Porsche Boxster

Price: £37,589
Specs: 265bhp, 206lb ft, 0-62mph 5.8secs, 164mph top speed, 34.4mpg, CO2 192g/km

It's hard to think of many ways in which the Boxster could be bettered. A V8 maybe? Or perhaps wings? Even in base trim, brilliant doesn't begin to cover it. New GTS version (pictured) offers a greatest hits package of all the best options.

Ferrari 458 Spider

Price: £198,936
Specs: 562bhp, 398lb ft, 0-62mph 3.4secs, 198mph top speed, 21.2mpg, CO2 307g/km

It's only natural that one of the best supercars of modern times becomes one of the best roadsters once its roof is lopped off. It may not be as stiff as the berlinetta, but you'll forgive it for the extra V8 blare on offer. New Speciale Aperta is its ultimate iteration.

McLaren 650S Spider

Price: £195,500
Specs: 625bhp, 442lb ft, 0-62mph 3.1secs, 204mph top speed, 24.2mpg, CO2 279g/km

No-one could accuse the baby McLaren of being dispassionate anymore. The 650S offers up simply lunatic speed, with a ride and handling balance to shame the best. Looks like a diddy P1 too. Simply epic.

Jaguar F-Type V6S

Price: £67,520
Specs: 375bhp, 339lb ft, 0-62mph 4.9secs, 171mph top speed, 31.0mpg, CO2 213g/km

Do not mistake this for a GT. Voluptuous bodywork and front engine disguise a two-seater that's poised, precise and fun. The V8S is a hooligan, while the base V6 is a touch sensible. V6S is the sweet spot and will soon have a manual option, too.

Mercedes SL500

Price: £83,445
Specs: 435bhp, 516lb ft, 0-62mph 4.6secs, 155mph top speed, 30.7mpg, CO2 214g/km

The consummate professional. Have it in AMG spec for maximum daftness or its more regular iteration to relax into one of the world's best all-rounders. True loveliness.