The Top 10 Cars Of The Last Year "Or So" According To Clarkson

A certain Mr Clarkson has just revealed his ‘Star Cars’ of the last year “or so” in The Times, and as you’d expect, it’s made the motoring world sit up and take notice. So, without further ado, here are the vehicles that made the cut:

Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro

We’re of the opinion that the Sport Recaro version of the ND MX-5 - with its extra kit and lower suspension - is the pick of the range. It seems Clarkson’s a fan too, as it made it onto his Star Car list for feeling “organic and raw and simple”.

Alfa Romeo 4C

In so many ways, the 4C is not a good car. Almost every motoring outlet has called out the mid-engined Alfa for its long list of faults - us included - while the handling has split opinion.

Clarkson’s under no illusions either, even calling it a “terrible car”. However, he still loves it because the flaws mean it “feels human”. A slightly clichéd conclusion, but hey, it’s an Alfa. Comes with the territory…

Mercedes AMG GT S

We can’t think of the AMG GT without losing our minds over the prospect of the incoming ‘R’ version, but Clarkson is still full of praise for the less bonkers ‘S’. He calls it a “modern day muscle car” and “Merc’s Mustang”. With a long bonnet, a thumping - but clever - V8 under the bonnet and all power sent to the rear wheels, we get what he means.

Ford Focus RS

Clarkson used to own an Escort Cosworth, so I guess it’s no surprise he’s fallen for its modern incarnation, the Focus RS. We’re big fans of the 345bhp, all-wheel drive beast too.

Ford Mustang GT

So, we’ve had “Merc’s Mustang”, and now we have an actual Mustang. Clarkson points out the ‘Stang offers a 5.0-litre V8, over 400bhp and rear-wheel drive for less than the price of an optioned up VW Golf GTI - a stunning achievement. And it’s fun, too: “This is a machine that wants to turn its tyres into smoke and go round every corner sideways,” he says.

Volvo XC90

If you’ve watched enough episodes of Top Gear, you’ll know the XC90 has long been Clarkson’s ‘sensible’ car recommendation. So while the big Swede sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the likes of the Ford Mustang and Mercedes-AMG GT, it’s not a surprise to see it here.

The seven-seater gets a place on the list for being ridiculously practical, and a lot classier than the increasingly blingy products of Land Rover.

Vauxhall Zafira

Now this one is a surprise. Clarkson’s dislike of Vauxhall products is well documented, but the firm’s latest version of the Zafira MPV gets a mention for its ride and “brilliant” engine.

BMW M2

Going from the surprising to the very obvious, we have the new BMW M2. How could this car not make an appearance? “It’s so good that in a few bends I was actually dribbling with joy,” Clarkson notes.

Ferrari 488 GTB

Through the joys of downsizing, the 488 has lost the screaming naturally-aspirated V8 of its predecessor, replaced with a smaller turbocharged unit. Despite that, Clarkson rates it well ahead of the 458: “The old 458 was not as good as a McLaren 12C. But this new car puts the prancing horse back on top.”

Lamborghini Aventador

It’s getting on a bit compared to its rivals and isn’t anywhere near as clever as all the hybrid hypercars doing the rounds, but that doesn’t stop Jeremy picking the Aventador as his full-fat supercar of choice. “I admire the McLaren P1. But which would you rather have as a pet: a clever and sophisticated electronic robot? Or a bloody great brontosaurus?” He concludes.

What do you think of the man’s choices? Any come as a surprise to you?