What Car? Car of the Year awards 2011 - Coupe contenders

What Car? Awards 2012 website

Best buy less than £25,000
Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 160
List price £21,375
Target Price £20,085

The Scirocco retains its crown in our lowest price band, making it three years in a row for Volkswagen’ slinky coupé.

This year’s victory is even more impressive than the previous ones, too, because there were some very talented new competitors for the Scirocco to deal with.

First came the RCZ, Peugeot’s stunning take on the Audi TT that offers sports-car handling and strong performance, all for an affordable price. It still couldn’t oust the Scirocco, though, due to its harsher ride and more limited cabin space.

Then came the Honda CR-Z. It looks fantastic inside and out, and with smart handling and perky performance, it’s also great fun to drive. What’s more, its hybrid drivetrain means it has some seriously impressive environmental credentials.

As much as we like the Honda, though, the Scirocco still takes the plaudits. The sharp handling, responsive steering and slick ride will keep you entertained and comfortable, while the high-quality interior and VW badge ensure a strong image.

Volkswagen Scirocco review


Best buy £25,000-£40,000
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport
List price £27,130
Target Price £25,261

This sort of budget gives you access to some seriously talented coupés. There’s the more powerful 1.6-litre turbo version of the Peugeot RCZ, the muscular Nissan 370Z, plus various versions of the BMW 3 Series Coupé and Mercedes Coupé.

The Peugeot is cheaper than the Audi, but not by enough to make up for the fact that it gets nowhere near the TT for dynamic prowess. And the rest? Well, they’re all impressive cars in their own various ways, but you pay a lot more for them.

Put simply, no other rival can match the Audi TT's sheer ability. Its sleek looks, gorgeous interior and premium badge give it a level of desirability worthy of a much more expensive car. Its strong residual values also make it a sound financial investment.

It’s the way the Audi drives that’ll really win your heart, though. The new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine means it’s faster and more flexible than ever, the agile handling is grin-inducing while the ride is comfortable and the refinement is impressive.

Audi TT review


Best buy more than £40,000
Jaguar XKR
List price £77,900
Target Price £71,545

If you have upwards of £40k to spend on your coupé, you’re into the realms of all sorts of exotica – think BMW , Mercedes-Benz CL, Maserati Granturismo or the Bentley Continental GT. For us, though, the Jaguar XKR offers all you need from a prestige coupé.

First, there’s the pace from the supercharged 5.0-litre V8. The bare numbers can’t describe the sensation you feel when you bury the XKR’s throttle – the noise is amazing and the acceleration is simply astonishing.

Corners give you even more reason to smile. The XKR might be big, but with bags of grip, superb body control, keen brakes and well-weighted steering, it changes direction with the deftness of a true sports car. Find a stretch of open motorway, though, and the XKR melts away the miles as smoothly and as quietly as any grand tourer.

True, the rear seats are only good for luggage and the running costs are astronomical. Still, some things are worth forking out for, and you get bags of luxury kit for your money.

Jaguar XKR review