What Car? Best Buys - Performance cars

Here's our pick of the best models on sale in every class, but you can find our full overview of new and used performance cars and hot hatches by clicking here.

1. Porsche Cayman 3.4 S
Price £44,080 Target Price£44,250
It takes something special to usurp the Porsche 911 as the king of everyday high-performance cars. In fact, it takes another Porsche.The Cayman is easier to drive than a 911, so in most hands it's quicker, and it's also more practical. It's more affordable to buy, too.
What Car? Full Verdict

2. Mini Cooper S Price £16,025 Target price £15,870 BMW's Mini has always been fun, but with its news, oh-so-flexible turbocharged engine and higher levels of comfort and refinement, it's better than ever. A modern gem. What Car? Full Verdict

3. Honda Civic Type R GT Price £18,627 Target Price £18,627 Hardcore - though not as hardcore as the old model. Its engine is more driveable and the handling is sharp, but the low-speed ride takes some living with. What Car? Full Verdict

If only we could...
FerrariF599
Price £179,902 Target Price£179,902
Fabulous front-mounted V12 engine, Formula 1-inspired chassis technology for superb handling, gorgeous two-seater grand tourer body... oh, to be rich. However, even if you can afford one, the waiting list stretches into 2009.
What Car? Full Verdict

The Top Five... from 0-60mph
1 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 3.4sec
2 Lamborghini Murcielago 6.2 3.8sec
3 Ferrari F599 3.9sec
3 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.9sec
5 Ferrari F430 4.0sec
5 Lamborghini Gallardo SE 4.0sec

What Car? Group Test May '07
Honda Civic Mazda 3 Seat Leon VW Golf
For a copy, call our Library on 08456 777814.