The Pinnacle of Automotive Excellence: A Decade of Five-Star Champions
For nearly a century, Autocar has been the unwavering benchmark for automotive evaluation. Since our inaugural road test of the Austin Seven in 1928, a vehicle that defined British motoring for its era, we have subjected thousands of vehicles to rigorous scrutiny. Our methodology, refined over decades, culminates in an overall score out of five stars. Achieving a perfect five-star rating is an exceptionally rare feat, a distinction bestowed upon a select few vehicles that truly redefine automotive excellence. In this comprehensive exposé, we unveil the crème de la crème of the past decade, a curated collection of just 21 vehicles that have earned our highest accolade. Join us as we delve into the chronicles of the best cars of the past ten years, meticulously detailing the publication date of each landmark review.
In the dynamic landscape of the automotive industry, the quest for the ultimate driving experience has always been paramount. For discerning enthusiasts and practical consumers alike, identifying vehicles that transcend mere transportation to become objects of desire and engineering marvels is a continuous pursuit. Autocar’s unparalleled legacy of car road tests provides an authoritative guide, helping individuals navigate the complex choices presented by a constantly evolving market. This article focuses on those select few top-rated cars that have not only met but exceeded our stringent criteria, cementing their status as icons of automotive achievement. We explore what makes these five-star vehicles truly exceptional, examining their design, performance, innovation, and overall impact on the automotive market.
The pursuit of the best new cars is an ongoing journey for manufacturers, each striving to innovate and impress. Our rigorous testing protocol is designed to identify those rare machines that stand apart from the pack. This collection represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design from the last decade, a testament to the relentless drive for perfection. Whether you are a seasoned car collector, a prospective buyer seeking the very best, or simply an admirer of automotive artistry, this compilation offers a unique insight into the vehicles of the year that have truly earned their stripes. We will examine not just the best cars to buy, but the benchmark vehicles that set new standards for the entire industry.
A Legacy of Rigorous Evaluation: The Autocar Road Test Philosophy
Autocar’s commitment to providing honest, independent, and comprehensive road tests has been the bedrock of our reputation since our inception. We don’t just drive cars; we immerse ourselves in their every nuance. Our testing grounds are not limited to public roads; they extend to proving grounds, race tracks, and varied climatic conditions to ensure a holistic understanding of a vehicle’s capabilities. For the past decade, our evaluation process has been further refined to incorporate evolving technological advancements, shifting consumer priorities, and the ever-increasing demands for sustainability and efficiency.
When we assign a five-star rating, it signifies a vehicle that has achieved near perfection across a multitude of critical parameters. This includes, but is not limited to:
Driving Dynamics: How the car handles, steers, brakes, and provides an engaging connection between driver and machine. This encompasses ride comfort, agility, and the overall pleasure derived from piloting the vehicle. For many seeking the best performance cars, this category is paramount.
Performance: Acceleration, braking, top speed, and the responsiveness of the powertrain. We assess how effectively the engine and transmission work in harmony to deliver the desired performance characteristics.
Refinement and Comfort: The quality of the interior materials, noise suppression, seat comfort, and the overall sense of luxury and well-being experienced by occupants. This is particularly crucial for luxury cars and premium SUVs.
Technology and Innovation: The integration of cutting-edge infotainment systems, driver assistance features, and any groundbreaking technologies that enhance the driving or ownership experience. We look for innovations that push the boundaries of what’s possible in car technology.
Practicality and Usability: For many buyers, especially those looking for family cars or SUVs, factors like cabin space, boot capacity, ease of access, and everyday usability are critical.
Safety: A thorough examination of active and passive safety systems, crash test ratings, and the overall feeling of security the vehicle provides.
Efficiency and Environmental Impact: In today’s world, fuel economy and emissions are increasingly important. We assess how a vehicle performs in terms of its environmental footprint, especially for electric vehicles and hybrid cars.
Value and Ownership Experience: While not solely judged on price, we consider the overall value proposition, including reliability, running costs, and the predicted resale value. This is vital for affordable cars and even for used cars that offer enduring quality.
Earning five stars is not a matter of ticking boxes; it’s about a harmonious confluence of all these elements, resulting in a vehicle that excites, inspires, and effortlessly meets the needs of its intended audience. The top car brands are consistently represented in such lists, but exceptional vehicles can emerge from any manufacturer willing to push the envelope.
The Elite Twenty-One: A Decade of Five-Star Dominance
The following is a compilation of the vehicles that, in the past ten years, have achieved the ultimate Autocar commendation – a perfect five-star rating. These are not merely good cars; they are the cars that defined their segments, set new benchmarks, and left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. Presented in alphabetical order for impartial consideration, these machines represent the zenith of automotive engineering and design.
Abarth 595/695 (Various Iterations, 2015-2023)
The Abarth 595 and its more potent 695 sibling have consistently punched above their weight class. These compact hot hatches, derived from the Fiat 500, are modern interpretations of classic pocket rockets. Their charm lies in their unashamedly retro styling, their surprisingly potent turbocharged engines, and their razor-sharp handling. While many modern performance cars prioritize sterile efficiency, the Abarths offer a raw, engaging driving experience that harks back to an era when driving was about pure sensation.
What sets these Abarths apart is their ability to deliver an exhilarating driving experience in a city-friendly package. The compact dimensions make them a joy to maneuver through urban environments, while the raucous exhaust note and eager engine provide constant entertainment. Autocar’s reviews have consistently praised their agile chassis, communicative steering, and the sheer fun factor they deliver. They represent a unique proposition in a market increasingly dominated by larger, more complex performance vehicles, proving that sheer driving pleasure doesn’t require excessive horsepower or a cavernous interior. For those seeking fun cars to drive, the Abarth 595/695 has been a consistent champion.
Aston Martin DB11 (2016)
The Aston Martin DB11 was a watershed moment for the iconic British marque. It represented a significant leap forward in terms of design, technology, and performance, while retaining the quintessential Aston Martin blend of elegance and power. Its flowing lines, muscular stance, and luxurious interior created an immediate sense of occasion. Under the skin, a potent twin-turbocharged V8 or V12 engine provided ample performance, coupled with a chassis that balanced sporting prowess with long-distance comfort.
Autocar lauded the DB11 for its sublime GT (Grand Tourer) capabilities. It’s a car that can devour continents in comfort and style, yet possesses the agility and performance to excite on a challenging road. The engineering advancements, including a more sophisticated chassis and the introduction of AMG-sourced V8 engines, marked a new era for Aston Martin. It was a testament to the company’s ability to blend tradition with forward-thinking innovation, delivering a luxury sports car that truly resonated with enthusiasts. The DB11 proved that high-performance cars could also be exceptionally civilized.
Audi RS6 Avant (C8 Generation, 2020)
The Audi RS6 Avant is the quintessential “supercar estate.” It’s a vehicle that defies categorization, offering the practicality of a large station wagon with the performance of a supercar. The C8 generation further cemented this status with its aggressive styling, monumental power from its twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and an all-wheel-drive system that delivered astonishing grip and composure in all conditions.
Our road tests consistently highlighted the RS6 Avant’s Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. In its comfort modes, it’s a supremely refined and practical family car. Engage its performance settings, however, and it transforms into a ferocious machine capable of breathtaking acceleration and tenacious cornering. The ability to transport a family and their luggage at supercar speeds is a unique proposition, making it one of the most versatile and desirable performance estates available. The RS6 Avant is a masterclass in blending extreme performance with everyday usability, a true icon for those who want it all. This vehicle is a prime example of performance SUV alternatives for families.
Bentley Continental GT (3rd Generation, 2018)
The third-generation Bentley Continental GT represented a significant evolution of this iconic luxury grand tourer. While retaining its unmistakable presence and opulent interior, it adopted a more athletic stance and embraced a new platform that enhanced its dynamic capabilities. Powered by a potent W12 engine (later joined by a V8), the Continental GT offered a seamless blend of immense power, refined comfort, and sophisticated technology.
Autocar’s assessment emphasized the Continental GT’s ability to transport occupants in unparalleled luxury and at considerable speed. It’s a car designed for effortless high-speed cruising, where the outside world seems to melt away. The interior is a sanctuary of exquisite craftsmanship, with the finest leathers, wood veneers, and brushed metals. Yet, when the mood strikes, its prodigious power ensures exhilarating acceleration. It is the epitome of a luxury GT car, offering a driving experience that is both deeply satisfying and remarkably accessible. The Bentley Continental GT is more than a car; it’s a statement of intent and a testament to British luxury engineering.
BMW M3 Competition (G80 Generation, 2021)
The BMW M3 has long been the benchmark for high-performance sports sedans, and the G80 generation, particularly in Competition guise, upheld this formidable reputation. Despite initial controversy over its styling, the M3 Competition proved itself to be a dynamically brilliant machine. Its potent inline-six engine delivered explosive acceleration, while the chassis offered exceptional grip, balance, and driver feedback, especially when equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Our extensive testing revealed the M3 Competition to be a ferociously capable sports sedan. It strikes a near-perfect balance between track-day prowess and everyday usability, a trait that has always defined the M3. The sophisticated M xDrive system allowed for a rear-wheel-drive experience when desired, adding another layer of driver engagement. For enthusiasts seeking a performance sedan that can excel on the road and the track, the M3 Competition is a compelling proposition. It’s a car that rewards skilled drivers and offers a level of engagement rarely found in its class, solidifying its place among the best sports sedans.
BMW M5 Competition (F90 Generation, 2018)
The F90 generation BMW M5 represented a significant technological leap, introducing M xDrive all-wheel-drive to the iconic model. In Competition trim, it delivered blistering performance and astonishing levels of grip, yet retained the ability to be a comfortable and refined executive sedan. The potent twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled with the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system allowed for incredible acceleration and composure, even in challenging conditions.
Autocar’s evaluation highlighted the M5 Competition’s supercar-slaying performance. It’s a car that can effortlessly surge from a standstill to high speeds, gripping the road with immense tenacity. The ability to switch the M xDrive to a rear-wheel-drive mode added an element of classic M car hooniganism for those who dared. It’s a true wolf in sheep’s clothing, a car that offers unparalleled performance without compromising on the luxury and practicality expected of a BMW sedan. The M5 Competition remains a benchmark in the performance sedan segment.
Ferrari 296 GTB (2022)
The Ferrari 296 GTB marked a bold new direction for the Maranello marque, embracing plug-in hybrid technology without sacrificing the visceral thrill that defines a Ferrari. Its compact, mid-engined design housed a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output that resulted in truly electrifying performance. The car’s sharp styling, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and sophisticated chassis engineering created a driving experience that was both intensely powerful and remarkably agile.
Our assessments of the 296 GTB underscored its revolutionary nature. It’s a Ferrari that can operate in electric-only mode for silent urban cruising, yet transform into an all-out supercar with a symphony of V6 and electric motor power. The car’s ability to blend electrifying performance with the potential for reduced emissions and enhanced efficiency sets a new precedent for supercars. The 296 GTB proved that hybridization could enhance, rather than diminish, the Ferrari driving experience, delivering a potent combination of blistering speed and innovative technology. This represents a significant step in performance electric vehicles and their integration into traditional marques.
Ford Fiesta ST (Various Iterations, 2018-2022)
The Ford Fiesta ST has long been the darling of the hot hatch segment, celebrated for its infectious driving fun and accessible performance. The iterations tested in the latter half of the last decade continued this tradition, offering a sharp, agile chassis, a punchy turbocharged engine, and precise steering that made every journey an event. It was a car that delivered an exhilarating experience without demanding a supercar budget.
Autocar consistently praised the Fiesta ST for its unadulterated driving pleasure. It’s a car that encourages you to seek out twisty roads, where its nimble handling and communicative controls allow the driver to feel truly connected to the tarmac. The accessible performance means that even at moderate speeds, the Fiesta ST provides a thrilling experience. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need immense power or a large footprint to create a deeply satisfying performance car. The Fiesta ST remains a benchmark for affordable performance cars and a joy for driving enthusiasts.
Honda Civic Type R (FK8 Generation, 2017)
The FK8 generation Honda Civic Type R arrived with a bang, sporting aggressive styling and a commitment to outright performance. Underneath its dramatic exterior lay a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC engine, a sophisticated multi-link suspension system, and a chassis tuned for maximum agility and grip. It was designed from the ground up to be a class-leading hot hatch.
Our road tests lauded the Civic Type R’s phenomenal track capabilities and its impressive ability to transfer that performance to the road. The car’s exceptional front-wheel-drive dynamics, its razor-sharp steering, and the sheer grunt from its engine made it a formidable machine. It offered an engaging and rewarding experience for enthusiastic drivers, proving that a front-wheel-drive car could deliver supercar-levels of cornering performance. The Civic Type R remains a cornerstone of the hot hatch segment and a benchmark for FWD performance.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2021)
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold and stylish entry into the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. Its retro-futuristic design, spacious and minimalist interior, and impressive range and charging capabilities set it apart from many competitors. Based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, it offered rapid charging and a smooth, refined driving experience.
Autocar recognized the Ioniq 5’s significant impact on the EV landscape. It demonstrated that electric cars could be not only practical and efficient but also visually striking and thoroughly enjoyable to drive. The car’s innovative interior packaging, designed to maximize passenger space, coupled with its quiet and effortless performance, made it a compelling choice for families and tech-savvy consumers alike. The Ioniq 5 proved that electric cars could be desirable objects in their own right, challenging perceptions and paving the way for future sustainable vehicles. It’s a strong contender in the best electric SUVs category.
Jaguar F-Type P450 R-Dynamic Convertible (2021)
The Jaguar F-Type, particularly in its later iterations, continued to embody the spirit of classic Jaguar sports cars while incorporating modern performance and technology. The P450 R-Dynamic Convertible offered a compelling blend of V8 power, engaging handling, and open-top motoring pleasure, wrapped in a timelessly stylish design.
Our evaluations highlighted the F-Type Convertible’s ability to deliver exhilarating performance with a charismatic exhaust note. The P450 model, with its potent V8 engine, provided ample power for spirited driving, while the chassis was tuned to offer a rewarding and engaging experience. The convertible aspect added another layer of sensory delight, making it a perfect companion for sunny drives. It’s a car that appeals to the heart as much as the head, a true sports car that continues the Jaguar legacy of style and performance. For buyers seeking convertible cars, the F-Type remains a desirable option.
Kia EV6 GT (2022)
The Kia EV6 GT arrived as a potent and stylish performance electric vehicle, aiming to blend the practicality of an EV crossover with the thrill of a performance car. Featuring dual electric motors delivering substantial all-wheel-drive power and torque, the EV6 GT offered blistering acceleration and surprisingly agile handling for its size. Its distinctive design and advanced technology further enhanced its appeal.
Autocar’s assessment of the EV6 GT acknowledged its impressive ability to deliver electrifying performance. It demonstrated that Kia, traditionally known for value, could also produce highly desirable and exhilarating performance electric vehicles. The GT model, in particular, showcased the potential of the E-GMP platform, offering a compelling combination of speed, range, and driver engagement. It represented a significant step forward for Kia in the electric car market, proving that the brand could compete at the highest levels of performance and innovation.
Lamborghini Huracán Evo RWD Spyder (2020)
The Lamborghini Huracán Evo RWD Spyder represents the raw, unfiltered essence of a mid-engined supercar. Stripping away the all-wheel-drive system of its siblings, the RWD variant emphasized driver engagement and a more direct connection to the road. With a thunderous naturally aspirated V10 engine and the open-top experience, it delivered an intoxicating blend of performance and sensory overload.
Our reviews consistently lauded the Huracán Evo RWD Spyder for its visceral driving experience. The rear-wheel-drive setup meant that drivers could exploit the immense power of the V10 in a more playful and engaging manner, while the soundtrack provided by the engine was nothing short of spectacular. The convertible roof amplified this experience, allowing occupants to be fully immersed in the symphony of the V10. It’s a car that prioritizes pure driving emotion, a true supercar for those who crave an unadulterated connection with their machine.
Lotus Emira (2023)
The Lotus Emira arrived as a crucial new model for the historic British sports car manufacturer, representing the company’s transition into a new era of electrification while still offering a compelling internal combustion engine option. Designed to be a more practical and refined sports car than its predecessors, the Emira combined striking styling, a driver-focused interior, and the signature Lotus blend of lightweight construction and agile handling.
Autocar’s evaluation of the Emira highlighted its ambition to bridge the gap between traditional sports cars and more modern, refined performance machines. The car offered a sophisticated driving experience, with precise steering, responsive handling, and strong performance from its available powertrains. It represented a significant step forward in terms of comfort and technology for Lotus, while still retaining the core DNA of driver engagement and lightweight dynamics that have defined the brand for decades. The Emira is a significant new sports car aiming to solidify Lotus’s position in the premium performance segment.
McLaren 720S (2017)
The McLaren 720S was a true game-changer in the supercar arena. Its revolutionary Proacontrol chassis, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and stunning aerodynamic design created a machine of astonishing performance and capability. It redefined what was possible in terms of speed, agility, and driver feedback, setting a new benchmark for supercars.
Autocar’s tests revealed the 720S to be a supercar of unprecedented ability. Its acceleration was brutal, its cornering grip immense, and its ability to communicate what the chassis was doing to the driver was unparalleled. The innovative dihedral doors, the expansive glasshouse offering excellent visibility, and the overall sense of being at the cutting edge of automotive technology contributed to its five-star status. The 720S was not just a fast car; it was a technological marvel that pushed the boundaries of supercar engineering. It remains a benchmark for high-performance vehicles.
Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ (2019)
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ redefined the concept of a “hot hatch.” Boasting the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine, this compact performance car delivered supercar-rivalling acceleration and impressive all-wheel-drive grip. Its aggressive styling and luxurious interior further elevated its appeal.
Our road tests consistently praised the A45 S for its astonishing performance in such a compact package. The sheer ferocity of its acceleration, combined with the sophisticated 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, made it a formidable machine capable of exhilarating performance on both road and track. It offered a unique blend of everyday usability and extreme performance, proving that compact cars could deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience. The A45 S is a standout in the premium hot hatch segment.
Porsche 911 Carrera S (992 Generation, 2019)
The 992 generation Porsche 911 Carrera S represented an evolution rather than a revolution, a testament to the enduring excellence of the iconic sports car. While retaining its classic silhouette, it incorporated significant technological advancements, a wider track for improved dynamics, and a more potent twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. The result was a 911 that was more capable, more refined, and more engaging to drive than ever before.
Autocar’s assessment highlighted the 992 Carrera S’s ability to blend everyday usability with exhilarating performance. The car’s chassis provided exceptional composure and feedback, allowing drivers to exploit its considerable power with confidence. The PDK dual-clutch transmission offered lightning-fast shifts, while the overall refinement made it suitable for long journeys. It is the epitome of a sports car that can be enjoyed daily, a true benchmark in its class and a testament to Porsche’s unwavering commitment to driving purity. This is a key model in the best sports cars discussions.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S (2019)
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S was a bold and significant foray into the electric vehicle market for the revered German sports car manufacturer. It aimed to deliver the quintessential Porsche driving experience in an all-electric package, combining blistering acceleration, exceptional handling, and innovative technology. Its sleek design and luxurious interior further cemented its premium positioning.
Our road tests revealed the Taycan Turbo S to be a truly groundbreaking electric vehicle. It offered performance that rivaled or even surpassed many internal combustion engine supercars, with astonishing straight-line speed and remarkable agility for its weight. The sophisticated chassis and powerful electric motors worked in harmony to deliver a dynamic and engaging drive, proving that EVs could be as thrilling as traditional Porsches. The Taycan Turbo S redefined expectations for high-performance electric cars and solidified Porsche’s commitment to electrification. It’s a leader in the premium EV segment.
Toyota GR Yaris (2020)
The Toyota GR Yaris is a rally-bred homologation special that has taken the hot hatch world by storm. Built from the ground up by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, it features a unique three-door body, a powerful turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system designed for maximum grip and performance.
Autocar lauded the GR Yaris for its raw, unadulterated driving fun. It’s a car that feels purpose-built for enthusiastic driving, with razor-sharp steering, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that can be adjusted for different driving modes, and an engine that delivers exhilarating performance. The GR Yaris offers an engaging and rewarding experience that is rarely found in modern performance cars, especially in the compact sports car segment. It’s a true celebration of performance engineering and a joy for driving enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk8 Generation, 2020)
The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been the benchmark for hot hatches for generations, and the Mk8 generation continued this legacy, albeit with a more digitalized and refined approach. It offered a familiar blend of performance, practicality, and everyday usability, powered by an updated turbocharged engine and a capable chassis.
Our evaluations of the Mk8 Golf GTI highlighted its enduring appeal as a refined and competent hot hatch. While the interior embraced a more digital interface, the core GTI experience remained intact: an engaging drive, comfortable ride, and the versatility to serve as a daily driver or a weekend performer. It’s a car that continues to set standards for the best all-around hot hatch, offering a balanced and satisfying experience for a wide range of drivers.
Conclusion: The Unrelenting Pursuit of Perfection
The twenty-one vehicles featured in this article represent the pinnacle of automotive achievement over the past decade. They are the result of relentless innovation, engineering excellence, and an unwavering commitment to delivering the ultimate driving experience. Each of these cars, in their own unique way, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible, setting new standards for performance, technology, design, and driver engagement.
As we look ahead, the automotive landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Electrification, autonomous driving, and new mobility solutions are reshaping how we interact with vehicles. Yet, the core desire for exhilarating performance, engaging driving dynamics, and exceptional craftsmanship remains. Autocar will continue to be at the forefront of evaluating these advancements, identifying the vehicles that truly stand out.
Whether you are drawn to the raw power of a supercar, the refined luxury of a grand tourer, or the sheer agility of a hot hatch, the vehicles celebrated here offer a glimpse into the best the automotive world has to offer. They are not just modes of transport; they are machines that inspire, excite, and embody the enduring passion for driving.
Ready to discover your next five-star automotive experience? Explore our in-depth reviews and find the perfect vehicle that matches your passion and lifestyle.
