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It was going to take a special car to rob BMW's M3 coupe of back-to-back ABC crowns. Although a few contenders gave the Bavarian barnstormer some solid competition, this enormously competent car again shone in the critically weighted performance, handling and braking criteria.

M3's flexibility again impressed. This luxuriously appointed car is one in which your grandparents can tootle off down to bowls, while on the weekend you can jump in and be totally exhilarated on your favourite stretch of twisty road.

Not that it takes a twisty track to bring out the best in the BMW. The car is equally competent as a grand tourer with its wonderfully long-legged engine providing smooth, seamless, instant power and torque. And you'd go a long way to find a more glorious sounding engine. The steering is wonderfully communicative, the grip levels are confidence-inspiring and the brakes amazing.

M3 shared similar scores to its contemporaries in many criteria but edged ahead in standard features, security and innovation. It then sealed its award with the best scores where it matters: on the road.

The Mercedes Benz CLK 320 was by no means a poor second, the beautifully engineered coupe outpointing its fellow German in the areas of pricing, depreciation, warranty, safety and practicality. But it had to concede on the road.

Top 5

BMW M3 Coupe, Mercedes Benz CLK 320, Audi S4, Audi TT Quattro, HSV Coupe GTS

Previous Results
2005 - Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe Elegance
2004 - Audi S4 Sedan
2003 - BMW M3 Coupé
2002 - BMW M3
2001 - BMW M3*
(*Best Sports Car Over $56,000)
2000 - Honda S2000 *
(*Best Sports Car)