What is our car of the decade?

24. BMW M5

A 5-litre V10 engine with 507bhp is good in a supercar. But stick it in an executive saloon and you have the makings of greatness. The BMW M5 will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and reach and electronically-limited to speed of 155mph. Remove the limiter and it’s good for 205mph. Reiteration time: 205mph saloon. Nice.

View images of the Lumma modified BMW M5

23. Honda Civic Type-R

The current Honda Civic Type-R isn’t a bad car. It’s fast but a bit too firm. The problem with the new Type-R is the old Type-R – which was better. They both accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds and have top speeds of 146mph with the older model more fun to drive.

View images of the Honda Civic Type-R Championship White

22. Nissan 350Z

Forget that it was styled by a chap in Leicester and uses a Renault-sourced 3.5-litre V6 - because this is one stonking mini-muscle car from Japan.

The Nissan 350Z continues the cool Nissan Zed-car tradition with a lively rear-wheel-drive chassis and (currently) a 306bhp engine, coupled to fantastic looks.

View images of the Nissan 350Z

21. Mercedes CLK DTM AMG

It's got 582bhp. It looks like a full-on touring car racer. And it's got a soundtrack which would scare the devil himself - the CLK DTM AMG is one of the finest road-rockets ever built.

Clarkson raved about its 5.4-litre supercharged V8 - good for a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 199mph. We rave about it cos' it's hardcore.

View images of Wayne Rooney's old CLK DTM which was up for sale on Auto Trader

20. Ferrari Enzo

Built to celebrate Ferrari's first F1 world championship in the new millenium, the Enzo is one of the finest supercars - no, hypercars - the company has built.

It features a naturally-aspirated 6-litre V12 engine developing 650bhp, sprints to 62mph from rest in just 3.3 seconds and will run on to a top speed of 219mph. Easily one of the most influential Ferraris ever built, the Enzo uses F1 technology including a semi-automatic gearbox and adjustable suspension. Oh yeah, it also looks and sounds sensational.

View images of the Edo Competition modified Ferrari Enzo

2009's modified cars - gallery

19. Lotus Evora

Think this should be higher? Possibly. We reckon the Lotus Evora gets inside the top twenty thanks to how far ahead it has taken Lotus. This isn't just a knocked-up special version of the Elise, but a brand-new model mixing excellent GT qualities with track-focused trickery for a special day out.

Our dep ed Stuart Milne reckons it's probably one of the finest drivers' cars ever built, and uses a 3.5-litre Toyota V6 producing 276bhp to make sure it is blisteringly quick. 0-62mph? Five seconds. Top speed? Lotus reckons 170mph is possible...

View images of the Lotus Evora

18. Rolls Royce Phantom

Purists may have scoffed when BMW decided to make a new Rolls after taking over, but what they have produced is essentially Buckingham Palace on wheels. The Munich-manufacturer has endowed the Rolls with as much British charm as cold weather, spotted dick and losing at tennis. And football. And everything else...

You don't get a rev counter, you get a 'Power Reserve'. You don't get a loud, brash V8, you get a silky smooth 6.75-litre with as much power as David Haye's right fist - 453bhp, meaning 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds. It looks the business, is magnificently engineered and is a mark of pure excellence.

View images of the Rolls Royce Phantom

17. Renault Clio Renaultsport 200

We adore the cutesy and quirky charms of the Renaultsport Clio 200. A 200bhp 2-litre engine coupled to a stiffened and lightweight chassis equals amazing grip, non-existent body-roll and a really lively ride.

It might be a little on the harsh side, but the road-rocket nature of this hot hatch reminds us a little of Scrappy-Doo - balls bigger than its body and a determination to match. Looks superb in green too...

View images of the Renault Clip Renaultsport 200

16. Volkswagen Scirocco

This new Dub' certainly 'rocs'. The prettiest Volkswagen made in a very long time, the new Scirocco blends hot-hatch driving qualities with swooping, menacing looks and a superb range of engines.

VW recently announced the hottest version yet - the Volkswagen Scirocco R - which gets 261bhp thanks to the reworked 2-litre turbocharged engine, which should give the tub-thumping Ford Focus RS something to chew on. You get excellent build quality, space for four, a superb DSG semi-automatic gearbox and a genuinely desirably VW that isn't a Golf GTI. Sort of.

View images of the Volkswagen Scirocco R

15. Aston Martin V12 Vantage

When the standard Vantage was released, it was hailed as one of the prettiest supercars ever built, complete with a driving involvement and soundtrack to match. Sadly however, the 4.3-litre Jaguar V8 wasn't quite up to the task, so Aston took it back to the lab and promptly slotted in the most powerful engine it builds.

The new Vantage uses a 6-litre V12 engine producing an epic 510bhp and 420lb/ft of pulling power, which equals a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds and a 190mph top speed. Together with the extra bodykit the V12 gets over the standard car, we think this - just behind the new One-77 - is one of the greatest Aston Martins in history.

View images of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage

View images of the Aston Martin One-77 at Salon Prive

14. BMW M3 CSL

One of Auto Trader's favourite super-coupes in existence, the BMW M3 CSL (E46 gen) takes all the cracking bits from the standard E46 BMW M3 - a 3.2-litre straight six, fantastic handling prowess and excellent build quality - and turns everything up a notch.

The power from that snarling straight-six jumps from 343bhp to 360bhp, the suspension is revamped, the steering rack is quicker, the brakes are upgraded and the auto box shifts three times faster than a six-speed manual. Combined with gorgeous new 19-inch rims, a stripped-out interior and a more aggressive bodykit, the BMW M3 CSL is a superb driver's car.

View images of the BMW M3 CSL

13. Ford Mondeo

Ok, how a Ford Mondeo trumps a 360bhp M3 CSL is a matter of debate, but the importance of Ford's all-conquering model cannot be overlooked. It is one of the best-selling family cars in history and is possibly every car you will ever need.

It is offered with a range of outstanding engines, provides excellent road manners - for having fun or for the supermarket sweep - and is impeccably built. And new Bond Daniel Craig drives one in Casino Royale. If it's good enough for the greatest spy in the world...

View images of the Ford Mondeo Econetic Titanium

12. Skoda Superb

Skoda has come an enormously long-way since being the butt of jokes in days of old. The Superb boasts more space than a Ford Mondeo, is cheaper than a Mercedes-Benz C Class and is built - we think - like a BMW.

Sure, the design is a 'little' challenging, but we think its distinctive looks and understated charm go a long way in helping the Superb's image. Throw in its excellent chassis and 'Superb' interior quality, and you have a cracking family car which really won't break the bank.

View images of the Skoda Superb

11. Range Rover

It practically invented the SUV class and has been going strong since the 1970s - little wonder it is the doyen of millions across the globe, from land owners through to celebrity footballers.

Combining genuine off-road ability - unlike some other 'Chelsea Tractors' - with a superb-crafted cosseting interior more special than a Mercedes, the traditional Range Rover is a brilliant SUV. It's image doesn't scream, it's build quality is legendary and it puts a smile on your face every time you turn the key.

View images of Adebayor's customised Range Rover and other Man City players' cars

10. Mini

BMW has a habit of knocking out sensational cars us Brits simply adore, like its 3 Series (more on that later) through to the Rolls-Royce Phantom. But none has the cheeky appeal of this - their take on our classic Mini.

It's not really 'Mini' anymore, and now competes with superminis like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, but for sheer badge appeal, driving dynamics and build quality, you'll be hard pressed to get anything better. And this thing doesn't even need salesmen - just rock up to a dealer who, most likely, will ask what colour as you sign away to an entertaining little drive.

View images of the 500bhp modified Mini

2009's motorshow stars - gallery

9. Jaguar XF

No other Jaguar since the E-Type has caused quite as much fuss as this - Jaguar's sparkling fresh new saloon. It's roomier than rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, boasts one of the very best executive car interiors money can buy and is offered with a range of outstanding engines, including a 5-litre supercharged V8 with 470bhp.

The Jag XF boasts impeccable road manners meaning a B-road blast or a motorway commute are effortless, and it exudes class and character which this segment sorely needs. A fantastic car.

View images of the Jaguar XFR

8. Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk VI)

The best all-round car in the world? Quite possibly. The Golf GTI has had a tumultuous life since it took its first breath in the 1970s, going through the awkward and bloated mid-life crisis.

But this new generation definitely takes it thrashing straight into its naughty forties. The suspension, engine and drivetrain are superb, offering just enough excitement and bags of practicality to warrant a go-anywhere moniker. It looks sharp, feels sharp, is built like a bullet train and is discreet enough for the golf club and cool enough for the night-club.

View images of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI

7. Ford Focus

It had to be in the top ten - simply because it has been the UK's best-selling car for the last-ten years since it launched. Replacing the humble Escort with something thoroughly modern, the Ford Focus has now become a fantastic little family hatch offering up excellent price value without sacrificing handling, speed, refinement and fun.

Offered in as simple a guise as a lowly diesel to the barn-storming 300bhp RS edition, the Focus is one of the greatest cars ever built. End of.

View images of the Ford Focus RS

6. BMW 3 Series

The car which famously outsold the previous generation Ford Mondeo and which has become the benchmark for success in the small family car market, the BMW 3 Series is excellent at everything - handling, engines, build quality and (importantly), badge snobbery.

Forget what people might say about 'there being too many 3-ers on the road' - get one, and you'll feel like you own a quality product. OK, so practicality and interior space can't match the Mondeo, but the Mondeo isn't this great to drive. And it comes with a raft of award-winning engines including a 3-litre twin turbo petrol, and the amazing V8 in the new M3.

View images of the modified BMW M3 'Darth Maul'

5. Audi R8

No other brand new supercar has stepped up to the proverbial plate and knocked the ball right out of the park - on its first hit. The Audi R8 is the Ingolstadt firm's first ever supercar, and simply rewrites the rules on how supercars shoud behave and make you feel.

It looks better than a Porsche 911, is more exclusive than a Ferrari, has the interior quality Audi is famous for and boasts a magnificent chassis which is effortless and precise. And the new 5.2-litre V10 engined Audi R8 is possibly the only supercar you'll ever need.

View images of the V10-powered Audi R8

4. Toyota Prius

We might have had pretenders to the crown - such as Honda's Insight - but the Toyota Prius is arguably the most iconic 'green' car of the 21st century.

Think hybrid, and the Prius immediately springs to mind. It's the doyen of Hollywood's elite (despite many of them concurrently owning muscle cars, but whatever), boasts an electric motor and a small 1.8-litre petrol engine. It might struggle to deliver its claimed 72.4mpg, but it certainly returns a lot, and it only emits 89.6g/km of carbon dioxide which is, frankly, astonishing.

It might also look like an uninspired box on wheels, but for sheer iconic impact, you can't beat it.

View images of the Toyota Prius

3. Ford Fiesta

We reckon this latest incarnation of Ford's venerable little Fiesta supermini should keep Britain motoring into the next decade, because it's brilliant.

No other supermini combines a modern, fresh interior with a funky exterior bodyshape, a range of fantastic eco-friendly engines and affordable prices.

It drives brilliantly, offers a central dash shaped like a mobile phone, is great to drive and looks the business. Plus, the cheapest one only costs £8,695 - how's that for value?

View images of the Ford Fiesta ST185 Mountune

2. Nissan GT-R

This is the big one, because Godzilla has most definitely returned.

The GT-R is the world's hardest, fastest and most technologically advanced car Nissan has ever produced and has given a bloody nose to every single one of the world's supercars - all for just £52,995.

Most notably, it gave the Porsche 911 Turbo - a £100,000 elite supercar - a thrashing around the Nurburgring.

It was part designed by the man responsible for seminal driving simulator Gran Turismo, and as such offers a down-to-earth appeal no other car can match. It sprints from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds and will rocket on to a top speed of 200mph from it's twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine, and you can minutely adjust the car's settings to your exacting standards. Throw in a bit more time, and it will probably set your microwave clock for you too...

Forget the overpriced £125,000 Spec V - the standard Nissan GT-R is quite simply one of the best cars produced this century.

View images of the Nissan GT-R

1. Bugatti Veyron

It had to be really, didn't it?

Volkswagen's ambition to produce the fastest car on earth was met with derision from most corners, and it's fair to say that announcing you will build a car capable of phenomenal speeds is subject to any measure of criticism.

But slowly, bit by bit, the rumours started to bear fruit. The Veyron's gearbox took fifty engineers five years to perfect; the engine housed more radiators than most houses; the brakes were of epic proportions; the price tag would hover near £1 million.

And in 2005, in front of the world's baying audience, the Bugatti Veyron was born.

A car which featured a 16-cylinder 8-litre W16 engine producing - and bear in mind no other production car had done this - 1,001bhp. Many reviewers found individual Veyrons would produce in excess of that power figure...

It sprinted to 62mph from dead in just 2.5 seconds via a complex four-wheel-drive system and topped out at a then record-breaking 253mph. Even today, the Veyron is still the world's second fastest car, and few can match it's engineering and build quality. Simply put, it's a bona-fide hypercar which will never break down, and is the pinnacle of current automotive engineering.

This is our car of the decade because it is the best engineered and most iconic motor produced in the last ten years.

Jenson Button used to own a Veyron which went up for sale on Auto Trader - view the images here

Video: What happens when a Veyron meets a saltwater lake? Car-nage: