01 Dec 08
7. Porsche Boxster
It's hard to beat a Boxster, and like the new Cayman it gets a power hike and the option of the PDK double-clutch sequential-shift gearbox. The 2.7-litre engine has been enlarged to 2.9-litres, with a 10bhp boost upping it to 255bhp. The 3.4-litre in the Boxster S gets 15bhp more (now 310bhp) and direct fuel injection. When fitted with the seven-speed PDK transmission and optional Launch Control function, the Boxster S can accelerate 0-62mph in five seconds.
Sales start in the UK on February 21st, with prices from £34,420 (Boxster) and £41,250 (Boxster S); the PDK transmission is a £1,961 upgrade.
8. Toyota iQ
Small is clever, says Toyota; the iQ is less than 3m long, but still provides enough space for three adults. A fourth seat can either be used for a child, or folded flat to make space for luggage.
Basically it's a Smart rival with a couple of extra seats. It's not super-cheap to buy - prices start from a hefty £10,495 - but it will be cheap to run. Its 1.0-litre engine returns 67.2mpg and emits just 99g/km, qualifying for Band A annual vehicle excise duty - free. Options include an auto gearbox, and a 1.3-litre petrol engine with stop-start will join the range mid-year.
Sure, there's no real boot-space, but it is more practical than the Smart Fortwo. A touch of Tokyo urban chic, then - though the Aygo is only a little larger, and it's also less expensive.
