09 Jun 09
Mini (1959-2000)
Forget the Mini's innovative packaging and its swinging 60s celebrity fan-base. In the right conditions, the Mini can be an absolute riot to drive.
Best experienced in sporty Cooper form, the Mini needs to be worked hard just to keep up with the traffic, but you'll forgive this because of the way it engages with you and eggs you on to push harder and harder.
It feels like nothing else and a typical modern car will feel anaesthetised after it - but whatever you do don't buy one. Then you would have to live with its bus-like mounted steering wheel, its whiny transmission and wheezy old A-series. The original Mini is best experienced in short intense experiences.
Nissan GT-R (2009-)
How could we not include the most recent Nissan GT-R?
Sure, it doesn't have the raw appeal of a 911 GT3 or even an exotic badge, but in real-world conditions the GT-R could be the most complete performance car we've ever driven.
Whereas the old Skyline GT-R challenged the very fastest GTs, the new GT-R terrifies the supercar brigade with its 3.5 second 0-62mph time and its stunning 193mph top speed.
But the most impressive part is how the GT-R's performance is open to drivers of all talent. With its way of balancing torque where it's needed and its new dual clutch transmission offering blink-of-an-eye gearchanges, you'll find yourself covering ground faster than you ever imagined and still feel it's you, not the car, holding back.
And how many other supercars would you happily pop down to the garden centre in?
