Experts reveal best coupe in the UK and it’s not a Porsche, Ferrari, or Bentley

Although cars can sometimes be seen like washing machines, just another appliance, for others that is not the case. For some people a car is a vehicle, if you pardon the pun, for joy. It is a means through which to enjoy the world outside of work and to find joy during their free time.

Some cars, as a result, are not built to fulfil a role other than to be fun. They’re not built to drive 500 miles on a tank, they’re not built to carry seven people, they’re not build to be all cars to all people. If they can fit a couple of bags that’s a nice side effect if they’re primary purpose is to be fun. Coupe cars are one of these categories of cars that are designed for driving pleasure.

With this in mind, respected motoring publication Auto Express has compiled a list of what it considers to be the best coupes currently available in the United Kingdom, reports the Mirror.

Taking top spot was BMW’s rear-wheel-drive 2 Series, which was commended for offering strong value for money, “lithe handling”, and an outstanding interior.

On the downside, it drew criticism for costly optional extras, limited space, and a compact boot. Nevertheless, it claimed overall victory, with the publication concluding: “Sometimes less really is more, and you don’t need to look further than the BMW 2 Series for proof.

“That means the baby BMW handles with real poise and driver involvement, yet it also offers grown-up refinement and an interior that’s a cut above for quality and tech.”

Honda recently relaunched the Prelude to considerable fanfare. The updated model, which came in second and is now available as a hybrid, earned plaudits for its excellent chassis, capable hybrid system, and “impressive overall efficiency”.

However, it dropped points for its lacklustre acceleration “off the line”, rather cramped rear seats, and a notable level of tyre noise when travelling at motorway speeds.

In third place is the Ford Mustang has existed in various forms since the 1960s, but only recently has it become available in right-hand drive for British motorists.

Auto Express praised it for its “legendary image”, its “brilliant styling”, and “punch V8” engine. However, it was marked down for having an “old fashioned” interior, proving costly to run, and producing high vehicle emissions.

Nevertheless, the publication’s former chief reviewer Alex Ingram said: “For all its ability as a driver’s car, the Mustang’s credentials as a long-distance cruiser manage to exceed even those high standards.”

A few years ago I was lucky enough to drive the winning 2 Series’ bigger brother, the M2, for the Daily Express. In the review I compared it to muscle cars like the Mustang above.

I concluded: “In essence, the M2 Coupe is a reimagining of the great American muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s, soulful two-door leviathans that still capture the imagination.

“Like those Challengers, Camaros, Mustangs, and Firebirds of the 1970s I believe the M2 Coupe will still be remembered, used and cherished in 50 years’ time.