NEED TO KNOW

BMW M5

⊲ The first all-wheel-drive car in M5 history, the F90 launched in 2017 as a saloon only.

⊲ M5 Competition arrived mid-2018 with more power, trimming the 0-62mph time to 3.1sec. The car’s S63 V8 was a carryover from the previous M5, particularly the more powerful (and epic) 30 Jahre version.

⊲ 2020 facelift updated the iDrive infotainment with a bigger screen.

⊲ BMW approved-used examples start at £55k for a 2018 car with 32k miles. A new Comp’s £102k…

Ford Fiesta ST

⊲ The Performance Pack (a £950 option) brings Quaife limited-slip di , shift lights to help you wring out the motor without taking your eyes o the road, and launch control. You can live without the latter two but the di is key to the ST experience.

⊲ From new, the range is now just two variants; the £26k ST-3, with the Pack as standard, or the £23k ST-2, which also runs smaller 17-inch wheels. Tempting, but not as tempting as an 8000-mile ST-2 with the Performance Pack for £16k…