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
Most complete and most polished Ford Mustang sold in Australia to date; Broader range of ability from on-road comfort to track weapon; Looks the business
The upgrades are worthwhile, but may be too subtle for some; The $20,000 price premium is a big ask; Ford Australia left a sour taste with some buyers after messing up the initial promotional material
Techy and sporty vibe; Charming three-pot in the 218i; Decent performance in the M235i; Competitive pricing
Sharp ride quality; Questionable styling; Lacks some maturity; Price hike over the 1 Series
Noticeable power bump; Excellent dual-clutch transmission; Active exhaust brings the ruckus
Sticker shock at first glance; Fiddly infotainment system; Constantly firm ride is not for all
Tangible benefits from the Dynamic Performance Pack; Keen turn-in and composed body control; Thoughtful, focused cabin trim and appointments
Features and equipment outdated when compared to the segment; Overbearing piped induction noise; Cramped leg room for taller occupants
Lightning-fast dual-clutch PDK GT4 outperforms the manual; Beautifully resolved chassis, brake package and steering; Strong non-turbo flat six has boundless enthusiasm
Fiddly small paddle shifters on a busy wheel; Small screen and dated infotainment tech; Options prices make your eyes water
M3-rivalling performance from the uprated six; Really connected and lively handling; Aimed straight at the hearts of enthusiast drivers
Plenty of carbon, but no weight saved; Looks a touch expensive alongside the new M3/M4; Electronics platform starting to show its age
Willing drivetrain combination; Brimming with standard kit; Practicality of the liftback
Fussy ride on 20-inch alloys with thin rubber; Lacklustre warranty; No shortcut buttons for infotainment
Engine is monstrous and the gearbox is exceptional; Aero additions toughen the styling up even more; So easy to live with day to day
Infotainment screen needs touch functionality; Performance envelope can't be experienced on the road; Supply won't go close to matching demand
Inline six gets a torque boost; interior is sporty, comfortable and BMW in a good way; lives up to the iconic Supra nameplate
GTS is pricey and strengthens the case for the entry grade; rear three-quarter visibility is poor; no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Most powerful GT3 ever, and it feels it; PDK is even better than before; Naturally aspirated engine note is spectacular
The weather put paid to our proper track test; Changes are incremental rather than large; Is this the last of the breed?
Savage performance; Approachable limits on-track; V10 remains a pinnacle engine
Circuit bias will make it crude on-road; Feedback-lite steering
The ease with which you can drive it day-to-day is impressive; Cabin execution and comfort are as good as the best; Ride quality on poor roads is incredible given the performance on offer
More luggage space would be handy for more than a weekend away; Angle of the screen means there is some glare when the roof is stowed; More exhaust noise please
Tremendous pull from the TT V8 - and an improved soundtrack thanks to echoey carbon fibre; Aero and chassis setup offer excellent lateral grip; Drive it home - like any other Mercedes; Exclusivity - 15 only coming to Aus, against 28 Black Series.
Exclusivity has its price - it's a whole A35 (with options) above a 'regular' GT R; Need to 'Riggs' your shoulder to access the center console; You really need to be a Pro to extract the true performance value out of the car
Uncompromising performance; Unrivalled street appeal; Best V8 engine in existence; Brilliant ride and dynamic capabilities; Very much a race car you can happily drive daily
Options, options, options; Interior feeling its age; Lift kit needs to remain on at higher speeds; Sounds insane, but it's no 458
