Road tests of the year 2012: July

Porsche Boxster vs Mercedes SLK 55 AMG vs Audi TTRS

Winner: Porsche Boxster Read the full test >>

This has to go down as one of the least surprising road test results of the year. The outgoing Porsche Boxster was still top of the class when it retired, and the new model improves upon it across the board, so the Mercedes SLK and Audi TTRS really had their work cut out.

“The Boxster S provides all the performance you’ll ever need, is a joy to drive, plus is practical and refined,” we said. “The fact it’s the cheapest car in this test is the icing on the cake.” A thundering 5.5-litre engine did enough to secure second for the SLK ahead of the surefooted but ultimately uninspiring TTRS.

Toyota GT 86 vs Audi TT vs Nissan 370Z

Winner: Toyota GT 86 Read the full test >>

There hasn’t been a coupe in the range since the Celica was axed back in 2006, but Toyota rejoined the sports car fray in 2012 with the GT 86. The two-door was co-developed with Subaru, although rather than go for outright power and four-wheel-drive traction, engineers focused on delivering a lightweight, sharp-handling, rear-wheel-drive sports car.

The GT 86 met two very different rivals on its road test debut. The entry-level Audi TT 1.8 TFSI is only slightly more expensive, and provides entertaining front-wheel-drive dynamics, while the Nissan 370Z is a brawny old-school rear-wheel-drive coupe.

In the end, the GT 86 took victory with its mix of an engaging driving experience and a decent ride, despite the dated look of the cabin. We decided the TT was more stylised hot hatch than coupe, and the 370Z was consigned to third place with its gruff V6, poor chassis and steep running costs. As we were to find out later in the year, this was just the beginning for Toyota’s new star…

Vauxhall Astra VXR vs VW Scirocco R vs Renaultsport Megane 265 Cup

Winner: Renaultsport Megane 265 Cup Read the full test >>

Vauxhall has traditionally built the most powerful hot hatchbacks around, but the latest Astra VXR matched its class-leading 276bhp turbocharged engine to a chassis that could cope with the extra muscle. We were full of praise for the car’s purposeful looks, blistering straight-line performance and composed cornering, but the VXR was let down by its firm ride and steep running costs. It wasn’t as much fun to drive as its competitors here, either.

The VW Scirocco R was classy and entertaining, yet a high price pegged it back. That left the Renaultsport Megane 265 Cup at the top of the tree. A firm ride could not take away from the fact that it’s one of the most entertaining cars at any price.