Mercedes-AMG GT 43

Muscular-looking sports car gains an entry-level engine that's half the size of the mighty V8 versions, but is it half the fun? On sale Now Price from £105,435

- DAN JONES [e-mail]

LOVE AND MARRIAGE, someone once sang, go together like a horse and carriage. It has always seemed like the Mercedes-AMG GT and muscular V8 power were a similar match made in heaven, and a pairing not to be tinkered with. To that end, it might seem odd that the brand has also decided to offer its brawny flagship sports car with the same engine that you'll find in the A45 hot hatchback.

In place of the usual 4.0-litre V8 (which continues in the GT 55 and above) is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid electrical assistance. But although it’s small, it sure is mighty. With 429bhp on tap, 0-62mph is over in 4.6sec; you're pushed back in you seat with some force, even if the GT 43 isn't quite as quick as its V8 siblings (the GT 55 takes 3.9sec). The Porsche 911 Carrera has the advantage, too, as (just) does the much cheaper Alpine A110.