The brutal Nissan really seemed like something built primarily for drag racing and drifting competitions, but it is surprisingly well finished and comfortable inside. There's really nothing tacky about its cabin, it even imparts a rather premium feel with soft-touch materials on the dash, bits of hand-stitched leather scattered around and suede door linings. Pity the seats don't hug the body like you'd expect in a sports car, but they are supportive enough.

There are a few ergonomic flaws, like the lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel and it really doesn't like to be driven at low speeds ? the engine feels a little jerky on pull off and the gearshift and clutch action are hardly slick.

It's built for enthusiasts who like to drive hard and perhaps the lazy among them will appreciate the 'RevMatch' system that basically heel-toes for you by giving the throttle a solid blip when you gear down.

We just wish we could trade the road noise this car sends into the cabin from the chassis and wheels for some more engine roar ? the V6 bark is too muted for our liking. Other than that, it excelled as a highway cruiser and the ride quality is also surprisingly compliant.

Upon entering the BMW Z4, it becomes apparent just how upstream BMW is pitching this roadster. Looking at the quality and design of the interior, you?d almost think they were gunning for Aston Martin clients.

There?s a sense of comfort that continues for every mile of the journey. Particularly impressive is the new seven-speed, double-clutch robotized gearbox, only available in the range-topping sDrive35i model. It?s easily among the smoothest-changing automated transmissions we?ve ever tried.

It shifts cogs, automatically or via paddle pressing, without the slightest of hesitation. Its slickness and precision is just mind-bogglingly impressive to the point where enthusiastic drivers would probably wish for more drama in the shifting experience.

Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers, is standard on the 35i and allows for a compliant ride when you're seeking comfort, or a harder and more direct feel when you're tacking the twisties. Rigidity is a strongpoint in this car ? in fact with the metal roof up, scuttle shake was barely apparent at all, nor was it much of a problem with the roof down. In the latter form you also get to experience the acoustic charms of its rorty straight-six engine.

Roof up, this car is still a great highway cruiser and road noise is well insulated, although there is still a fair amount of wind noise.

With the Audi TT, as with the Nissan, you can't have a coupe and roadster in one ? you choose either hard top or soft top and in this case we went with the former options. As a cruiser you really can?t fault the Audi.

Step in and everything is meticulously crafted, classy and pleasing to the eye, while all the controls work with the ultimate in smoothness and precision. It's also the only car here that can seat more than two people, although those back seats are really only for small children and contortionists. As with the Nissan, we also wished the front seats had more bolstering.

On the open road, the Audi was by far the quietest car and had the best ride quality, especially with the standard 'magnetic ride' suspension on its most comfortable setting.

Page three ... Time for the twisties