Whether it’s an open-topped roadster or a low-slung coupe, many buyers want a car that will deliver driving thrills on a winding road or even a race track. Here are CarAdvice’s top five picks for a segment where great vehicle dynamics and impressive performance count:
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Willing, free-revving 2.0-litre engine; Brilliant manual shift action; Agility and stability through corners; Quality ride; Good pricing
Some major ergonomics issues in the cabin; Lots of hard plastics; Engine doesn't sound very sporty; No standard reverse-view camera on any variant
Braking has more power, durability and precision; Handling is more lively and responsive; Cabin feels more upmarket
No gain in outputs for the struggling engine; No improvement in grip to match suspension updates; Solar Orange will polarise buyers and 86 fans alike
Great rear-drive dynamics; Looks premium; Keeping the coupe tradition alive
Small infotainment screen; Firm urban ride; Tight rear seat
Chassis still beautifully balanced; Long overdue new infotainment system; Dynamically adept; Beautifully tactile
Still suffers from mid-range torque drain; More power... More power!; Needs its neck wrung to extract its best; Lack of modern active safety tech
More output from the 5.0L V8 adds to modern Mustang’s muscular vibe; New ten-speed auto is impressive and refined; Adaptive suspension adds more depth to the all-round experience
Some of the racer stylisms won’t be to every Mustang fan’s tastes; Features in the new digital instrumentation are a bit gimmicky; No-cost extras can struggle to justify the hikes in pricing across the range
The blackout 'GTS' highlights make for sinister appearances; A hike in power really suits the Boxster/Cayman chassis; Pure driving focus without the 911 excess and premium price
Regardless of hi-po GTS upgrades, they still cop the 'poor man's Porsche' stigma; Limited practicality of the small sports car format; Cabin design still a bit old school
Simply sublime handling; Jekyll/Hyde characteristics, a proper daily; Crisp and aurally satisfying six-pot; Looks to make a BMW fan cry (happily)
Sneaky price hikes with LCI; M240i is still better bang-for-buck; BMW made me give the key back
Excellent cabin quality; great dynamic ability for its class; very refined; great infotainment system; comfortable ride
Still needs a few option packages to make it ideal; S5 lacking steering feedback; big weight disadvantage over coupe
Outstanding active safety tech; No MBUX, but new infotainment still slick; electrified C200 drivetrain adds smoothness, cuts fuel use
Expect some price increases; digital dash less info-rich than Audi Virtual Cockpit; C200 greener, more advanced, but also slower to 100km/h
Savagery of engine is matched by the exhaust note; Feels properly premium and different, and garners attention everywhere; Beautiful cabin is finished properly
Infotainment can't match current segment leaders; Boot is near useless with a space-saver spare tyre optioned; You won't ever go anywhere unnoticed again
Turbo engine note is a winner in my books at any speed; Combination of ride and handling is exceptional on any road; Manual gearbox is absolutely sensational
Options list – as always – gets prohibitively expensive; Transition to sixth and seventh gear isn't quite as intuitive as we'd like; Rear wing is silly, the 911 T looks way better with it down
The sound; Road presence; Exterior and interior design; Hero status; Enormous public admiration; The ultimate playboy's (or playgirl's) car
Over a million dollars on road; Typical Italian 'features'
Extraordinarily capable; Able to carry big speeds in the bends; Flawless handling; Dual-clutch gearbox is refined and fast; First-class materials and build quality; Huge stopping power; Ride comfort
Exhaust note still lacking; Infotainment screen difficult to read in sunlight
Intoxicating engine and exhaust note throughout the rev band; Look at it!; Usable interior with functional storage and enough to be a daily driver
Centre console can be difficult to open; Pricing is not too far away from the Aston Martin DB11 V8
