Ferrari F430

An astonishing bit of kit, the Ferrari F430 is proof that the prancing horse’s well-worn path through Formula 1 is paying dividends. This is a blisteringly fast and stonkingly hi-tech bit of kit, made all the more so by the uncompromising, and uncompromisingly pricey, Scuderia.

• Comfort

  The F430 is entirely useable day-to-day. It rides firmly but well, and is totally tractable in all traffic conditions. Gone are the days of kangarooing through rush hour with a sweaty brow and aching clutch foot.

  

• Performance

  What can you say? There is virtually nothing to touch the F430, particularly the Scuderia, in the performance stakes. Gear changes are so fast it's more of a thought than a deed, and there's almost always more power than there is road.

  

• Cool

  Sadly no. The F430 is footballer spec motoring, and there's nothing cool about that. To make matters worse, it's the default choice for lottery winners (alongside the Lamborghini Gallardo).

  

• Quality

  The F430 is remarkably well made, moving the game on from the 360 Modena that earned the reputation as the first ‘day-to-day' Ferrari. Get it, turn it on, forget about it.

  

• Handling

  There are few cars on sale that handle with the deftness and accuracy of the F430. It's ‘manettino' traction settings also make it as safe or as wild as conditions and driver can tolerate.

  

• Practicality

  No mid-engine supercar is going to be terribly practical and the F430 is no exception. You can see out of it all right, and it'll cope fine with urban crawls, but your clobber and your kids will either have to stay home or follow later with the missus in the Corolla.

  

• Running costs

  There are a few. Expect your first insurance quote to greet you like a kick in the crown jewels, and anticipate being on first name terms with the guys running your local petrol station.