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Best performance cars

The definitive ranking of the best and worst performance cars on sale in the UK

This is the definitive ranking of the best and worst performance cars on sale in the UK.

How can we make such a bold claim? Because this list isn’t just based on our opinion. We’ve compiled and analysed more than 15,000 new car reviews from 35 of the UK’s top motoring titles to produce our Expert Rating Index.

Why rely on one person’s opinion when you can have all of the top reviews gathered together in one place?

How our Expert Rating scores are calculated
How Expert Ratings can help your car buying decisions

Current models

Ferrari 296 GTB

Expert Rating 96%
A supercar that is more eco-friendly but no less ferocious, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a 819hp plug-in hybrid and the Italian brand's first modern V6 model.

Porsche 911 GT3

Expert Rating 95%
A rewarding track-focused coupé with class-leading driving dynamics, the Porsche 911 GT3 is a real reviewer favourite that is hard to fault.

Porsche 911

Expert Rating 91%
The new Porsche 911 has received consistently outstanding scores from the UK media, and is considered a big step forward from the last model.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Expert Rating 91%
The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is one of the most impressive all-electric motoring packages money can buy, praised for both practicality and performance.

McLaren 765LT

Expert Rating 91%
The seriously potent McLaren 765LT is described by many as the best supercar in McLaren's modern catalogue, with sharp driving dynamics and blistering pace.

Toyota GR Yaris

Expert Rating 90%
The Toyota GR Yaris has received universal praise from UK reviews for its performance and handling, and has won a host of awards.

Porsche Taycan

Expert Rating 89%
The Porsche Taycan has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with plenty of praise for its driving dynamics and overall performance.

Honda Civic Type R

Expert Rating 89%
Like its predecessor, the latest Honda Civic Type R has been earmarked as one of the best hot hatches around, despite its hefty price tag.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Expert Rating 89%
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has been universally praised, with many UK reviewers rating it more highly than the benchmark BMW M3.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Expert Rating 88%
The Ferrari 812 Superfast has received mostly outstanding media reviews, with praise for its performance and comfort.

Ferrari F8

Expert Rating 88%
The Ferrari F8 Tributo and F8 Spider are the latest in a long line of mid-engined V8 Ferrari sports cars, and possibly the best of the lot.

BMW M5

Expert Rating 88%
Supercar performance with a saloon silhouette, the BMW M5 is a supremely fast performance car that is both practical and comfortable.

Ferrari Roma

Expert Rating 87%
The Ferrari Roma mostly succeeds in ticking two different boxes – comfortable long-distance touring in a car with blistering pace.

Alpine A110

Expert Rating 87%
The Alpine A110 has received many positive reviews from the UK media, and has won several awards, with unanimous praise for its driving dynamics.

Porsche 718 Cayman

Expert Rating 86%
The Porsche 718 Cayman is an exemplary handling sports car with potent power too, and to many is the most complete Porsche.

Porsche 718 Boxster

Expert Rating 86%
The Porsche 718 Boxster has received very good media reviews, with praise for its driving dynamics but criticism for its new four-cylinder engines.

Toyota GR86

Expert Rating 86%
The Toyota GR86 is one of the most exciting and affordable options on the sports car market, but rivals have more interior quality.

Maserati MC20

Expert Rating 86%
The Maserati MC20 has burst onto the supercar scene with the driving dynamics and straight-line performance to challenge any rivals.

Ford Fiesta ST

Expert Rating 86%
The Ford Fiesta ST has received many outstanding media reviews, several awards and holds an outstanding Expert Rating of 88%.

Mazda MX-5

Expert Rating 85%
The Mazda MX-5 has been universally acclaimed by the UK motoring media, with many outstanding review scores and award wins every year since it was launched.

Aston Martin DBS

Expert Rating 84%
The Aston Martin DBS is a supremely powerful flagship GT with a price to match – but is it actually too fast?

BMW M3

Expert Rating 84%
Exciting yet focused, the BMW M3 is regarded as one of the best sports saloons money can buy and more than lives up to its famous name.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale

Expert Rating 84%
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is astoundingly powerful and seriously good-looking, but reviewers conclude that it lacks the finesse of its mid-engined siblings.

Aston Martin DB12

Expert Rating 84%
Improving on its predecessor, the Aston Martin DB12 offers a convincing blend of performance and comfort that rivals the best in its class.

Hyundai i20 N

Expert Rating 84%
Singled out at the Ford Fiesta ST's closest rival to date, the Hyundai i20 N is a very talented small hot hatch that is serious fun to drive.

BMW M4

Expert Rating 84%
The new 2021 BMW M4 is incredibly powerful but equally flexible, but the front-end styling is dividing opinion among reviewers.

Audi R8

Expert Rating 83%
The Audi R8 tops desirability lists for many performance fans, but is it actually too sensible to be a proper supercar?

Audi e-tron GT

Expert Rating 83%
Both a relative and a rival of the Porsche Taycan, the Audi e-tron GT is an electric sports saloon that combines performance and luxury.

Audi RS 6

Expert Rating 82%
A fast five-door estate that is both comfortable and quiet, the Audi RS 6 has received very favourable reviews, but it doesn't come cheap.

Lamborghini Huracán

Expert Rating 81%
The Lamborghini Huracán range has received very good media reviews, although not to the same level as its rivals from Ferrari and McLaren.

Mercedes-AMG A 45

Expert Rating 81%
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 holds the accolade of being the most powerful hot hatch currently in production, but its price tag is as eye-watering as its pace.

Tesla Model S

Expert Rating 80%
The Tesla Model S has been a pioneer for electric cars, single-handedly changing the perception of EVs having poor performance and range.

Porsche 911 Turbo

Expert Rating 79%
Faster and more involving than ever before, the Porsche 911 Turbo is more capable than its predecessors, but criticisms of its ride comfort remain.

McLaren Artura

Expert Rating 79%
The McLaren Artura is the company's new entry-level supercar and first plug-in hybrid, offering improved levels of performance and comfort.

Hyundai i30 N

Expert Rating 78%
The Hyundai i30 N offers plentiful performance in a practical package, making it a serious alternative to better-known hot family hatches.

BMW 2 Series Coupé

Expert Rating 78%
Fast, fun and refined inside, reviewers agree that the 2 Series Coupé is a great showcase of BMW’s abilities, though space is limited in the rear.

Lamborghini Aventador

Expert Rating 77%
Available in coupé and targa-top form, the Lamborghini Aventador is a mid-engined supercar notable for its "outrageous" looks and pace.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45

Expert Rating 76%
A performance-enhanced saloon and estate, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 offers serious pace for an eye-watering price tag.

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé

Expert Rating 76%
With its distinctive looks and energetic performance, the Mercedes-AMG GT is certainly an exciting sports car, although not the most agile.

Audi TT

Expert Rating 75%
The Audi TT has long been a style icon, but the third-generation version has much improved driving dynamics to match it looks.

Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

Expert Rating 75%
With muscular looks and an alluring V8 soundtrack, the GT Roadster is a pacy drop-top with plenty of charisma, but its coupé sibling has better handling.

Mercedes-AMG GT 4 Door

Expert Rating 75%
Mercedes-AMG GT 4 Door is an extravagant luxury liftback with sports car pace and a lavish interior, but quality like this comes at a big cost.

BMW M2

Expert Rating 75%
Reviewers agree that the second-generation BMW M2 is certainly an exhilarating performance package, but is it as charming as its predecessor?

Ford Focus ST

Expert Rating 74%
The Ford Focus ST is a true hot hatch – or estate with potent engines and sporty handling, but rivals offer more for less money.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Expert Rating 74%
Summary Few cars excite at the mention of their name...

Ferrari Portofino

Expert Rating 74%
The Ferrari Portofino has received positive reviews from UK media sources, although the scores have not been as high as one might expect for a Ferrari.

Lexus LC

Expert Rating 74%
The Lexus LC earns wide praise as a coupe bordering supercar territory, though for the full effect the hybrid cannot compete with the V8.

Aston Martin Vantage

Expert Rating 73%
The Aston Martin Vantage has received positive media reviews and much praise, although not quite to the same rapturous degree as the latest Porsche 911.

Audi RS 3

Expert Rating 73%
The Audi RS 3 is rapid hyper-hatch and sports saloon model, highlighted for its impressive performance as much as its expensive price.

Toyota GR Supra

Expert Rating 73%
The Toyota GR Supra has received consistently positive reviews and, based on review scores so far, appears to be the very definition of a 'four-star car'.

Mini hatch John Cooper Works

Expert Rating 72%
The Mini hatch John Cooper Works has the pace to keep up with larger hot hatches, but its price is rather steep for a car of this size.

Cupra Leon

Expert Rating 72%
The Cupra Leon is a hotter-hatch version of the SEAT Leon. It borrows heavily from the VW Golf GTI, but doesn't quite hit the same level.

Volkswagen Golf R

Expert Rating 72%
With more power for a higher price, the Volkswagen Golf R is the German brand's fastest hatchback yet, but rivals are more involving.

McLaren GT

Expert Rating 71%
The McLaren GT is the brand’s first grand tourer, but it's very different to most luxury GTs – which has both positive and negative results.

Lotus Emira

Expert Rating 71%
Reviewers agree that the Emira coupé is a big leap forward for the Lotus brand, with impressive driving dynamics and a high-quality interior.

Mercedes-AMG SL

Expert Rating 70%
The Mercedes-AMG SL is both a relaxing grand tourer than adrenaline-packed sports car, but unfortunately it does not conquer either class.

Audi RS 7

Expert Rating 70%
The Audi RS 7 is a lavish sports saloon that offers supercar pace, but it's overshadowed by its more practical RS 6 estate sibling.

Audi RS 4

Expert Rating 70%
An estate car that is fearssomely quick and highly practical, reviewers agree the Audi RS 4 is a superb package, despite high running costs.

Volkswagen Up GTI

Expert Rating 70%
The Volkswagen Up GTI is a fun bite-sized hot hatch which has recieved acclaim as a value-for-money package, but no infotainment is included.

Porsche Panamera

Expert Rating 69%
The Porsche Panamera is a highly potent yet practical four-door super saloon, but with styling that still divides opinions.

Abarth 500e

Expert Rating 69%
The all-electric Abarth 500e is a nimble performance-enhanced city car with sporty looks and character, but its petrol siblings are faster.

Jaguar F-Type

Expert Rating 67%
The Jaguar F-Type has an Expert Rating that falls well behind the Porsche 911 and Cayman, but it's still a favourite of motoring journalists.

Mercedes-AMG A 35

Expert Rating 66%
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has received good reviews from the UK media, with praise for its performance and interior, but criticism for a lack of driver engagement.

BMW Z4

Expert Rating 64%
The BMW Z4 has received generally positive media reviews, although it hasn't scored as highly as the mechanically-identical Toyota Supra.

MG 4 XPower

Expert Rating 64%
The high-performance MG 4 XPower has received a mixed bag of review scores, with praise for its pace and criticism for its driving dynamics.

Ford Mustang

Expert Rating 63%
The Ford Mustang has received polarising reviews, ranging from average to outstanding. It scores better on enthusiast sites than consumer ones.

Audi TT RS

Expert Rating 62%
The Audi TT RS is sports car with blistering pace and an alluring soundtrack, but its rivals are more engaging on the road.

BMW M8

Expert Rating 62%
WIth supercar speed and a tech-laden interior, the BMW M8 is a heavyweight coupé and convertible available for a steep six-figure price tag.

Audi RS 5

Expert Rating 62%
The Audi RS 5 has alluring looks, a comfortable cabin and rapid acceleration, but it lacks the high-octane cornering thrills of its rivals.

Peugeot 508 PSE

Expert Rating 60%
Reviewers agree that the Peugeot 508 PSE is a handome plug-in hybrid with serious pace, though many find it hard to justify its high pricing.

Suzuki Swift Sport

Expert Rating 56%
The Suzuki Swift Sport is fun and well-equipped but reviewers take issue with its price, while other hot hatch rivals are more impressive.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Expert Rating 55%
The Volkswagen Polo GTI is a very well-built and mild-mannered small hot hatch that reviewers agree lacks the raw fun of its rivals.

Abarth 595

Expert Rating 47%
The Abarth 595 is a car you buy with heart rather than head, with practical shortcomings and a high price, but it's great fun to drive.

Abarth 695

Expert Rating 39%
The Abarth 695 hot hatch range has been praised for its punchy performance, but criticised for its outdated interior and price.

Previous models

McLaren 600LT (2018 to 2020)

Expert Rating 93%
The McLaren 600LT and 600LT Spider received unanimously positive media reviews, with considerable praise for their dynamics and performance.

Ford Fiesta ST (2013 to 2017)

Expert Rating 90%
Other hot hatches may have offered a better interior, but when it came to driving thrills, the Ford Fiesta ST was a unanimous reviewer favourite.

Honda Civic Type R (2017 to 2022)

Expert Rating 87%
The Honda Civic Type R received outstanding media reviews and was almost universally regarded as one of the best hot hatches on the market.

BMW M2 (2016 to 2021)

Expert Rating 87%
The BMW M2 was the most basic model in the 'M' line-up, but due to its pace, practicality and looks, some affirmed it was also the best.

Toyota GT86 (2012 to 2020)

Expert Rating 80%
The Toyota GT86 was a pacey small sports car that offered plenty of driver appeal and character, but was pretty basic on the inside.

Lotus Elise (2010 to 2021)

Expert Rating 77%
The Lotus Elise has been universally praised for its driving dynamics. However, the compromises required to achieve this have resulted in mixed media reviews.

Ford Focus ST (2012 to 2018)

Expert Rating 76%
The third-generation Ford Focus ST wasn't the most agile hot hatch around, but its performance and practicality made it an appealing package.

Abarth 124 Spider (2016 to 2019)

Expert Rating 75%
The Abarth 124 Spider was a performance version of the Fiat 124 that received mixed UK reviews, ranging from average to outstanding.

Renault Mégane RS (2018 to 2022)

Expert Rating 74%
The Renault Mégane RS (2018 – 2022) received very good media reviews, with the 300hp models generally scoring better than the 280hp model.

Aston Martin DB11

Expert Rating 73%
The Aston Martin DB11 has received unanimously positive scores from the UK motoring media, with particular praise for its blend of performance and comfort.

Polestar 1 (2019 to 2021)

Expert Rating 69%
The Polestar 1 was the first car from Volvo's new electric car brand. It received positive media reviews, albeit with some reservations.

Mini JCW GP (2019 to 2020)

Expert Rating 66%
The limited-edition Mini John Cooper Works GP was a very fast hot hatch with a high-quality interior but hindered by a slow gearbox.

BMW Z4 (2009 to 2017)

Expert Rating 65%
The second-generation BMW Z4 offered strong performance and stylish looks, but it was more a comfortable tourer than a sports car.

Mercedes-Benz SLC (2011 to 2020)

Expert Rating 56%
The Mercedes-Benz SLC was a capable everyday roadster, but it could not match the performance, fun or interior tech of its rivals.

Alfa Romeo 4C (2013 to 2020)

Expert Rating 52%
The Alfa Romeo 4C turned heads with its alluring looks, but reviewers agreed that the sports car was underwhelming in many areas.

Best car rankings

The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 35 of the top UK motoring websites.

Best small cars

Best medium cars

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Best small SUVs

Best medium SUVs

Best large SUVs

Best coupé SUVs

Best hot hatches

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Best coupés

Best MPVs

Best EVs

How our Expert Rating scores are calculated
How Expert Ratings can help your car buying decisions
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