Auto Trader's top performance cars of 2009
The cars chosen have engines ranging from four to ten cylinders and with power outputs from 138bhp to 517bhp.
With a lowest top speed of 120mph and a maximum of 197mph there’s a huge performance – and price – margin between our favourites, proving once again that having fun behind the wheel isn’t just for the rich and famous.
1st Place
Lotus Evora
Over a decade is a long time to wait for an all-new model, but we can forgive Lotus when the results are this good. It might only have 276bhp but it’s also very light for a 2+2 sports car and has handling which makes everything else seem flawed in comparison.
We said:
“The chassis is taut and wonderfully balanced, allowing the driver to flick the car into bends in a manner known only to single seat race car drivers. “
Lotus Evora car review
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2nd Place
Ford Focus RS
We’ve fallen for the Focus RS in a big way. Its combination of ease-of-use and incredible handling and power are irresistible in everyday driving. Advanced front suspension makes it possible to dispatch 300bhp through just the front wheels.
We said:
“It’s an RS – and that alone will be reason for many buyers to choose one. But it also happens to be devastatingly quick on B-roads and a genuine joy to drive. Every trip to the shops will be a blast.”
Ford Focus RS car review
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3rd Place
Audi R8 V10
The R8 was Audi’s magnificent entry into the world of supercars. Now, there’s a more hardcore version, and with a Lamborghini-derived V10 producing 517bhp, it’s an even more desirable package.
We said:
“Harder, better, faster, stronger. Those words might have formed the title of dance band Daft Punk's hit single, but they could equally be applied to the new Audi R8 – the V10.”
Audi R8 V10 car review
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4th Place
Nissan GT-R
The Focus and GT-R managed to dominate motoring headlines this year. The GT-R is the ultimate showcase for Nissan, able to humble cars far more highbrow marques with its four-wheel drive and techno-fest features.
We said:
“At £50,000, nothing comes close to the GT-R in the performance stakes – in fact you'll need two or three times as much to go as quick in a car this size.”
Nissan GT-R car review
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5th Place
Porsche 911 Turbo
The latest generation of the classic Porsche model has a little more of everything. The engine is an all-new 3.8-litre with 500bhp and there’s a PDK transmission for quicker paddle-shift gear changes.
We said:
“Factor in the superb traction of the four-wheel drive system, the incredible (optional) ceramic brakes, and a raft of electronic stability, safety and suspension systems, and the Turbo remains one of the quickest ways of getting from point A to point B that there is.”
Porsche 911 Turbo car review
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6th Place
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is the great all-rounder. It might not be as exciting flat-out as the Focus RS, but it’s probably where you’d rather be on ‘normal’ journeys and it’s still fun when you put your foot down.
We said:
“Turning into the first downhill sweeping bend the Golf instantly feels alive, and after a few laps of the circuit designed to test car’s handling traits to the max, we’re sure there’s an extra precision to be found in the new set up. It feels like the Mk.5 turned up to 11.”
Volkswagen Golf GTI car review
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7th Place
Jaguar XFR
The XFR is a beautifully engineered performance saloon, and because it has been designed and built in the UK it ride and handles with real finesse on British roads.
We said:
“In our eyes the XFR goes to the top of the traditional super saloon class. It might not be as quick as the Audi RS6 in a straight line, or have the V10 of the BMW M5 – but its supercharged V8 gives it searing pace which is allowed to shine by one of the best-judged chassis we’ve ever sampled.”
Jaguar XFR car review
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8th Place
Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup
Want a car with better handling than many sports cars that costs about the same as a family hatchback? The Clio 200 Cup is very talented indeed.
We said:
“The Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup is one of the best low-cost pure drivers' car you can buy. You might miss a few creature comforts, but it'll put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.”
Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup car review
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9th Place
Porsche Panamera
Get past the marmite looks and the Panamera is a hugely impressive car. Technologically and dynamically it can transform from luxury GT to sports car depending on your mood.
We said:
“The Turbo however, is a true chameleon: quiet and comfortable (although not quite as soothing as the 4S) one moment, and awesomely potent the next.”
Porsche Panamera car review
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10th Place
Ford Fiesta Zetec-S Mountune
The standard Fiesta has such a good chassis it has been crying out for some more power. With Ford denying any possibility of an ST performance model this officially supported tuning pack from Mountune is the closest we’ll get.
We said:
“As well as giving the Fiesta a badly-needed shot of speed, the Mountune bits feel as though they help the car to breathe more freely, and it’s a genuine joy to wind the car to the redline.”
Ford Fiesta Zetec-S Mountune car review
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