44 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 2 1 AUGUST 2019
Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 has been consistently the best small
roadster on the planet since its introduction three
decades ago. The latest-generation one comes
in at around a tonne in its lightest spec, which is
an exceptional feat, although we prefer the more
powerful 2.0 and optional lowered suspension.
Tesla Model 3
That the entry point to the Tesla range is the
company’s best car to date shouldn’t be a surprise.
But t he 3 i s s o go o d t h at it e a s i l y s t a nd s c omp a r i s on
with both electric- and old-school-powered
alternatives. And Tesla’s contribution to the charge
network shouldn’t be underestimated.
Porsche Macan
Years ago, we became used to the idea that Porsche
i s no lon ge r ju s t a m a nu f a c t u r e r of s p or t s c a r s ,
but still the company imbues all of its models
with a consistent feel and finesse. It’s a theme
that makes the Macan the best compact executive
SUV to drive.
BMW i8
Arguably the most interesting car on sale, until
the Polestar 1 arrives anyway, the i8 is a hard car to
pi n dow n but a n e a s y c a r t o l i k e i m me n s e l y. I s it a
sports car? Not in the conventional sense. Is it a GT
car? Closer. Is it a seductive coupé with a brilliantly
integrated plug-in powertrain and a pleasure to
spend any amount of time in? Absolutely.
Bentley Continental GT
Choice has now come to Bentley’s latest grand touring Continental model
r a n ge. Hav i n g b e e n l au nc he d i n 2 018 i n 1 2- c y l i nde r c lo s e d-r o of for m on l y,
the Continental now comes as a GTC convertible if you’d prefer – or with a
542bhp turbo V8 or 626bhp turbo W12. The good news? There isn’t a bad
car among them. The current Continental combines luxuriant richness and
immaculate cruising manners with big-hitting, refined performance like
almost nothing else on the road. Our favourite version is a GT V8 coupé,
which offers sharpened handling and more accessible torque.
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Caterham Seven
There are more modern
sports cars but few more
relevant sports cars.
Caterham is the master of
the ancient art of making a
car fun, but it has carefully
and respectfully updated
the Seven so that it’s as
great as it has ever been.
Medium power, skinnier
wheels and a limited-slip
diff are our essentials.
Mercedes-Benz
S-Class
The best luxury car money
can buy. Mercedes makesa vast array of models
these days, of varying
consistency, but the
S-Class is the one it throws
everything at and always
gets right. A class leader in
refinement, comfort and
integration of safety and
convenience technology.
Smart Fortwo
I know it’s expensive
and impractical but I
love cars that know
what they’re for and
the Smart does, every
bit as much as our
winner. It’s not just an
evolved urban dweller
but fun to drive, too,
thanks to its lack of
mass and non-existent
wheelbase. AF
“I SHOULDN’T
LIKE IT BUT...”