Few car categories offer as much diversity in design as the sports car. They can feature a wide range of engine types and placements, varying cylinder counts, naturally aspirated or turbocharged setups, manual or automatic transmissions, and either two- or four-wheel drive. Power outputs can range from under 200bhp to over 400bhp. The possibilities are vast.
Despite their differences, all sports cars share one key trait: their primary purpose is to put the driver at the heart of the experience. This gives them a sharp focus – they must be engaging, capable, and, most importantly, fun to drive.
At their core, sports cars can be minimalist yet surprisingly comfortable; the best ones strike a balance between accessibility and character, offering the kind of pure driving experience that fuels the joy of being behind the wheel. Here, we highlight our ten favorite sports cars currently available.
Mercedes-AMG GT
On the surface, the new Mercedes-AMG GT seems more compromised than its predecessor. It's no longer a two-seater sports car, but a larger, four-seat model based on the SL. Despite this, the new GT is being aimed directly at the Porsche 911, with ambitions to be faster, more engaging, and more practical. While the foundations might not seem ideal for this goal, Mercedes-AMG has managed to make it work.
The engine is where it all starts. Mercedes' 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is a bit quieter here due to emissions regulations, but it still delivers 577bhp and 590lb ft in the top-tier GT 63. Thanks to its four-wheel drive, the new GT makes better use of this power, accelerating to 62mph in just 3.2 seconds – matching the previous Black Series model.
The engine sits within a stiffer space-frame chassis, packed with advanced electronics like rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars, and hydraulically cross-linked dampers, all working in harmony to deliver exceptional precision and capability. There's also a broader range of driving experiences, with the GT able to switch to Comfort mode for a more relaxed, everyday drive. While we haven't yet driven the new AMG GT in the UK, our early impressions suggest the 911 Turbo may have some stiff competition.
BMW M4 CS
A BMW bearing the CS badge always comes with high expectations. The CS name has been attached to some of the finest modern sports coupes and supersaloons – like the eCoty-winning M2 CS and M5 CS – cars that perfectly balance everyday usability with pure, unfiltered driving thrills, setting a standard few rivals can match.
The new M4 CS carries on this legacy, with the same level of meticulous attention to detail and purpose as its predecessors, transforming the already excellent M4 Competition into one of the most rewarding coupes on the market. Weight-saving measures such as lighter wheels, a carbon fibre bonnet, and a carbon fibre fascia inside reduce the M4 Competition's kerb weight by 15kg. But the real magic lies in the chassis. The springs are stiffer, the dampers recalibrated, and the anti-roll bar links are now uniball-jointed for more responsive handling. Additionally, peak power from the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six is bumped up to 542bhp.
The result is a highly exploitable, incredibly fast sports car. On track, equipped with Michelin Cup 2 R tyres, the CS feels poised and connected, giving the driver the confidence to carry immense speed and challenge 911s. The brakes are strong, the car turns in eagerly, and there's plenty of room to play with its balance without stepping too far out of line. While further time spent with the M4 CS on both road and track during eCoty 2024 revealed it may not elevate the driving experience quite as much as we had hoped compared to the standard car, it's still an impressive machine and highly recommendable.
Toyota GR Supra
We’ve had a love-hate relationship with the GR Supra, as it’s often fallen short due to its tricky handling and lacklustre powertrains. It’s a shame that it now seems to be off sale (at least off Toyota's website), because fewer sports cars on the market is always a loss. Plus, Toyota has been committed to improving it, smoothing out its rough edges and making it a far more compelling option.
The four-cylinder 2.0 version went some way to addressing the handling issues of the 3.0, offering a more balanced, responsive, and less twitchy driving experience. Things improved even further with the introduction of the six-speed manual for the 3.0 model – the previously over-torqued rear axle of the automatic now feels more composed, and the handling limits are more accessible, thanks to subtle tweaks to the suspension and differential.
The manual transmission also enhances driver engagement, giving the car a more old-school muscle car feel, with hints of sports car agility. It’s not perfect, but the Supra has undoubtedly improved with age and fine-tuning.
Porsche 718 Cayman
Although it’s gained a noise-restricting particulate filter and a few extra kilos, the latest 718 Cayman, especially in its six-cylinder variants, remains a stunning example of what could be considered sports car perfection.
At the top of the range sits the astonishingly visceral GT4 RS, with its GT3-derived 493bhp engine and aggressive aerodynamics, but it’s the more refined and less exhausting GT4 that we enjoy most on the road. Powered by Porsche’s naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six, it delivers 414bhp and 310lb ft of torque to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK. Both gearboxes are excellent in their own right, though the manual does feature some notably long ratios.
The lower-spec models still offer nearly as much capability, with the GTS 4.0 losing some of the GT4’s razor-sharp edge but gaining a more approachable character – not to mention a more attractive price point. Of course, if you're less concerned about the distinctive sound of the flat-six, there are the four-cylinder models. While they may feel a little flat (no pun intended), they are still torquey and, particularly in the 2.5-litre S variant, deliver impressive performance.
Alpine A110
The Alpine A110 was a remarkable debut for the revived brand when it launched in 2018, earning near-perfect scores in our review and coming just a few points shy of the top spot in that year’s eCoty. Positioned alongside rivals like Porsche's class-leading Cayman, it offers a unique driving experience thanks to its lower kerb weight and softer spring rates, making it a distinctive and highly entertaining machine.
The range now consists of four models: the base version, the GT, the S, and the track-focused R. All variants, except the standard car, feature the same 296bhp version of the 1.8-litre engine, but the GT pairs this with a more comfort-oriented setup compared to the sharper S. The A110 R takes a more extreme approach with a carbon fibre aero package and adjustable coilovers tailored for track use. In addition to these, there are a variety of special editions, often inspired by the Atelier programme for unique colours and trims. But beyond the fun of playing with the configurator, the A110 remains a brilliant sports car – one that puts you firmly at the centre of the experience, which is ultimately what it's all about.
Mazda MX-5 MY25
Believers will celebrate, and skeptics may scoff, but there’s no denying that the newly updated Mazda MX-5 delivers exceptional value as a driver’s car. The top-spec 2-litre four-cylinder engine hasn’t gained any extra power, its dimensions and weight remain unchanged, and its bodywork isn’t drastically different, but none of that really matters.
What makes the new model stand out as a great driver’s car is the combination of a revised limited-slip differential and reworked steering, alongside the Bilstein dampers and larger brakes the MX-5 has had for some time now. The result is a more refined MX-5, with just enough dynamic capability to be taken seriously, without compromising its purist ethos.
In essence, being a manual, two-seat, open-top, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive car in 2025 is enough of a rarity in itself. The fact that it weighs in at just under 1000kg makes it positively unique in today’s market. That it’s also brilliant to drive means it should definitely be on your short list. We did, placing it on the podium at eCoty 2024, alongside a McLaren...
Porsche 911 Carrera
While it may seem predictable, the Porsche 911 remains the ultimate benchmark for sports cars. Even though it now regularly comes with performance and capabilities typically reserved for supercars, it continues to set the standard that no other car can quite match.
The new 992.2 does have its compromises as a sports car, notably in terms of increased weight, cost, and larger dimensions, but once behind the wheel, there’s no mistaking that you’re in a finely engineered machine. Leaving aside the more extreme GT models, the standard Carrera still delivers an exceptional performance, even if it now comes with a price tag close to £100k.
The 911 GTS T-Hybrid hints at the potential of an electrified 911, with performance that's almost on par with the Turbo, while the upcoming 911 Carrera T promises to elevate the appeal of a more analogue driving experience. The latter is now the only non-GT 911 to offer a manual gearbox.
Lotus Emira
The first all-new Lotus in 15 years was always going to be a significant event, but has it lived up to the anticipation? Initial impressions suggest that, while there are a few rough edges to smooth out, the Emira is, on the whole, a superb sports car.
On the road, the Emira's standout qualities are its feel and flow, with the chassis and steering offering exceptional feedback about the road surface beneath. Its relatively soft suspension means there’s some body roll and pitch, even with the firmer 'Sport' specification chassis, but, true to Lotus’s tradition, it lets the car's body move naturally over challenging surfaces. On the track, however, this can lead to a lack of control.
However, it’s the supercharged V6 engine and gearbox that represent the car’s biggest drawbacks. While the engine has character, it simply doesn’t match the performance or excitement of something like the Porsche 718 GTS's. The gearbox also feels obstructive rather than engaging. The four-cylinder version is a touch smoother, but the AMG-sourced engine can feel rough and unrefined when pushed hard.
Porsche 718 Boxster
Granted, the Boxster might seem a bit too similar to the Cayman to warrant a separate mention, but the two do offer distinct differences (whether in specification or driving experience). The folding roof adds a unique touch, making the Boxster a slightly less practical, but equally enjoyable sports car.
The best part is that there’s almost no compromise in the driving experience, with perhaps only the tiniest reduction in torsional rigidity. Of course, with the roof down, we’d challenge you to notice any difference, and paired with one of the six-cylinder engines, the result is a genuine supercar-in-miniature experience, with the exhilarating intake noise just behind your head.
If the Cayman’s lack of flair is a concern, the Boxster GTS 25th Anniversary provides a stylish alternative, featuring gold accents, a red roof, and matching red interior. Far from feeling like just another variant, the Anniversary edition brings a sense of occasion that elevates the driving experience beyond what its specification might suggest.
Morgan Plus Four
The surprise contender in eCoty 2024 was the Morgan Plus Four. It might be easily dismissed as a quirky relic, but much like the MX-5, anyone who overlooks it is making a mistake. Sure, like the MX-5, it doesn’t have the raw thrills of something like a McLaren Artura, but it charms in ways that are almost foreign to the Woking brand.
With the new Dynamic Handling Pack, which includes Nitron dampers and a rear anti-roll bar, it’s a more serious, traditionally exciting drive than other Plus Fours. In short, it keeps all the delightful quirkiness and classic charm of a Morgan, with a touch more agility.
It’s not quite the underdog the MX-5 is (perhaps the £70k price tag plays a part), and the four-cylinder engine isn’t exactly exotic, but the latest Plus Four certainly deserves a spot on any sports car shortlist.