COUPE HIGHLY COMMENDED

YOU HAVE TO DIG DEEP TO DISCOVER what makes the Audi RS5 a bit special, but it’s worth the effort because, when you really work it, the RS5 proves to be one of Ingolstadt’s best efforts in years. It’s not as expressive as the M4, granted, but the tightly controlled, precise and agile RS5 can cover ground with devastating alacrity. You expect the traction from the quattro four-wheel drive, and even the torso-crushing thrust from the 444bhp 2.9-litre biturbo V6, but it’s the quality of the damping that really leaves its mark, the Audi dispatching every bump, crest and compression with an unshakeable self-assurance. And yet at the touch of a button it turns into a silky-smooth grand tourer that fits effortlessly into the daily grind.

The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is a more single-minded coupe, its niggly ride and aural backdrop of road noise and gravelly flat-six a constant reminder that you’re here to drive. And you’ll want to, because this is the best series-production 911 you can buy. Its electrically assisted steering is one of the best set-ups yet, the scintillating acceleration barely lags behind a 911 Turbo’s, and the outrigger engine still delivers a unique handling balance. JD