Are these the best new cars of 2017?

Five of the finest new cars of the year.
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This year has seen an incredible number of exciting new car launches, redesigns and upgrades – but which is the best?

Here’s our countdown of the top five so far:

5. Aston Martin DB11​

The incredible DB11 grand tourer somehow manages to feel new and fresh yet as familiar as an old friend. Aston Martin’s 2+2 coupe has stayed true to the V12 front-engined concept, yet it’s new in so many ways. Some aspects aren’t quite perfect – otherwise the DB11 would have rated higher than fifth – but this is undoubtedly a ‘proper’ Aston that possibly represents the marque’s largest single leap forward ever.

Poking the glorious-sounding V12 reveals a seriously sharp edge, and the DB11’s impressively fast lap times are helped further by a superbly supple and comfortable chassis. The high-quality cabin is as English as you could possibly want, with plenty of leather and wood trim as well as (hallelujah!) an infotainment set-up that’s vastly superior to its clunky predecessor. We can’t wait to watch this car develop and mature as the years pass by.

4. Volkswagen Golf R

A family hatch with fantastic daily practicality, the standard VW Golf is a benchmark model – yet the R version mixes it with classy coupes, exotic saloons and full-on supercars. It does everything spectacularly, thanks to its immensely strong and flexible four-pot petrol turbo, and a hugely refined chassis that handles wonderfully but has a super comfortable ride. It’s a marvel. This year’s mild update brings a slightly better cabin and a little more power – and outstrips cars many times the price.

3. Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio

Welcome back Alfa Romeo! The Quadrifoglio sees a welcome return to form for a brand that’s lost its way somewhat in recent years. The stunning rear-drive saloon has serious V8 power, and even if the price raises eyebrows, the brakes are a tad odd, it’s thirsty and the interior falls well short of the premium price, we love it. How could we feel any different, when input from Ferrari engineers has resulted in lithe, alert and responsive handling. Teamed with light, endlessly communicative and incisive steering – contrasting starkly with that of its German competitors – the result is a blissful driving experience.

2. McLaren 570S

The second British car on our list, the 562bhp McLaren 570S has proven itself both on-track and in the most challenging of road conditions. While on a magazine test, it ate up a dodgy Welsh back road that was under repair. With a big drop off one side. In the rain. The 570S showed just how practical a supercar it really is, going fast, but safely and comfortably. Normal mode enables huge chassis compliance that belies the race styling. The ultimate practical and (nearly) sensibly-priced English supercar, it has untold depths. The 570S is the car that best represents McLaren’s experience and expertise.

1. Porsche 911 GTS

Our top car of 2017 is a dream car, whether stuck in traffic, commuting or carrying a passenger – or sometimes even more than one. It’s practical, with a decent boot, good visibility, occasional rear seats and a quiet drive at sensible throttle angles. Press hard on the pedal, though, and the ferocious side of the Porsche’s personality shines through. With its rear-wheel drive and manual box, the cheapest, entry-level GTS is the best 911. There’s no complex auto, all-wheel drive or other trickery to get in the way; you simply get 100% of what you want.

You become part of the machine, deliciously controlling the monstrous power and sublime chassis with your right foot. At 145kg less than the 911 Turbo, with incredible steering and military-precise gearshifts, GTS feels almost compact next to the 570S. A car for all occasions, it is simply the best.

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