First tilt on UK roads reveals a chassis almost as absorbing as the Giulia’s, though the Stelvio’s comfort and quality levels may disappoint SUV clientele
It was with its 55-badged generation of tuned factory Mercedes models that the growth spurt that has taken AMG to the brink of launching its own hypercar started. Having been known for a handful of ultra-rare-groove saloons throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the company showed us the SL55 in 2002, and followed it with supercharged versions of the contemporary E-Class, S-Class and CL coupé. CL55s tend to be the most affordable of the lot today, and they pack a hulking 493bhp.
Merc’s famous M113K supercharged V8s have been known to develop cooling problems, so check for a healthy radiator (and no coolant leaking into the transmission lubricant) in any car you’re considering.
Audi Sport's firebrand hatchback gets an even more brilliant engine, but still falls short of the dynamic finesse and driver involvement necessary to make
Mid-range petrol engine suits Vauxhall's new family-sized load-lugger well. Another refined, comfortable, easy-to-drive and attractively priced Insignia.
The Porsche Panamera gets the design appeal to match its dynamic and technical accomplishment; it's not as practical as some fast estates but still outstanding
MAZDA MX-5 - New Zealander Mad Mike Whiddett sends his rotary-engined Mazda MX-5 sideways - in a straight line - past spectators in the sponsors' enclosure.
The likes of Mad Mike Whiddett, Vaughn Gittin Jnr, James Deane and Dean Kearney are making 'FOS2017' a great one for the art of going sideway. Our gallery brings you the best slide-rulers from the Goodwood hill