- Audi R8
More exploitable than a 911, more usable than a Lambo and with a supple ride to die for, the R8 is the best all-round supercar on sale.
Our pick: V10
- BMW 3-Series
The British press loves to build 'em up to knock 'em down, but this sacred cow continues unmolested. Best-in-class to drive.
Our pick: 330d M Sport
- BMW M3
We have to deceive or drug Ben Barry every time an M3 arrives. God help BMW GBs tyre budget when he gets his hands on the crazy GTS.
Our pick: 4dr DCT
- BMW 5-Series
BMW plays it safe with the new 5's styling, but it's handsome, well equipped and frugal - an amazing 57 mpg in the case of the 520d.
Our pick: 520d SE
- BMW X5
Class-defining dynamics recently upstaged by its X6 ugly sister, but that doesn't make us want one any less. New facelift hardly noticeable. Range Rover still better off-road.
Our pick: xDrive30d
- Citroen C3 Picasso
As cubist as its namesake and the coolest mini-MPV yet, the supermini-based Picasso offers proper room for five - without putting them off travelling in it. Result.
Our pick: 1.6 HDi VT
- Ferrari 458 Italia
As fast round Fiorano as a Scuderia, more refined than a 612, 458 is the most complete supercar ever. New McLaren's going to have to be really good to top this on our wish list.
Our pick: Definitely.
- Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Lighter, faster, harder GTO is on a different plane to already excellent standard 599. Based on the track-only 599XX it's 100kg lighter and 100% more fun.
Our pick: GTO
- Ford Fiesta
Remember what the original Focus did for C-segment hatches? Now Ford's done it again for superminis. It's stylish, sharp, chuckable refined and spacious. But pricey.
Our pick: 1.25 Zetec
- Ford S-Max
Sharp-suited 7-seater with space for two more brats than C-Max offers. Almost as good to drive as the Mondeo; even better to look at despite dodgy facelift.
Our pick: 2.0 TDCi Zetec
- Ford Kuga
Ford pulls off its usual trick of being late to the party then being the life and soul. Shame it's priced at Volkswagen Tiguan levels.
Our pick: 2.0 TDCi Zetec
- Lotus Elise
Almost a retro version of itself, facelifted Elise references '96 original. New entry 1.6 slightly slower than old 1.8 but consumption and emissions slashed.
Our pick: 1.6
- Lotus Evora
Our 2009 PCOTY (Performance Car of The Year) winner now bolstered by 345 bhp Evora S.
Our pick: 2+2
- Mercedes S-Class
Promised they'd never chase BMW down the pointless gadget cul-de-sac. They have, and it's cost them a star.
Our pick: S500 L
- Porsche 911
Evolved (again) with direct inection and dual-clutch gearbox option - which is good. Still the default sports car, still absolutely brilliant.
Our pick: Carrera S coupe
- Renaultsport Clio 200
Good in standard trim, but Cup chassis makes it sensational. The 911 GT3 of hot hatches.
Our pick: 200 Cup
- Rolls Royce Phantom
Apart from a few electronic bleeps emitted by the dashboard, you'd never guess this is a German car masquerading as a Brit. A genuine ultimate - and a real charmer, too!
- Skoda Superb
Same-again Superb when it comes to monstrous size and big value, but Skoda has fallen into the sporty trap, so it doesn't ride as well. Doh!
Our pick: SE 2.0 TDI CR
- Toyota IQ
As city cars go, the iQ is Paris, the Smart is Peterborough. Avoids the Fortwo's dynamic compromises, feels spacious and looks very cool.
- VW Golf
More refinement, more kit and more of the Mk4's cabin flair makes the latest Golf the best small family car in the game. You still awake?
Our pick: 1.4 TSI
- VW Golf GTI
Cool new anniversary model celebrates 35 years of GTI with 20 bhp power hike and special trim. If that's not enough there's always the 4wd R. Too juicy? Get the GTD. Us? We stick with the brilliant stock GTI.
Our pick: GTI 5dr
- VW Scirocco
One of our performance cars of 2008: fast, forgiving and fun fun fun. Has taken some stick for looking bland, but the critics are wrong.
Our pick: 2.0 TSI
