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Performance Car of the Year 2012

Which is the best driver's car of 2012? We count them down from 10 to one

Welcome to Britain’s best Performance Car of the Year contest. Over the past 12 months, a bumper crop of fast cars has gone on sale, ranging from great-value pocket rockets to mid-engined exotics. In celebration, we’ve gathered together 10 of the best for our annual high-octane shoot-out.

We’ve rated each contender for handling on the road, performance, desirability and price, before going against the clock at the challenging Anglesey circuit in Wales.

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We've also been in search of cheap thrills with eight performance bargains and gone for a drive on the wild side in a pair of crazy racers for the road. Buckle up...

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New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP ÂŁ24,625Avg. savings ÂŁ2,261 off RRP*Used from ÂŁ13,600
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP ÂŁ18,185Avg. savings ÂŁ4,364 off RRP*Used from ÂŁ9,800
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP ÂŁ26,495Avg. savings ÂŁ2,028 off RRP*Used from ÂŁ12,500
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP ÂŁ15,255Avg. savings ÂŁ1,848 off RRP*Used from ÂŁ7,250
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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