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2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
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BMW M3
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BMW's M3 is the star of the upper sports class, bagging the highest possible rating in nine of the 18 areas of assessment. While competition is tight, M3 achieves its top scores in every one of the criteria weighted either high or critical. Buyers in this class expect cars to be innovative, well-engineered, go and stop hard, and handle sharply. The accomplished M3 does all this with aplomb, providing plenty of driving enjoyment in the process. The BMW shines from the moment the driver hops into the car. The seats are comfortable and supportive; the cabin ergonomics spot-on and the build quality top-notch. There's loads of equipment, including eight airbags, ABC, traction control, 18-inch alloys, leather sports seats, climate control, anti-theft system, on-board TV and six-stack CD. But with M3, it's what happens once you turn the key that really matters. The 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine's flexibility is tremendous. It generates mountains of torque (peaking at 345Nm), 80% of it from 2000rpm, where it really matters. Sharp throttle response and rapid acceleration are highlights, but it's quite happy to cruise along too. Working the manual gearbox is a pleasure. (A sequential gearbox is available at no extra cost.) Beautiful chassis balance, bear-like grip and strong, progressive brakes complete a dynamic, well-rounded sports package. Quite simply, it is a pleasure to drive. BMW also takes out second place with its M5, scoring maximum ratings in features, safety, security, comfort, space, build quality, braking, and smoothness/quietness. But it can't match its sibling on price, ergonomics, fuel efficiency, performance or handling. The third-placed Porsche Boxster S also is a classy piece of work on the road. It scores it highest ratings in retained value, build quality, handling and braking. However, it can't top the pair of BMWs in enough critical areas to take the prize.
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