What Is It With New SUVs With Stupid Names And Horrible Designs?

The SUV as a concept has been around a long time. Range Rover invented it and still makes the best one, with the best name, but some newcomers look daft and have awful names.

Range Rover Evoque convertible (photoshop)

A pure SUV remains a reasonably sensible car but generally one that is compromised if it isn't actually used off road, although for sheer presence as well as cruising capability, refinement and luxury the Range Rover still beats an S-Class, A8, 7-Series or even XJ.

What was once a niche is now mainstream and has spliced into various niches - the crossover is not quite SUV/not quite car but a combination of the two. I'm tended not to like the concept but a) I'm buying one (a Volvo XC60) and b) the Porsche Macan is a crossover and it's brilliant.

The SUV coupe is an SUV with a fastback rear end and is thoroughly horrible. They drive well enough but the very idea is just wrong. Car enthusiasts with taste hate them but rich, tasteless customers buy them in their droves - along with chunky gold jewellery, bejewelled bum bags (fanny packs if you're American) and white trousers.

And then we come to the SUV convertible and the forthcoming Range Rover Evoque cabriolet. Oh dear me. The Evoque is a tidy little car, I'd have leased one but the XC60 deals were much cheaper, but as a cabriolet? No way, Hosé.

Just recently a splurge of SUVs have been announced and each one has something stupid about it.

A Bentley SUV was always going to be inevitable and its looks were always going to be big, brash, brazen and not exactly subtle but why, oh why has Bentley called it the Bentayga? (They have, it's official). It takes only a little imagination and the mind of a child (99% of the male population) to work out the unfortunate anagrams available from Bentayga. The pic, by the way, is a photoshop but a pretty accurate one.

Bentley Bentayga - photoshop

Maserati has given its new SUV a pretty stupid name too - it's called the Levante. Levante is East in Spanish - really, Maserati? It will be based on the Kubang concept, which was a nasty looking SUV/crossover/coupe.

Maserati Kubang concept

Jaguar's crossover is called the F-Pace. It looks great but what the hell is that name all about?

And then we get the the grand-daddy of stupid SUVs, the BMW X6, an idiotic leviathan of a thing that has spawned both the horrible X4 and the dreadful Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé - this is a press photo, not a photoshop

Hyundai has also joined the fray. At the Detroit Motor Show they've just revealed the Santa Cruz, a five seat SUV pickup. Yep, another niche.

Hyundai Santa Cruz concept

Amidst all this stupid nomenclature, obnoxious design and general buffoonery Volvo flies the flag for sensible naming and classy lines. Thank goodness for that. The new XC90 is fab. Well done, Volvo.

2015 Volvo XC90

By Matt Hubbard

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Maserati Ghibli Diesel Review

Matt Hubbard drives the Maserati Ghibli Diesel

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

In 2013 Maserati stated that it wanted to sell 50,000 cars a year. This seemed fantastical for a company who's models started at £80k and had only shifted a shade over 2,000 units in 2012.

But they had a plan. Building on the GranTurismo/Cabrio, a gorgeous coupe/convertible, and  Quattroporte, a vast executive saloon, the company launched the Ghibli, a smaller, more affordable saloon.

The Ghibli sold well and in October Maserati announced it was on course to sell more than 35,000 cars in 2014 with a view to reaching 50k in 2015 and on to a targeted 75,000 by 2018.

In 2015 we'll see the company's first SUV, the Levant, and in 2016 the Alfieri concept will be available to purchase. Beyond that the GranTurismo will be revised. The Ghibli will remain the company's baby - no more smaller, cheaper Maseratis are planned.

To hold up its side of the bargain the Ghibli has to be very good to compete against the Jaguar XF, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5-series.  At £50k it commands a price premium over all three to the tune of around £8k. Scratch that - it has to be very, very good.

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

The Ghibli is a four door saloon but it's a cracking looking one, all stylish curves and swoopy lines in just the right places. I think as a piece of art it works although some Speedmonkey readers said it looks too restrained, too conservative when they saw my photos.

This wasn't helped by the fact the test car was white. The first Ghibli in the UK, shown at Goodwood 2013, was painted metallic bronze, a colour which highlighted the car's contours much more than plain old white.

Step inside and the Ghibli is one of the more stylish executive cars on the market. I'm a huge fan of the Jag XF's effortless luxury and the Audi's sheer class but the Ghibli adds a touch of Italian style with some glorious brushed aluminium trim highlighting a clean, clear and functional interior.

You'll be disappointed when you look too close though. Some of the materials used are not what you'd expect in a £50k car.  In particular some of the leather, especially on the doors and dash top, doesn't look or feel like fine Italian leather, and the wood effect plastic on the centre console is pretty poor.

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

This is a shame because Maserati is more than capable of crafting some of the best interiors in the business - that in the GranTurismo is amazingly good.

The infoscreen is a good one. It's a touchscreen with just two physical knobs. It's fast, intuitive and controls the entertainment system, satnav, climate and a few other systems.

The satnav is acceptable although I'd have liked to see more trip data available. The entertainment features cover FM, DAB digital radio, CD, USB and bluetooth - all of which are easy to control.  The sound system is fine although I have heard a better quality of sound from some slightly cheaper cars.

My only grumble about the infoscreen is that I'd like to see a standalone button to access the heated seats, just as Porsche has done in the Macan.

There's a load of storage space in the cabin. The door pockets and glovebox are of a decent size and you get three compartments around the gearlever - a pair of cupholders next to the 'stick, a phone storage area with USB recessed in the bottom behind the 'stick and a big box under the armrest (with another cupholder inside).

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

The phone/USB space is not well designed. Charge a phone via the USB and the USB plug and associated cable prevents the phone sitting in it without flopping around all over the pace.

The seating position and chair is wonderfully comfortable and relaxed. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable and the seat has plenty of adjustment (although not as much as the XF) but it takes just a few seconds to get comfortable.

There's only one stalk, on the left, which controls indicators, wipers and lights. It takes 30 seconds for everything to become second nature.

The cruise control and menu selectors on the steering wheel are too small and fiddly. They are relied on for quite a few functions and should have been slightly easier to nonchalantly flick up or down whilst on the go. Instead you have to check that you have actually pressed up or down.

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

The gear selector paddles are big, chunky aluminium items and feel great but they are mounted on the column, rather than the wheel itself, and get in the way of the indictor/lights stalk. You'll find the same paddles in the GranTurismo and similar in the Ferrari 458.

Any criticisms of the cabin melt into the background when you fire the engine up and drive the Ghibli.  Any brownie points lost are quickly regained when the diesel engine is fired up and you realise it doesn't sound like an oil burner.

Maserati's engineers have done a wonderful job of tuning the note from the engine and the exhaust. It sounds like a particularly deep and throaty twin cylinder motorcycle engine - up to 4,200rpm. Check out my video for proof.

The diesel's trump card, though, is its masses of oomph. Oomph is a technical term which means a healthy dose of horsepower and a gargantuan helping of full-fat torque.

The standard-issue 8-speed ZF gearbox transfers this oomph fluidly to the road so power is available, after a small initial hesitation, from 0 to a limited 155mph with nary a hint of let-up.

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

Add a sharp corner into the equation and traction will be lost, and the resulting slide will be easily controlled by the Ghibli's finely balanced steering until such point as the traction control grumpily intervenes to spoil the party and save on an insurance claim.

Despite weighing 1,830kg the Ghibli Diesel displays a finesse around corners more suited to a lower, lighter car. Its light steering and easy access to power make flowing roads a delightful playground for those who like to drive their car rather than just be conveyed in it.

The only disappointment in the driving experience is the brakes which have lots of stopping power but not much in the way of feel.

I drove more than 300 miles in the car and achieved around 30mpg. It's a cracking cruiser on the motorway, with not much noise intruding into the cabin. The cruise control is not adaptive but the lights and wipers are automatic.

If you have a budget of £50,000 you may seriously consider the Maserati Ghibli Diesel. It is more stylish than the competition and the brand is arguably more exclusive than any of Audi, Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar.

As for the day to day living with and driving experience I imagine any one of the Germans or the British car would be easier to get on with and just more pleasant to spend commuting time in.

But if you value image, style, a ton of oomph and the pleasure of driving you won't be disappointed if you plump for the Italian. The Ghibli is a flawed but fundamentally fine car.

Stats: 

Price - £49,160 

Engine - 3-litre, V6, turbocharged diesel 

Transmission - 8-speed ZF automatic 

0-62mph - 6.3 seconds 

Top speed - 155mph 

Power - 275hp 

Torque - 443lb ft/600Nm 

Economy - 47.9mpg 

CO2 - 158g/km 

Kerb weight - 1,830kg 

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

By Matt Hubbard

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Maserati Ghibli First Drive Review

I'm running a Maserati Ghibli Diesel for a few days. Here's my first drive review

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

The first time a Maserati Ghibli landed on British soil was at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. I was there and had a peak around it. It was a glorious looking thing, especially in bronze paint with the tan interior.

A year or so later and I've finally driven a Ghibli. Unfortunately the test car comes in white with a black interior. It's still a handsome car but white dulls its curves somewhat and the black isn't as flattering to some of the materials as tan.

And curves it has. Some designers put curves here, there and everywhere in order to define the brand and make a name for themselves - not always successfully. The Ghibli's curves are inherited from the larger Quattroporte and work better in the smaller car. As far as exterior design is concerned it's a resounding success.

Talking of the Quattroporte this is the first time in Maserati's history that it's offered two saloons at the same time.

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

Another more well known fact is that from 1967 to 1973 the Ghibli name adorned a 2-door coupe that rivalled the Ferrari Daytona. Then from 1992 to 1997 Ghibli was revived for another coupe, much squarer this time, so technically the latest car is the Maserati Ghibli Mk3.

The Ghibli is spacious inside and has a load of cubby holes in the front, large rear seats with lots of legroom and a huge boot, and 60/40 split seats.  It also has several cupholders and a great infotainment system. It's quite a practical, sensible car.

The chassis is brilliant. The steering is damn fine for a car that weighs 1,830kg, it provides good feel and allows for a crisp turn in and good grip through corners.  Being rear wheel drive you can feel the rear pushing out ever so slightly, and the traction control allows a degree of slippage before reigning things in.

It's softly sprung and the ride is lovely and smooth over most road surfaces although you do get a bit of a crash if you hit a speed bump too fast.

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

All round the Ghibli is a fine car but it does have some let downs, and they're all to do with the interior.  The design is gorgeous - swooshing lines in all the right places and some of the details are great, such as the brushed aluminium door handles.  The material that covers the headlining and pillars is soft and much nicer than you get from the Germans, although it's not as good as the Alcantara you'll find in a Jaguar XF.

But some of the materials used are not what you'd expect in a £50k car.  The dash top and trim on the doors is leather, I think (it could be fake leather like Mercedes' Artico which you'll find in some premium models), but the grain doesn't look very good. I never noticed it in the tan car so can only conclude it shows up more in black.

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

The 'wood' trim on the centre console is obviously plastic, which does the Ghibli a disservice because Maserati could have spent just a little more on something that looks and feels better.

Elsewhere the aluminium around the info screen, on the gear paddles and around the air vents and on the doors is properly lush.  It really is a car of contrasts.

And then we come to the engine. It's a diesel. In a Maserati.

But it's a good one, in fact it's a great one. At idle it sounds like a diesel but push the throttle and it sounds like a throbbing twin cylinder motorcycle engine, which is a good thing.  It's got lots of power too, 275hp and a mighty 443b ft of torque.

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

In fact the Ghibli Diesel is a fast car, really fast. 0-62 in 6.3 seconds doesn't tell the whole story, all that torque pushes it along on a wave of oomph anywhere in the rev range.

I'll publish a full review once I've put a few miles on it and given the Ghibli back.

Stats:

Price - £49,160
Engine - 3-litre, V6, turbocharged diesel
Transmission - 8-speed ZF automatic
0-62mph - 6.3 seconds
Top speed - 155mph
Power - 275hp
Torque - 443lb ft/600Nm
Economy - 47.9mpg
CO2 - 158g/km
Kerb weight - 1,830kg

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

By Matt Hubbard

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10 Motoring Anniversaries in 2014

The current year has certainly been buzzing with anniversaries from the motoring world. Seemingly every other day, a manufacturer has inflated the party balloons, wrapped the presents and indulged in too much birthday cake. Gather round, light the candles and get ready to sing, for here is a list of ten vehicles and manufacturers celebrating an anniversary in 2014.

Vauxhall VXR - 10 Years

Vauxhall's VXR range has become synonymous with epic performance and giant slaying capabilities. The Australian Commodore badge engineered Monaro became the stuff of legends, outperforming many major German premium offerings. All of this began in 2004 though, with the upgraded Vauxhall VX220, the VXR220. Ever since, the UK has been offered the likes of the Astra VXR, Corsa VXR, Zafira VXR, Insignia VXR, Vectra VXR, Monaro VXR and the VXR8 to list a few. An exciting future still lies ahead for the Vauxhall brand.

Mazda MX5 - 25 Years

Mazda's MX5 has always enjoyed affection from the motoring press and owners alike. Providing superb handling at a relative bargain, the little Japanese sports car has definitely made a hefty impact on our shores. Launched back in 1989, the cute little sports car caught the world's imagination with the inclusion of quirky pop-up headlights, amongst other traits. Many would go so far as proclaim the MX5 as providing the thrills of a true British sports car.

Land Rover Discovery - 25 Years

Also born in 1989 was a best-seller from Land Rover. Originally based on the contemporary Range Rover, albeit at a lower spec and price, the Discovery was designed to compete with many Japanese offerings at the time; i.e the Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero. Ever since though, the Discovery has sold tremendously worldwide and became one of the best off-roaders that money could buy. The modern equivalent appears increasingly upmarket as the years progressed, however be sure that the current ownership will take this model to new and greater heights.

Seat Ibiza - 25 Years

Quite frankly, the saviour for the Seat brand, who had previously only really offered rebadged Fiat technology. The Seat Ibiza sold strongly due to its Porsche engineered engine. Originally a unit destined for the Volkswagen Golf, the brand was coincidentally later commandeered by the Volkswagen Group. Hence all future models were based upon the contemporary Polo. Ever since, the Ibiza has become Seat's best-selling model, vaguely keeping the Spanish Catalan state afloat financially. Cupra models have continued to excite the motoring world throughout each generation, leaving high hopes for the brand's future.

Peugeot GTI - 30 Years

In 1984, Peugeot created a monster. One of the pioneers of the traditional hot hatch was born, and what a marvellous piece of technology it was. Even 30 years on, teenagers still lust after an original 205 GTI on equal levels to the rivalling Golf GTI. Peugeot had a few greatest hits with the 309 GTI and 106 GTI. For years though, the GTI label has remained little more than a trim level, with lacklustre offerings in the form of the 206 and 207 GTI. Worry not, for the spirit is back with the 208 GTI, which finally handles like a true Peugeot GTI should.

Mitsubishi - 40 Years

Believe it or not, the Mitsubishi brand has existed in the UK now for 40 years. With such famous models as the Colt, Galant, Shogun/Pajero and Lancer, Britain has received the Japanese brand well. Most associate the brand with the Lancer Evo series, which took the rally driving scene by storm with its heated rival, the Subaru Impreza.

Ssangyong - 60 Years

The Korean brand which no one seems to know how to pronounce is now 60 years old. Launched in 1954, the brand manufactured army jeeps and trucks for many years. British consumers only became aware of the brand in the early 90's, following a partnership with Daimler-Benz which created the Ssangyong Musso. Ever since, the brand has earned a reputation for quite questionable styling. Despite the obscure offerings, the brand continues to grow and offers competitive off-road and MPV vehicles.

MG - 90 Years

Of course, MG may not have existed for much of the past decade, however the lads at Longbridge are thrilled to celebrate their 90th anniversary. Following the brand's resurrection, the amount of dealerships is ever-expanding. The brand's history, although rocky at times, is one of the most colourful in the history of British motoring. Many Brits remember fondly the MGB, MGF, MG Metro, MG Maestro, MG ZT and various other offerings. Although current offerings lack the passion of the past, we can only wish the best for the future of the Chinese owned British car manufacturer.

Bentley - 95 Years

One of the best luxury car manufacturers in the world is now celebrating its 95th birthday. In 2013, one in every four luxury cars delivered was a Bentley, impressive despite the limitations of handmade methods of manufacturing. Bentley cars have established themselves firmly throughout history. Bentley models were used as off-road vehicles during World War One, as well as other winning multiple 24 Hour Le Mans races and amongst the ownership of the world's most rich and famous. Since ownership was earned by the Volkswagen Group, sales have risen from strength to ever-growing strength. Expect even bigger things for the Bentley brand

Maserati - 100 Years

Not often in the motoring world do we experience a centenary celebration. But when we do, little more can top the history of the Maserati brand. Started in 1914 by three brothers; Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto, the story began with the First World War. As luxury racers became their pedigree, the brand became synonymous with providing only the best combination of performance and luxury.

By Mike Armstrong

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The Ten Best Performance Cars For Under £100k (At £10k Intervals)

Speedmonkey has driven and written about an absolute ton of sports and performance cars. I thought it was high time I sorted out the best sports and performance cars to buy for a given budget.

From £100k to £10k in £10k intervals I've listed the best performance car you can buy in each price band.

£100k - Porsche 911 GT3

The Porsche 911 range starts at £70,000 for the Carrera and goes all the way up to £150,000 for the Turbo S cabriolet.  It would be easy to fill every price band in this article from £70k upwards with a 911 but that'd be boring so I've opted for the sweet spot in the 911 range, which is handily priced at £100,000 - the GT3.  Yes it's an automatic (well, double clutch PDK) and has electric power steering but now the spontaneous combustion issue is sorted the 911 GT3 is simply the best sports car you can buy for a hundred grand.

£90k - Maserati GranTurismo Sport

At nearly 1,900kg the Maserati isn't exactly nimble but it is fast and it's powered by a naturally aspirated Ferrari-built 4.8 litre V8.  Oh, and it looks sensational and seats four in comfort and with lots of legroom.  Speedbumps have to be taken gingerly and the doors are so long you can't park in a normal space and expect to get out of it but who cares. It's a fabulous car.

£80k - Jaguar F-Type V8 S

For £80,000 you get the convertible F-Type V8 S. If you want the coupe you'll need to spend an extra £5k on the V8 R.  Either way you're getting the most beautiful sports car on the planet, with a superb chassis, an interior bedecked in leather and Alcantara and 500bhp (550bhp in the coupe) of V8 that sounds downright awesome and could pull the roof off a rice pudding factory.

£70k - Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

The E63 AMG is here so we can squeeze a fast saloon into the list. The C63 AMG is arguably the better performance car but Mercedes hasn't added the C63 to the new C-Class line-up yet.  The E63 AMG is powered by AMG's phenomenal 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 and does 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds.  That'll do.

£60k - Lotus Evora S

This is tough territory for Lotus. At this price you could buy a well specced F-Type or Cayman but the Evora S offers something different. It's super quick and has the best steering, handling and chassis of any sports car but some parts of it feel a little bolt on (because Lotus doesn't have the resources to make its own satnav, stereo, air vents, engines etc). Having said that nothing else comes close in terms of rawness of driving experience combined with a superbly appointed interior.

£50k - Porsche Boxster/Cayman S

For this price you could have either a hard or soft top 3.4-litre, flat-6, mid-engined Porsche sports car.  Which way you go is down to personal preference but I'd opt for the Boxster S which takes little away from the driving experience but adds plenty on a summer's day.  Perhaps the definitive performance car(s) at the price and which threatens its £30,000 more expensive big brother, the 911, in terms of everything except a set of rear seats and image.

£40k - BMW 435i M Sport

An M4 costs £57,000 and has 431bhp. The 435i M Sport costs a shade over £40,000 and has 306bhp. The 435i looks great, has the sweet 6-cylinder engine is practical and spacious inside and drives as a performance BMW should.  It's a cracking car.

£30k - Audi S1

This was the hardest price band in which to choose a car.  £30k buys a lot of different cars - the Golf GTi, Toyota GT86 and Seat Leon Cupra are all outstanding but the Audi S1 wins by virtue of its sheer fizz.  The S1 has the VW/Audi turbocharged 2-litre engine stuffed into its tiny engine bay and with 230bhp, a sweet 6-speed manual gearbox, four wheel drive and an actual handbrake it's far and away the most fun hot hatch on the market. The interior is great too.

£20k - Ford Fiesta ST2

The interior design might be a bit plain and the looks aren't exactly sexy but the Fiesta ST is the best sub-£20k hot hatch on the market.  Ford has concentrated on making the ride and handling of its cars the best in class for some time.  Add in a sweet 4-pot engine, great gearbox and torque vectoring and the ST has the beating of the Clio 200 and Peugeot 208 GTi by a long margin.

£10k - Fiat Panda TwinAir

This was the hardest category simply because I've only tested two cars that cost less than £10,000 and they were hardly performance cars. The Dacia Sandero is simple, spacious, super cheap and very slow. The MG3 understeered worse than a supermarket trolley.  Speedmonkey's Colin Hubbard drove a Fiat Panda TwinAir on holiday and loved it, which is why it's our top recommendation for under 10 grand.

By Matt Hubbard

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How To Buy A Supercar For £10,000

For ten grand you can buy a brand new Skoda Citigo, Dacia Sandero or MG3.  But that would be very boring.  For ten grand you can also buy a supercar.  Here's how.

First things first, the above cars will come with warranties, servicing will be cheap and they'll generally be economical and reliable.  If you buy a supercar parts will be expensive, they'll drink fuel and your insurance payments will rocket.  But who cares if you've got a car in your drive that transports your soul to a better place as well as your shopping back from the supermarket.

Maserati 3200

Let's start with something Italian and exotic.  You can buy an early 2000s Maserati 3200 with 100k on the clock, a full service history and in good condition for a shade under £10k.  History is crucial and even then if it goes wrong it'll cost a fortune to put right and your local garage won't touch it.  But with 370bhp, four luxuriously appointed leather seats, a shape to die for and the fact it is a Maserati you just would wouldn't you.

BMW 8-series

Built as BMW's flagship car the 8-series was a super sexy supercar for the 80s.  You can pick up a top notch 840 Ci for about £7k.  Go for the later 4.4 litre V8 from the late 90s and it'll be one of the most reliable and useable cars on this list.  If you're feeling a bit mad you can pick up a super smooth V12 850 Ci for similar money.  Check out this review of an 840Ci by Scrof.

Chevrolet Corvette C4

Ford Mustangs are muscle cars, Chevrolet Corvettes are supercars.  Suggest otherwise to any American car enthusiast and you'll be told you don't know your Citroen C4 from your Corvette C4.  For under £10k you can buy a late 80s C4, one of the best looking Corvettes.  It might be an 80s car but it doesn't look it.  There'll be a full fat 5.7 litre V8 stuffed under the bonnet and plastic body panels which won't rust.  Full service history is a must and if it's lived most of its life in the US chassis rust shouldn't be a problem.  It'll also be left hand drive.

Nissan Skyline R34

From American to Japanese, the Skyline is the connoisseurs Japanese supercar - for sensible money.  Ten grand buys an R34 from the late 90s.  This model is the first modern looking Skyline (or GT-R as they're known now) which still looks good today.  Most have been tuned or modded but as long as previous owners have looked after them reliability should be fine. If the shape doesn't do it for you then the performance will - a lightly modified Skyline will be faster, and probably more reliable, than anything else in this list.

Mercedes SL 55 AMG

When Jeremy Clarkson sold his Ferrari 355 he bought a Mercedes SL 55 AMG because it was more relaxing than the Ferrari and could "monster" it in performance terms.  Ten grand buys an early 2000s, 500bhp, 5.4 litre, V8 chunk of AMG's finest with full service history.  Mercedes reckoned that the SL 55 AMG could reach 208mph if it wasn't restricted to 155mph.  It looks pretty special too.

Porsche 911

No list of supercars on a budget would be complete without a Porsche 911.  For £10k there's only one model - the 996. Derided by some as it was the first of the water-cooled 911s the 996 is also a modern, relatively reliable performance car that's universally recognised. It also has bags of character.    For the budget it is best to buy as new as possible, and with full Porsche dealer and specialist service history.  You'll get a 320bhp, 3.4 litre flat-6 engine and bags of kudos.

TVR Chimaera

The last of our budget super cars is a British bruiser from Blackpool's finest - TVR.  The Chimaera existed from 1992 to 2003 and you really need to buy on condition and how well it's been cared for as much as anything else.  Engines range from 4 to 5 litres and all are V8s.  The Chimaera is light as its body is formed from fibreglass panels, but don't let that fool you if you're looking at one.  TVR chassis' can rust even though the car looks fine so take a look underneath even if the car looks in great condition.

By Matt Hubbard

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Geneva Motor Show - Italian Stallions

Two of the most widely anticipated cars at the Geneva Motor Show were the Lamborghini Huracan and the Maserati Alfieri Concept

Neither disappointed.  When Lamborghini first showed us photos of the Huracan there was a ripple of dissent through the petrol head community.  A Lamborghini needs to look mad, we said, but the Huracan almost looks normal, we said.

It is and it doesn't.  In the metal the Huracan is a sensational looking car.  The first press photos didn't do justice to it's shape, to it's subtle curves and to it's harsh slashes.  The rear end in particular is Lamborghini through and through.  Bravissimo!

The Maserati Alfieri Concept, on the other hand, is an Italian sonnet writ in metal.  Ignore the fact it looks a little like a Latin version of the Jaguar F-Type Coupe and enjoy its beautiful curves.  If it weren't for the F-Type Coupe sitting nearby I'd say it was the best looking car at Geneva.

By Matt Hubbard

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