BMW M3

Although the BMW M3 name usually conjures up images of the sharp two-door coupé, BMW also makes a four-door saloon version and it's a veritable bargain in this company. Only the left-field Vauxhall undercuts the £49,000 sticker price, though that's not to say that the M3 loses much in transformation from coupé to saloon. Other than the desirable carbon fibre roof that is.

All the performance you would ever want is intact, even if it is overshadowed in the barroom debate stakes by the formidable AMG Mercedes. Where the M3 scores perhaps more than any of the other cars here is in its ability to involve the driver in the experience. That does mean, however, that it requires a decent driver to extract the most from this BMW. It's worth the effort though.

Monday February 4