Audi R8

Since the Audi R8 arrived, suddenly the Porsche 911 isn’t the default-choice for an everyday supercar. The best thing Audi has produced since the original Quattro.

• Comfort

  Surprisingly for a car with such high performance the R8 is remarkably easy to get on with. Quiet when you're not flooring it, great vision and surprisingly super-comfy seats. It is low though, so watch out for that dodgy hip.

  

• Performance

  The new V12 TDI might have been in the news, but the 4.2-litre V8 in the R8 (and lifted from the RS4) is simply a beaut. Dry-sumped to sit low, the 414bhp motor kicks the R8 to 62mph in 4.2 seconds and whips up to 187mph. Best of all? These figures feel achievable in the real world.

  

• Cool

  Almost beyond reason. It is relatively cheap at £78k though, so be prepared for that to change once the chavs get hold of it.

  

• Quality

  The best, but you will notice some borrowed bits from other Audi product. Not a huge issue.

  

• Handling

  Sublime. Even though the R8 is four-wheel drive most of the power is directed to the back wheels, making this a real driver's car. There's adjustability off the throttle and a real sense that this is a car that has been developed until it bled.

  

• Practicality

  Again, surprisingly for such a fast car, the boot is pretty big and the vision excellent. You could live with this car in the same way as people do with a 911 - and that's a very big compliment.

  

• Running costs

  Supercar. Group 20 insurance, low teens mpg if you drive... um... as the R8 wants to. No premiums on second hand versions anymore, but residuals are as hard as unobtanium.