Top Gear’s guide to: Coupes

Coupes demonstrate to others that you don’t have to be practical. It’s the slinkier alternative

What you need to know

Mind the gap

Many coupes claim to be 2+2s, but have rear seats only for small children or contortionists

Driving

Generally, a coupe will be better to drive than a saloon, but they also tend to be a bit harder

Style

The whole point of a coupe is extra style, which comes at the price of practicality

More doors

Four-door coupes look nearly as good as the real thing, but have extra doors and space

Underneath

They may be slinky, but underneath many coupes are based on standard models. Good thing

Hardcore

A sports coupe is generally stiffer than a convertible and therefore a bit better to drive

5/10

Mini

Paceman

£19,030 – £33,220

At a stretch, we can see a point to the 4WD versions, but really though, this is an unnecessary diversion. And not a very pretty one, either.

8/10

Volkswagen

Scirocco

£21,480 – £34,475

Not a marketing exercise but an awesome machine.

8/10

Toyota

GT86

£22,760 – £31,660

The simplest and most exciting Toyota in years is also a real pleasure to drive

7/10

BMW

2 Series

£24,800 – £38,105

Far better looking than the old 1 Series Coupe. Driving and owning qualities mark it out as a real BMW.

7/10

Nissan

370Z

£27,680 – £38,180

Tail-happy dynamics and a meaty V6 powerplant. Don't let the TC spoil your fun

8/10

Audi

TT Coupe

£28,595 – £51,595

A great little coupe that looks and feels sharper than ever

7/10

Audi

A5

£31,535 – £57,415

Superb design and refinement cloak a nondescript driving experience. Again.

8/10

Mercedes-Benz

C-Class Coupe

£34,700 – £78,478

A coupe that majors on comfort and luxury. Unless you go for the C63 AMG, in which case it's NUTS

6/10

Infiniti

Q60 Coupe

£33,730 – £45,980

Not the engaging sports car Infiniti insists. But it's a fine long-distance, high-tech car.

8/10

BMW

4 Series Coupe

£33,730 – £48,100

Less inviting to own than a Mercedes C-coupe, but scores points with excellent driving dynamics, a strong range, well laid-out cabin and class-best infotainment.

7/10

Ford

Mustang

£33,995

It’s not sophisticated, but it is enormously good fun. Even as a convertible

7/10

Mercedes-Benz

E-Class Coupe

£38,435 – £66,090

Looks good, lowers the heart rate and comes with some reasonably cost-effective engines. A winning combination

6/10

Lexus

RC

£38,590 – £69,065

Not all that sharp to drive but it’s comfy and striking. For some, that will be enough.

6/10

Chevrolet

Camaro

£45,000

If you’re seriously considering one, “economy“ and “practicality“ will mean nothing to you. And that’s the point. A purchase like this transcends judgment, and this one even goes round corners.

9/10

Alpine

A110

£46,645 – £51,545

A terrific car, a genuine exponent of light weight and something pleasingly different to drive

9/10

BMW

M2 Competition

£47,990 – £50,635

It really does tick a whole lot of boxes. You know you want one.

8/10

Lexus

LC

£74,470 – £88,520

Bold and beautiful: the Lexus LC is the maddest Lexus since the LFA, and backs it up with impressive dynamics for a heavy car… so long as you buy the V8, not the hybrid.