acceleration times have long been the benchmark of any test, but how fast a car feels is down to more than flat-out speed. In-gear flexibility and lots of low-down torque can make a model seem just as capable as a high-revving racer. The winner here is all about accessible performance. Subaru’s Impreza turbo uses close gearing and four-wheel drive to let any driver make the most of its plentiful horsepower. Second place goes to Honda’s thrilling S2000. Its screaming 2.0-litre motor never leaves you wanting more. The final podium position is taken by the Jaguar S-Type – its range of silky-smooth engines provides effortless performance. At the bottom of the chart, the old Land Rover Discovery struggles to keep up, its dated diesel failing to make the grade.

When it comes to earning top points in your Driver Power handling chart, only the best sports models have what it takes. At the top of the list for the third year running, Subaru’s mighty Impreza still wows with its immense all-wheel-drive handling abilities. If the new 2.5-litre cars can match this long-standing cornering precision, they’ll be tough to beat. Mazda will be delighted to have been voted into both second and third places. The unique rotary-engined RX-8 has taken the silver medal for its near perfect chassis balance, while the evergreen MX-5 is still earning praise for its classic front-engined, rear-wheel-drive set-up. Last is a car that never claimed to be a thrill-seeker’s dream. Citroen’s Xsara Picasso is practical, but one to avoid if you are looking for entertainment.