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Expert Ratings

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 pulled together tens of millions of key data points on every new car (as well as a growing number of near-new used cars), including more than 15,000 new car reviews from 35 of the UK’s top motoring websites. We also factor in complete safety data from Euro NCAP, reliability data and five-year running cost information.

All this adds up to the most comprehensive analysis of expert opinion and real-world data found anywhere in the motoring world.

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

Current models

Tesla Model S

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

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Expert Rating:
A
Blistering speed and entertaining driving dynamics make the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N a proper driver's car, but its pricing is rather high.

Honda Civic Type R

Expert Rating:
A
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.

Hyundai i20 N

Expert Rating:
A
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.

Porsche Taycan

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

Mercedes-AMG EQE saloon

Expert Rating:
A
Very fast and comfortable - the Mercedes-AMG EQE is an impressive all-round performance package, but its interior has faced criticism.

Abarth 500e

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

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

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

MG 4 XPower

Expert Rating:
A
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.

Cupra Leon

Expert Rating:
A
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 GTI

Expert Rating:
A
Summary Few cars excite at the mention of their name but the Volkswagen Golf GTI does – launched in 1976 as the first recognised hot...

Ford Focus ST

Expert Rating:
A
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 R

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

Audi e-tron GT

Expert Rating:
A
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.

BMW M4

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

BMW 2 Series Coupé

Expert Rating:
B
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.

BMW Z4

Expert Rating:
B
The BMW Z4 isn't as sporty as its look suggest, but it has shown to be highly reliable and has an excellent safety rating.

Toyota GR Yaris

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

Audi RS e-tron GT

Expert Rating:
B
The Audi RS e-tron GT offers even more power and pace than the fast e-tron GT, but is this performance boost worth the higher price tag?

Mazda MX-5

Expert Rating:
B
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.

Ferrari 296

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

Mercedes-AMG A 45

Expert Rating:
B
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.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45

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

MG Cyberster

Expert Rating:
B
The all-electric MG Cyberster is seriously fast and surprisingly practical, but it is not the driver's car reviewers were hoping it would be.

Peugeot 508 PSE

Expert Rating:
B
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.

Hyundai i30 N

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

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Expert Rating:
B
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.

Mercedes-AMG A 35

Expert Rating:
C
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.

Toyota GR86

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

Alpine A110

Expert Rating:
C
The Alpine A110 has received many glowing media reviews and has won several awards, although it's unsurprisingly impractical to live with.

Audi RS 3

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

BMW M3

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

McLaren Artura

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

Audi RS 6

Expert Rating:
D
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.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35

Expert Rating:
C
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is sleeker and more stylish than the mechanically identical A 35 saloon, but it's also about £3.5K dearer.

Toyota GR Supra

Expert Rating:
C
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'.

BMW M2

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

McLaren 765LT

Expert Rating:
C
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.

Porsche 718 Boxster

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

Porsche 718 Cayman

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

Ferrari Roma

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

Aston Martin DB12

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

Porsche 911

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

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

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

Ferrari 12Cilindri

Expert Rating:
D
The latest (and last?) V12 Ferrari GT raises the bar over its already-exceptional predecessors, with even more performance, style and comfort.

Maserati MC20

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

Porsche 911 GT3

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

Ford Mustang

Expert Rating:
D
The new Ford Mustang is considered a big improvement on the previous generation, with reviewers particularly praising the Mustang Dark Horse performance model.

Lamborghini Huracán

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

Lexus LC

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

Jaguar F-Type

Expert Rating:
D
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.

Lotus Emira

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

McLaren GT

Expert Rating:
D
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.

Audi RS 4

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

Mercedes-AMG GT 4 Door

Expert Rating:
E
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.

Audi RS 7

Expert Rating:
D
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.

Porsche 911 Turbo

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

Maserati GranCabrio

Expert Rating:
E
The Maserati GranCabrio is a stylish luxury 2+2 cabriolet, but its driving dynamics are not as good as other exotic drop-top supercars.

Mercedes-AMG SL

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

Porsche Panamera

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

Audi RS 5

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

BMW M8

Expert Rating:
E
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.

Abarth 595

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

Mercedes-AMG GT

Expert Rating:
E
Combining thrilling pace with driving comfort and practicality, the Mercedes-AMG GT is an impressive coupé with an expensive price tag and running costs.

Previous models

Ford Fiesta ST (2013 to 2017)

Expert Rating:
A
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.

Ford Fiesta ST

Expert Rating:
B
The Ford Fiesta ST received many outstanding media reviews, and its ownership costs are surprisingly good for a hot hatch as well.

Honda Civic Type R (2017 to 2022)

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

Volkswagen Up GTI (2019 to 2023)

Expert Rating:
B
The Volkswagen Up GTI was a fun bite-sized hot hatch which recieved acclaim as a value-for-money package, but no infotainment was included.

Mini JCW GP (2019 to 2020)

Expert Rating:
C
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.

Suzuki Swift Sport (2018 to 2024)

Expert Rating:
D
The Suzuki Swift Sport was fun and well-equipped but reviewers took issue with its price, while other hot hatch rivals were more impressive.

Lotus Elise (2010 to 2021)

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

BMW Z4 (2009 to 2017)

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

Toyota GT86 (2012 to 2020)

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

Renault Mégane RS (2018 to 2022)

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

McLaren 600LT (2018 to 2020)

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

Polestar 1 (2019 to 2021)

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

Ford Focus ST (2012 to 2018)

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

Mini hatch John Cooper Works (2015 to 2024)

Expert Rating:
D
The Mini hatch John Cooper Works had the pace to keep up with larger hot hatches, but its price was rather steep for a car of this size.

Alfa Romeo 4C (2013 to 2020)

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

BMW M2 (2016 to 2021)

Expert Rating:
D
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.

Abarth 124 Spider (2016 to 2019)

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

Audi TT (2014 to 2023)

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

BMW M5

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

Aston Martin DB11 (2016 to 2023)

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

Ferrari F8 (2019 to 2023)

Expert Rating:
D
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.

Aston Martin DBS (2018 to 2023)

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

Lamborghini Aventador (2011 to 2023)

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

Mercedes-Benz SLC (2011 to 2020)

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

Aston Martin Vantage (2018 to 2024)

Expert Rating:
E
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.

Ferrari 812 Superfast (2017 to 2023)

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

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé

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

Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

Expert Rating:
E
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.

Audi TT RS (2016 to 2023)

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

Ford Mustang (2015 to 2023)

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

Audi R8

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

Ferrari Portofino (2018 to 2023)

Expert Rating:
E
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.

Best car rankings

The Car Expert has the ultimate rankings of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on tens of millions of key data points.

Best small cars

Best medium cars

Best large cars

Best small SUVs

Best medium SUVs