Make no mistake, choosing a model with a high-performance rating is not about speeding. If you’re overtaking or exiting a limited-visibility T-junction, a car from the top of this ranking will be safer than one at the bottom. Your first-placed model is a true high-performance legend. The 911 has set the sports car benchmark for decades, offering huge pace in all guises. Even the basic Carrera provides 345bhp and is capable of 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds; for the mighty Turbo it’s 480bhp and 3.9 seconds. Performance doesn’t get much more impressive than that. The rest of the top five is made up of sports models, but Jaguar will be pleased to see its S-Type and XF so high up. It seems these engaging saloons are providing the pace owners desire.

Anyone who thinks a car’s handling isn’t important should consider what would happen if they were forced into an emergency lane change at 70mph. A model with well honed dynamics will not only be more enjoyable to drive, but it could also save your life. The all-conquering car in this chart has redefined our expectations of what fine handling should be. Despite having a rear-mounted engine, Porsche’s 911 handles like a dream. Almost all owners awarded it the full five out of five in this category. Two Mazdas secure second and third spots, using their front-engined, rear-wheel-drive chassis to provide cornering balance at a wide range of speeds. Jaguar’s XF occupies fourth – impressive for an executive saloon.