Performance Car Of The Year 2011 30-24

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83635","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]30. Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf£25,510 | 150mph | 0-62 in 6.8secs | 235bhp

Few brands have a competition heritage to match Alfa Romeo, and the standard Giulietta is one of the most eye-catching family hatches money can buy. The Cloverleaf adds even more dramatic looks and exhilarating performance. Why didn’t it finish higher in our countdown? Well, its chassis lacks the dynamic polish of the very best cars in the class, but few of its rivals will get as much attention.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83636","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]29. Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring£22,295 | 143mph | 0-62 in 6.5secs | 202bhp

A sticker of the Nurburgring circuit map is a badge of honour for driving enthusiasts – but the hot Corsa goes slightly further than that... The Nurburgring Edition takes the standard VXR and adds more power, a limited-slip differential, lowered suspension and a sports exhaust. Beefed-up looks complete the picture. The result is the most powerful Corsa ever, and a true pocket rocket.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83637","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]28. VW Polo GTI£18,795 | 142mph | 0-62 in 6.9secs | 178bhp

The hottest Polo of them all has always lived in the shadow of its Golf stablemate, but the new model gets closer than any of its predecessors to matching the hot hatch legend. Its clever 1.4-litre engine is one of its key strengths, as it uses a supercharger and a turbocharger to boost the output to 178bhp. You also get a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Performance is predictably impressive, while details like its telephone-dial alloy wheels and tartan seat fabric ensure the Polo has all of the hot hatch trimmings. It doesn’t have the fun factor of rivals, but the Polo is a great everyday choice.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83638","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]27. Subaru WRX STi saloon£32,995 | 158mph | 0-62 in 5.2secs | 296bhp

Subarus have racked up numerous appearances in our annual Performance Car Of The Year showdown. The latest saloon didn’t make it into the top 10 shoot-out in Anglesey, but it’s still one of the most potent models to hit showrooms in the last year. Its turbocharged performance and all-wheel-drive traction deliver a confidence-inspiring drive – and we think the STi wears its four-door body well.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83639","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]26. Ariel Atom V8£124,850 | 170mph | 0-62 in 2.3secs | 475bhp

One word describes the Atom V8: bonkers. The two-seater weighs only 550kg, yet its V8 produces 475bhp. That gives a power-to-weight ratio of 864bhp per tonne – twice as much as a Bugatti Veyron. Driving one is a spine-tingling experience, as it blitzes from 0-62mph in 2.3 seconds, but the delights of the fastest-ever Atom are destined to be reserved for only 25 well heeled buyers.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83640","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"84","width":"127"}}]]25. Abarth 500C Esseesse£17,500 | 127mph | 0-62 in 7.9secs | 160bhp

Compact dimensions, manic performance and bags of character are all vital ingredients for a hot hatch – so the tuned Abarth 500C doesn’t disappoint. In Esseesse trim, its turbocharged 1.4-litre engine produces 160bhp. Its lively exhaust note, which pops and bangs on the overrun, is perfectly suited to the city car, and when you retract its fabric roof, the extra noise really adds to the experience.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_half_width","fid":"83641","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"85","width":"127"}}]]24. Bentley Continental GT£135,760 | 198mph | 0-62 in 4.4secs | 567bhp

If you like big numbers, you’ll love the latest Bentley Continental GT. Its 6.0-litre W12 engine produces 567bhp and 700Nm of torque. And it’s responsible for one very low number, as the blast from 0-62mph in the four-wheel-drive coupe takes only 4.4 seconds. The latest GT isn’t purely about pace, though, as its chassis has a sharper edge than before and its ceramic brakes provide awesome stopping power – a good job considering it can hit 198mph. Better still, you can enjoy all of this performance in leather-lined luxury. The latest model looks similar to its predecessor, but its exterior is all-new and hides a raft of updates. When it comes to big numbers, though, don’t forget the price... as the Bentley costs a whopping £135,760