Best buys: Sports cars and coupes

Best in class

Toyota GT86

When Toyota gets things right, it gets things really, really right. When it came time to create a replacement for the old Celica (still wondering why the classic name wasn't revived…) it did away with a saloon-based front-wheel-drive platform and instead created a light, compact rear-drive chassis. Then it sourced a light, low-slung, rev-happy 2.0-litre flat-four engine from Subaru (a company of which Toyota owns a chunk) and clothed it in a simple, unadorned 2+2 body. The result is one of the most enjoyable cars ever to kiss tarmac – agile as a polecat and as happy sliding about as a toddler on an ice rink. Those calling for it to have more power are utterly missing the point – here's a car that's fun and frolicsome at the legal limit, and which won't break the back at the petrol pumps either. Best one: GT86 manual for €41,085

Also consider

BMW 4 Series

With bodywork as finely cut as a Hugo Boss suit, the 4 Series justifies its separation from the four-door 3 Series range with styling that's far more low-slung and muscular. It's definitely not just a two-door version of a four-door saloon. 420d diesel is an obvious go-to car for those looking for something fun but also something practical, but the 2.0-litre petrol turbo 428i is the best model from a drivers' point of view. Convertible version a little too heavy and wobbly and odd four-door fastback Gran Tourer is a nice idea in search of a rational argument.

Porsche Boxster

The current Boxster is the best evolution yet of Porsche’s entry-level two-seat sports car. Its styling has far more character than the original push-me-pull-you look and the interior has that lovely sheen of quality for which Porsche is now an Acme. Mid-engined balance is close to peerless and the flat-six engines make glorious, old-fashioned noises when extended. New, more affordable, four-cylinder models on the way, as is a range-topping and high-performance GT4 version.

Worth waiting for

Mazda MX-5

While it may not look quite as cute as earlier incarnations, the fourth iteration of Japan’s best-ever sports car has a mechanical specification which has us drooling. It’s the lightest MX-5 since the 1988 original, its little 1.5-litre engine has a very healthy 130hp and it’s actually about €5k cheaper than the old 2.0-litre model. Mazda quality means it should still be a useable, everyday car but we suspect that the fun factor might be enough for it to take the win in this sector next year. Launches: This summer

Underrated

Peugeot RC-Z

Peugeot has confirmed that it won’t be making a successor to the RC-Z which is a bit of a shame. The low-slung 2+2 has been one of the nicest coupes around for a long time now, mixing a modicum of everyday practicality with deft handling and, in the case of the 270hp RCZ-R version, some proper straight-line performance. Okay, so the rear seats are tiny and the styling has never been properly resolved; we’ll still miss it when it goes.