Did Your Car Make Jeremy Clarkson’s List Of ‘Star Cars’?

Our favorite British archetype and soon to be presenter of The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson, has just released a list of 10 cars that he deems worthy of being called a “Star Car.” He defines a Star Car with the help of his long time colleague, James May:

James May calls it “the fizz”. He says that when he is driving a really good car, its excellence manifests itself with a fizzing sensation in the root of his manhood. I have not experienced this myself, and it’s likely you haven’t either. But I sort of know what he means.

We think we know what he means too, Jeremy. It’s not always the fastest or the lightest car that is the best, it’s the one that gives you that certain feeling, the sense that the car was designed and built perfectly for you. And that driving it feels just, right.

If you are ever curious whether you are driving the right car Clarkson has a quick test that you can do right now:

A car must have something to elevate it from the norm. It may be speed, or cleverness, or the fizz, or styling to die for. But there must be something. Something that makes you excited every time you climb inside. Because if it doesn’t, then it’s just a tool. And if it’s just a tool, you may as well use the bus.

Here are the 10 cars that gives Jeremy Clarkson, “The Fizz”:

• Mazda MX 5

It’s a cure for depression, this car, it really is. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you’re driving it.

• Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe

It’s a terrible car. And yet I adored it. Every other vehicle, with its perfect refinement and its perfect electrics, cannot help but feel like a machine. Whereas the Alfa, with its flaws and its tendency to go where it wants, feels human.

• Mercedes AMG GT-S

Of all the vehicles in this bit of the market, it’d almost certainly be my choice.

• Ford Focus RS

It feels like a Nissan GT-R.

That’s because it uses one of the most advanced four-wheel-drive systems fitted to any car at any price. The 2.3-litre engine is less amazing, but even so, 345bhp is enough to provide a meaty shove in the back when you accelerate and a growly 40-a-day rumble from under the bonnet.

• Ford Mustang V8

You’ve seen the film Bullitt. Well, it’s that.

• Volvo XC90 D5 AWD

This car is so good in fact that it’d be ideal for those who find the offerings from Land Rover a bit — how can I put this? — pratty.

• Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

A previous model had a reputation for bursting into flames but as I climbed a mountain what struck me was how brilliant the engine in this Zafira was.

• BMW M2

It’s not just fast in a straight line. It’s also fast through the corners. And not just fast, but a complete delight. It’s so good that in a few bends I was actually dribbling with joy.

• Ferrari 488 GTB

The old 458 was not as good as a McLaren 12C. But this new car puts the prancing horse back on top. As a driving machine, it’s — there’s no other word — perfect.

• Lamborghini Aventador

Yes, it’s soundly beaten both in a straight line and round a corner by the new hybrid hypercars, but, while they make a range of unusual noises, they can’t compete with the visceral bellow of the T rex that lives under the Aventador’s engine cover.

So did your car make Clarkson’s “Star Car” list? You should head over to The Sunday Times for more of Clarkson’s hilarious and very descriptive review.

(Source: The Sunday Times)