a ‘Koeningsegg’, we’d have enough to buy our own by now.

Porsche (Porsch-er)

Contrary to what appears to be popular belief, the ‘E’ at the end of Porsche is not silent. However, this doesn’t stop many dropping a syllable from the iconic sports car firm’s name when they see a ‘Porsch’ on the road. 

This mis-pronunciation is so common that even Porsche itself has taken action, publishing videos online to assist those who struggle. Perhaps this battle will prove fruitless though, given the year’s biggest song rhymes the brand name with ‘Horse’.

Ssangyong (sang-yong)

This Korean brand’s first two letters should be pronounced as one, but try telling that to an overwhelming majority of English speakers, and it doesn’t quite command the following of Porsche to correct everyone en masse.

The name itself is rather interesting for reasons beyond how it’s said, as it translates back to Korean as ‘double dragons’. 

Huayra (her-why-ra)

Have you ever dreamt of being so rich that you can buy a hypercar with a name most people can’t even say? If so, the successor to the Zonda is the vehicle for you.

Pronounced ‘Her-why-ra’, but often said in a face-bending mash of smashed together sounds, the car takes its name from Peruvian wind God Huayra-tata. 

Alpine (al-peen)

The recently-revived French sports car outfit is another firm that could run an entire advertising campaign based solely on teaching people to say its name properly.

While it is tempting to go with the pronunciation you’d expect for a word ending in ‘-pine’, it is actually pronounced ‘Al-peen’. And it is not the only Renault-owned manufacturer with a name that catches some out…

Dacia (datch-yer)

The blame for this common error can be placed firmly on the doorstep of one James May, whose long-term obsession with the cheap and cheerful ‘Day-see-a’ Sandero introduced Top Gear’s massive audience to Renault’s Romanian budget brand. 

While this free publicity was no doubt welcome, it did come at a price for the marketing team; when the Sandero arrived on British shores in 2013, Dacia had to set about correcting the entire population on how the brand’s name is pronounced. 

It’s actually “Datch-yer”, despite the common belief to the contrary.

If you’ve ever looked at a car, you will know what a licence plate is. They exist for each individual car on the road to have a unique identity, allowing information on the car to be pulled up for a huge number of reasons.

To the untrained eye, a licence plate may seem like nothing more than a random combination of characters — but there is in fact logic and reasoning to its format. Looking to learn what the meaning behind a UK plate is? Read on…

How is a licence plate formatted?

Here, we’ll be focusing on the licence plate format introduced in 2001. Made up of seven characters split into two sections (except for NI), the UK licence plate is pretty simple. Two letters start the registration, immediately followed by two numbers with a space separating this sequence from the final three characters.

What do the first two letters mean?

Though the two letters at the start of the licence plate may seem a bit like gibberish, there’s actually a method to them. These indicate where in the UK a car is first registered. The very first letter indicates the region — for example, Y represents Yorkshire, L represents London and S represents Scotland. Following that, the second letter indicates which DVLA office within the region the registration is made.

As for the numbers?

Up next, the numbers on a licence plate indicate when a car is first registered — with this identifier changing every six months.

Cars registered between March and August use the last two digits of the year itself. For example, a 17 plate car will have first come onto UK roads in that period in 2017. When it comes to new cars registered between September and February, 50 is added to that value preceding it — meaning a car coming onto the roads in that period for 2017/18 would be designated with a 67 plate.

What about the final three letters?

So we’ve established the first four characters on a licence plate are more than just gibberish, but what about the final three? Well, those are in fact random.

This is to distinguish cars from those registered in the same time period at the same DVLA office and can be any combination of letters from 24 of the alphabet’s 26 — with I and Q excluded. Some combinations are also manually prevented from circulation in order to prevent any that may appear as offensive.

With the onslaught of electric vehicles that will hit the market in the next few years, you might think that they are the answer to all pollution problems.

However, it’s not that simple. Electric vehicles produce no emissions, which is great for local air quality, but producing them is energy intensive — and there’s actually a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles might not get much press today, but they could be the future. They’re essentially electric vehicles, but with smaller batteries that are constantly replenished by hydrogen stored in a tank in the car, just like petrol and diesel today.

By using smaller batteries, they’re more environmentally-friendly to produce and put less stress on the world’s lithium stores. Toyota, for example, imagines a future where hydrogen-powered and pure electric vehicles make up the vast majority of the world’s cars.

However, with a limited number of refuelling stations, few manufacturers are currently putting their weight behind this alternative fuel — though most have small teams working on the technology just in case it does take off.

It’s a chicken and egg situation – infrastructure won’t increase until more cars are sold, but people won’t buy them until infrastructure improves. That’s why manufacturers, business and government are working together to find solutions.

Interested in taking the plunge? We’ve highlighted the few hydrogen-powered cars on the market today…

Toyota Mirai

Toyota says it put more than 20 years of development into the Mirai, which became the first modern hydrogen-powered vehicle to go on sale in 2018.

Much of its focus has been put into making the hydrogen storage safe, such as storing it in leak-proof tanks and shutting off the hydrogen supply in a crash.

Toyota says there are “many reasons why hydrogen fuel represents the future of motoring”, such as the fact it is the most abundant resource in the universe, and the fact there are so many different ways to produce it.

Honda Clarity

The Honda Clarity, like the Mirai, combines a futuristic powertrain with a quirky-looking exterior and large, practical body shape, the idea being that a car powered by the fuel of the future shouldn’t require any compromises to practicality.

We were present at the launch of the new model in 2017, and much like Toyota, Honda were keen to press home the importance of safety in the event of a crash. And behind the wheel, it felt like any other electric vehicle. With the promise of quiet motoring and quick refuelling, it seems like the best of both worlds.

Hyundai Nexo

The Hyundai Nexo perhaps does the best job of blending into its surroundings — from the outside you wouldn’t think it was anything other than a normal SUV.

However, under the bonnet sits Hyundai’s second-generation hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, which it says produces “best-in-class performance”. It also claims a five-minute fill-up time that provides 414 miles of range, meaning that on a typical commute you’d rarely have to find yourself a refuelling station.

The South Korean car maker also says its system is the most efficient on the market, consuming just 1kg of hydrogen per 62 miles.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Fuel Cell

Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler has been putting a lot of money into hydrogen vehicle production, and the GLC F-Cell is the first product of that.

What makes this model unique is that owners can also plug the vehicle into electricity to top up the battery. That takes some of the stress out of ownership, because you don’t have to rely on the weak hydrogen refuelling infrastructure to keep your car running.

Private ownership is some way off, but customers can rent the vehicles in Germany, while the firm has teamed up with a number of companies that will run the F-Cells on their business fleets.

When it comes to buying a new car, boot space is one of the make-or-break deals for many buyers.

Be it swallowing the weekly shop or fitting enough equipment for a trip to the beach, the amount of stuff a car is capable of carrying can be enough to switch buyers from one car to another.

Simply want a load lugger? We’ve picked out the biggest boots available for under £30k…

Citroen Berlingo — 1,050 litres

When it comes to sheer load space, you’ll struggle to find a car more capable than the Citroen Berlingo. With a monstrous 1,050 litres available in XL guise, the French MPV puts practicality above all else. It’s capable of seating seven as well, with all three seats in the middle row featuring Isofix child seat mounting points.

Peugeot Rifter  — 1,050 litres

Sharing a platform with the Berlingo, the Peugeot Rifter matches its sibling’s load space too. This also means it retains the all-round practicality, excellent visibility and easy driving experience that makes it one of the most compelling load-luggers out there.

Ford Tourneo Connect — 1,029 litres

It’s another van-turned-MPV, but that’s not really surprising considering how affordable and incredibly practical the template is. On this occasion, Ford’s Tourneo Connect takes the compact Transit Connect and brings with it road car creature comforts and people-carrying capabilities. That’s along with an impressive 1,029 litres of load space, too.

SsangYong Turismo — 875 litres

SsangYong isn’t a household name, but those looking for affordable practicality may want to consider it when looking for their next purchase. The Turismo is simply huge — offering 875 litres with five seats in place — plus the ability to carry seven in serious comfort if you utilise the collapsable rear row. 

Hyundai i800 — 851 litres

Though Hyundai’s i800 has been on the market for a remarkable 11 years at this point (albeit with a recent facelift), it remains one of the most practical options money can buy. It offers 851 litres of boot space, or seating for eight people, making it one of the most capable vehicles on the market.

Skoda Superb Estate — 660 litres

SUVs may be the ‘in’ thing right now, but the humble estate continues to be more often than not a better option for practicality. Take the Skoda Superb Estate for example, capable of swallowing 660 litres worth of cargo. That’s more than any SUV or crossover on the market, in a stylish and very comfortable package

Peugeot 308 SW — 660 litres

On the topic of estates, the Peugeot 308 SW is more proof of how practical the formula can be. Matching the Superb’s 660 litres despite being a bit long in the tooth in its current guise, the 308 SW remains a compelling option for those after sheer space — and a very handsome one at that.

Volkswagen Passat Estate — 650 litres

Sharing a platform with the Skoda Superb, the Volkswagen Passat does lose 10 litres of capacity but arguably gains a more upmarket edge. Recently given to a facelift, the Passat is now available with cutting-edge kit such as semi-autonomous ‘Travel Assist’ and plug-in hybrid variants.

New cars can be very expensive to buy, and for those looking to simply get from A to B, the prospect of forking out thousands of pounds for a box on wheels can seem like a daunting prospect.

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Dive into the low end of the used market and, despite numerous scrappage schemes in recent years cutting numbers down, there’s plenty of usable motors to be had on a complete bargain budget. We take a look at what’s in the classifieds for under £500…

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta has long dominated the UK’s top-selling car charts — and the result of that is there’s an absolute boatload of them on the used market.

A £500 budget will nab a well-used Mk V example of the hatchback at best. At this price, expect some bodywork dings and other aesthetic issues but there’s a good chance everything will be fairly mechanically sound. Rust is becoming an issue though, so check for any that may compromise its structure if you plan to hang on to the car for more than a few months.

Vauxhall Corsa

Much like the Fiesta, the Vauxhall Corsa has been a favourite amongst the nation’s drivers — be that those looking for a reliable runaround or a first car to modify with budget items.

Again, this means there are loads of to pick from and plenty are cheap. A Corsa ‘B’ or ‘C’ can be had here, albeit expect very high mileage and patchy service histories. There are a few mechanical issues to be wary of — most importantly cambelt issues which could easily destroy an engine if not fixed.

Ford Focus

As far as ‘normal’ car icons go, the Ford Focus is about as good as they come. Released back in 1998 as a replacement for the Escort, it was hailed for its impressive driving experience and spaciousness.

With many on the roads, there are plenty of examples to be had on a budget. £500 will secure a high-mileage early example, and fairly-well looked after cars should be mechanically sound, even at this price point. Some potentially car-destroying alternator issues are known though, and automatic versions are known to have software problems that can lead to the car cutting out — so it’s worth checking these.

Nissan Micra

First-generation Nissan Micras might well be the face of incredibly cheap motoring — and it’s not hard to see why. Though its looks may be questionable and it’s hardly going to help your street cred, these little Japanese machines are known to be reliable and very affordable to run.

This budget can easily grab a well-kept ‘K11’ Micra though, as with any Japanese-designed car from the ‘90s (though built in Sunderland), it’s worth checking for any rust that could compromise its structure and become very costly if you’re looking at keeping the car in the long run.

Renault Clio

Ok, so early 2000s French cars don’t have the best reputation for reliability in the UK, but the Renault Clio has proven serviceable enough to be a very affordable runabout.

We’d argue a facelift second-generation model would make this the best looking car on our list, and there’s plenty of high-mileage examples to be had in the price range. The list of potential issues isn’t short, though, with brake servo problems, faulty suspension, leaking sunroofs and a plethora of electrical issues all common.

Toyota Yaris

The second of three Japanese superminis on this list — and the traits are the same. The first-generation Toyota Yaris is far from a cool car (with the exception of T-Sport variants), but it is near-enough bulletproof mechanically as well as ferociously cheap to run.

It’s not entirely without problems though. The gearbox is known to have synchromesh issues but these are very cheap to replace, while rear wheel bearings failing are common though again is this a low-cost fix.

Honda Jazz

Rounding out the Far East trio is the incredibly dependable Honda Jazz. It’s the same story too — not a head-turner, but incredibly dependable. It’s not hard to find cars that have done more than 150,000 miles still look in exceptional shape.

Even at this price point, there’s very little to worry about — it might be the ultimate budget banger. Electric windows being slow to respond is a known issue and there may be some clunky CVT gearboxes out there, but otherwise, a car that’s had any kind of care will be a sweet runner.

MG ZS

So the MG ZS may now be just another crossover, but it was once a hot hatch. This beefed-up Rover 45 sports a fruity 2.5-litre engine in its most potent guise — though 1.8 cars are more common at this price — and there’s genuine fun to be had behind the wheel.

Ok, so it’s not without issues — at this budget, you are looking at a shed that’s going to need a lot of work in the long run. But if you’re looking for a fun car to fix up on the cheap, it’s a real bargain — and one that’s quickly only getting rarer. Future classic? You heard it here first…

There’s no hiding from the electric car revolution, and it’s only going to get more prominent in the UK market.

The end of 2019 will see a number of new electrified vehicles hit UK roads, with even more following in early 2020 — just in time for the new ‘69’ plate. We’ve picked out some of the best to consider…

Kia Soul EV

Kia has been one of the frontrunners in the EV arms race so far — with the success of its all-electric e-Niro so strong, demand means there’s currently a 12-month waiting list.

The good news is a new battery-powered car from the South Korean firm is joining the fray — the Soul EV. Previously offered with internal combustion engines, the new generation Soul will be electric-only in the UK and, if the e-Niro is anything to go by, demand should be very strong.

MG ZS EV

MG has seen a rapid growth in sales since introducing its ZS crossover in 2018, and the firm is aiming to build on that further with an all-electric option.

It says 163 miles between chargers is possible for the ZS EV, which utilises a 44.5kWh electric motor. It’s crossover underpinnings makes it a practical and spacious option, too.

Nissan Leaf e+

One of the more common electric cars on UK roads is the Nissan Leaf — which holds the title as Europe’s best-selling EV — and now it’s offered with a more capable powertrain in a bid to widen its appeal.

This is the Leaf e+ — featuring a 62kWh battery pack that allows for 239 miles of driving between charges. With the base car said to deliver 168 miles, it’s a genuinely impressive step up for the Sunderland-built hatchback.

Peugeot e-208

With manufacturers launching more and more news cars as EVs alongside internal combustion-powered cars rather than as bespoke models, electric variants of more mainstream models are becoming a common sight.

Peugeot’s e-208 falls right into that category — joining the ‘normal’ 208 range at launch later this year. It’s said to be able to deliver 211 miles between charging as a result of a 50kWh battery.

Renault Zoe

It may be a case of evolution rather than revolution for the design of the new Renault Zoe, but things under the skin are leaps and bounds ahead of the old car.

In its second-generation form, the Zoe utilises a 52kWh battery that allows for 242 miles of driving before having to be plugged back in. A potent 100kWh motor is said to improve performance, too.

Seat Mii Electric

It’s out with internal combustion and in with electric for the Seat Mii, which is soon to be available exclusively as an EV.

Set to hit the market later in 2019, a 36.8kWh battery is said to allow for 161 miles between charges. A comprehensive list of standard equipment is offered too — with highlights such as LED daytime running lights and cruise control featuring.

Skoda Citigo e-iV

The Skoda Citigo is another car going electric, much like the Seat Mii Electric which it shares its underpinnings with.

Capable of travelling 164 miles on a single charge thanks to a 36.8kWh battery back, it’ll also crack 0-60mph in just 12.3 seconds thanks to 81bhp and 210Nm of torque.

Tesla Model 3

We’ve waited a long time for the arrival of Tesla’s Model 3 in the UK, but finally, it appears it has arrived in time for the ‘69’ plate change.

Plenty of cutting-edge tech and an all-electric range of 348 miles mean the Tesla is one of the big-hitters in the electric car segment.

Toyota Camry

The Camry nameplate replaces the Avensis, bring back a badge last seen on UK roads back in 2004.

The Camry has long been a success story globally, the Japanese firm has solid expectations for the car’s sales performance here in the UK. Those who want a spacious, comfortable and efficient saloon could be in luck here.

Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4

One of the latest additions to the Vauxhall range is this – the Grandland X Hybrid4.

All in, it pushes out 296bhp, allowing it to claim the title as Vauxhall’s most powerful model. However, it’ll still return a claimed 176.5mpg while emitting just 36g/km CO2 — meaning it’s also the most efficient combustion engine-using car in the range.

What are they?

In terms of rivalries, we’ve got a pretty big one for you. In the battle for the two seater sports cars, one pair have been toe-to-toe for some time — the Porsche Cayman and the Alpine A110 — however, we’re throwing a newcomer into the mix, in the shape of the all-new Toyota Supra.

But does the new Supra, packing BMW-sourced power and technology, have what it takes to come out on top against the revered Alpine and Cayman? We’ve headed to the undulating country roads around Goodwood to find out…

What’s new?

As we mentioned, the biggest newcomer to the party here is the Supra. Sharing much of its underpinnings with the BMW Z4, it has been claimed that this latest Toyota sports car isn’t a ‘proper’ Supra, but with well over 300bhp and just rear-wheel-drive, we’d argue that it’s got more than enough on its side to wear the famous badge.

Then there’s the Porsche. The Cayman’s boxer engine has been a source of controversy for some time, given its departure from flat-sixes as usually favoured by the Stuttgart-based company. The T version adds lightness, with a stripped out feel and – as a bonus for keen drivers – a six-speed manual gearbox.

Finally, we come to the Alpine. When the A110 first arrived, there was discontent surrounding how effective it would be on the UK’s roads, and whether its Renault-sourced powertrain could do the overall package justice. It’s since become clear that the A110 is one of the most accomplished sports cars on sale today — and a real car to beat.

What’s under the bonnet?

We’ve got a myriad of powertrains to speak of here, but all share a common trait — turbocharging. The Porsche’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol may be a departure from Porsche engines of old, but 296bhp and 380Nm of torque means it’s got enough punch to play with the big boys. Mid-mounted, it sends power to the rear wheels through — in our test car’s case — a six-speed manual.

The Alpine, meanwhile, drops under the Cayman in terms of engine capacity — just 1.8 litres rather than the Porsche’s two — and with 249bhp and 320Nm of torque it falls under both cars here in terms of outright punch. But bear in mind that this is a car tipping the scales at just 1,103kg – so the performance figures only tell half the story.

The Supra’s 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six is a bit of a bruiser in comparison to the other engines here. Its 335bhp and 500Nm of torque, driven to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, demolishes the figures put out by the Cayman and A110 — but it’s a heavier car, remember.

What are they like to drive?

Of course you can throw numbers around all you like, but the nuts and bolts of a sports car is the experience behind the wheel. And my, do we have a selection here.

It’s worth saying right off the bat that the Supra feels by far the quickest here, and given its claimed 0-60mph time of just around four seconds, compared to 4.3 in the A110 and 4.5 in the Cayman, that’s to be expected. Give the throttle pedal a decent prod and the softer suspension of the Supra is immediately noticeable as the whole car rears back before firing forwards. The engine note is smooth and quality-sounding, if lacking in drama.

The steering is quick, but not massively brimmed with feel – it means that even though it’s a sharp car to pilot through the bends, it can’t quite reward the driver in the same way as the other two here. However, that relatively squidgy spring rate does mean it’d be the go-to choice for longer journeys.

It’s in sharp contrast to the drive you’ll get out of the Cayman T. Boy, does Porsche know how to engineer a connection between driver and car, with the Cayman’s spot-on driving position, perfectly weighted steering and mechanically pleasing gearshift combining into a car which gives back as much as you can put in. There’s balance too, and though the Boxer engine may not have the sweet-sounding exhaust note of the old car, you can’t fault its effectiveness.

But then you get in the A110 and things go one step further. The steering feedback is the biggest boon here; it feels close to an unassisted rack, and it means that you have the confidence to exploit the chassis when corners come a-knocking. There’s a small degree of turbo lag from the engine, but keep the unit on boost and it’s effective — and you get excellent whistles from the turbocharger as you do, too. Alpine has also nailed the suspension setup for UK roads; it’s soft enough to take the edge off the surface, but not lazy enough to cause the A110’s body to loll around.

How do they look?

A car’s looks are, of course, quite subjective. However, it’s worth highlighting the cars which naturally drew people towards them during our day of testing.

In short, the Alpine was the one that people made a beeline for. Wherever it was parked, passers-by seemed to gravitate towards it. It could be because it remains a rare sight on UK roads, or that you’re unlikely to see anything else quite like it out and about. The striking blue exterior shade helps no end.

After that, most members of the public would be asking questions about the Supra. It was agreed between us that the Toyota’s design is a striking one, with its big haunches and double-bubble roof giving it plenty of presence. Even though there is the beating heart of BMW under the bonnet, the Supra disguises it well.

And the Porsche? Well despite being finished in look-at-me Miami Blue, the Cayman T didn’t get nearly as many glances sent its way as the other two in our trio. That doesn’t stop it from being a beautifully proportioned car, but against the sharp lines of the Supra and the out-there looks of the A110, it’s just not as exciting.

What are they like inside?

All three cars here follow a two-seater layout, so you’ll find a snug cabin, relatively limited storage space and a driver-focused dash shared between the three. However, the trio do go about things slightly differently elsewhere.

The Porsche’s cabin is an ergonomic wonder, with plenty of adjustment via both the steering wheel and seats. Though it’s starting to show its age somewhat, you can’t fault the cabin’s overall build quality – while the circular steering wheel (as opposed to the flat-bottomed versions favoured by most new cars today) feels great to use.

And though the exterior of the Supra may be far away from a BMW, the interior is anything but. The switchgear, heating and ventilation controls and infotainment system are all straight-through Munich, while the seating position feels a touch too high for the car. There’s also not that much room to rest your left leg when on the motorway.

The Alpine loses out immediately with its fixed-back seats which, though comfortable, can’t be adjusted for height. Luckily, they’re just low enough — though we’d maybe like an inch or two more drop. Overall cabin quality is the worst of the three here; the Renault-sourced plastics and buttons don’t feel anywhere near the same level as the Porsche or Toyota equivalents.

What’s the spec like?

Each car has been laden with tech, and even the lightweight Cayman T still has its infotainment system intact — it’s usually removed as part of the weight-saving package, but can be optioned back in at no extra cost. Luckily it’s a breeze to use, and the touchscreen itself is responsive and sharp to use.

The Supra’s system is almost as simple to operate, but then we’d expect that given its BMW origins. The graphics are clear, and there’s the option of accessing menus via either the touchscreen or a rotary controller dial. Both are user-friendly, with the dial a handier access point when you’re on the move.

In a similar vein to the cabin in general, the Alpine’s infotainment system is the weakest of the three. It simply can’t offer the same level of usability, and its graphics feel dated too. Even pairing a phone is a chore — something quickly dispatched by the other two here.

Verdict

It’s a tough call, this one. What needs to be remembered is why you’ll be buying one of the cars on the list. Planning on using your car for long journeys, but want to exploit the twisty roads at either end? For that, we’d argue that the Supra is the one for you.

Need a car which will deliver day-in, day-out come rain or shine? That’s where the Cayman T will play to its strengths, thanks to its ease of use and rock-solid build quality, But make no mistake, it’ll happily exploit a technical b-road just as easily as it’ll bowl to the local supermarket.

But want a car that’ll stick an immovable smile on your face each and every time you’re behind the wheel? That’ll be the Alpine A110. Interior foibles aside, the Alpine is the one to go for if you want an out-and-out, maybe-I’ll-stay-out-for-one-more-hour sports car. And as far as sports cars go, that’s what it’s all about.