Driver Verdicts Styling rated

This is a highly subjective matter, but the closest to unanimous we got was the Mazda RX-8: almost every owner scored it top marks for styling.

Alfa Romeo have also got this right - the Italian brand may not impress in other areas but owners love the way its cars look.

Fast, fun and stylish: Mazda RX-8

Best 5 cars for styling

Mazda RX-8 (2003-2010)

Driver rating 99.6%

You say: The styling is classic sports coupé, along with the practicality of four doors. Handling and ride comfort are superior to many other cars in its class.

We say: The RX-8’s small pair of rear-hinged rear doors are a clever feature, improving access to the rear seats and making this more versatile than the average sports coupé.

Alfa Romeo 159 (2006-2011)

Driver rating 99.3%

You say: Classic Italian styling, with beautiful lines. It's also a joy to drive - I get a buzz out of getting into it every morning to drive to work. I've had no issues regarding reliability or performance and dealers are friendly and helpful.

We say: The 159 is geared towards driving pleasure, which extends to the driver-focused cockpit and mission-control dashboard environment. But while front passengers are well catered for, things are rather less comfortable in the rear.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2010-)

Driver rating 99.3%

You say: Every time I go to drive it I stand in admiration at the unique and beautiful styling. As I sit in the driver's seat I get a tingle of excitement as I drive away. A simply great car!

We say: The Giulietta's arresting looks come at a price: a meagre 290-litre boot. We love how you open the tailgate, though - just push on the Alfa emblem.

Mercedes-Benz CLS (2005-2010)

Driver rating 99.2%

You say: Superb. It's large, comfortable, powerful and great looking. I am picky beyond belief with cars in terms of their quality and performance, but the CLS is great.

We say: Think of the CLS as a four-door 2+2 coupé rather than a four-seater saloon, as rear headroom is limited. Go for a post-2009 model which looked even more brooding and has a keener driving feel.

Honda S2000 (1999-2009)

Driver rating 98.8%

You say: I love the fact that my S2000 oozes style with a massive 'wow' factor. An absolute beauty, especially with the top down on a summer's day.

We say: Sitting in an S2000 is a comfortable experience, with supportive leather seats (though no height adjustment). No other sports car can touch the Honda's impressive reliability record.

Looks and feels dated: Nissan Almera

Worst 5 cars for styling

Mazda 2 (2003-2007)

Driver rating 65.1%

You say: I have to locate a very large space before I attempt to park the car due to poor visibility - I am unable to assess the position of the front and back of the car.

We say: The Mazda 2 majors on decent space, ease of access and practicality. The tall, boxy body makes it a breeze to get in and out of, but not so good to look at.

Vauxhall Corsa (1993-2000)

Driver rating 64.2%

You say: It has provided cheap, economical transport. It is not flashy or fast, but is practical and reliable for its age.

We say: This old-generation Corsa simply feels, well, much coarser than rivals of a similar age.

Citroën Berlingo Multispace (1998-2008)

Driver rating 62.0%

You say: It's a good runabout car that turns into a van by just moving the back seats, and it takes five tall people comfortably. A case of substance over style.

We say: The Berlingo Multispace might have as much space as a limousine inside, but its van-based origins betray it. Don't expect limo-like levels of comfort and sound proofing.

Nissan Micra (1993-2002)

Driver rating 61.2%

You say: It's heavy-going and sluggish on upward inclines, particularly on motorways. Hills do not have to be steep to slow the car right down, despite using all the gears.

We say: This dated supermini is unrefined and cramped. Safety and crash protection levels are now way behind modern standards.

Nissan Almera (2000-2007)

Driver rating 61.0%

You say: Despite it not being the world's most stylish car, it is extremely reliable as a 'workhorse' runaround. It does what it says on the tin - gets you from A to B.

We say: The Almera looks like it has come from a different age alongside the much more imaginative Nissan Qashqai. However, whilst it may look undistinguished, it's a reliable little motor.