LEXUS SC 430

The Lexus SC430 was a coupe/cabriolet before every man and his pet otter had one.It is a great car but for one tiny detail – it’s uglier than a stand-off between Millwall and West Ham fans.

• Comfort

  One of the most unsubtle rides in the world of the car. For a big CC cruiser, you'd think the SC430 would be a world of calm, but it punches every pothole with a vengeance. The engine and gearbox themselves are near silent - it's just that the suspension and tyres feel broken.

• Performance

  You can't really hear it, but the SC430's 4.3-litre V8 and five-speed auto are tremendously refined and quite quick; 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds and a limited 155mph top speed. You just never feel like making use of it.

• Cool

  You might think that you're thinking outside the box and being a bit eccentric when buying an SC430. Anyone who knows anything about cars will just think you're a twat who knows nothing about cars.

• Quality

  Thankfully the SC430 does carry through the tradition of having a supremely well-built interior - it might sometimes look a bit plastic (that's perceived quality in Japan, apparently), but in terms of how it's screwed together, the finish is peerless.

• Handling

   Hmmm, given that Lexus usually excels at making cars ride and handle, or at least ride, the SC430 is surprisingly wobbly when going fast. The steering expired some time ago and there's precious little feel. It encourages precisely nothing. Bit of a bugger when the Mercedes SL is the competition.

• Practicality

  No room in the back and a tiny boot (138litres) that all but disappears when the roof is stowed. There's room up front, but as it's such a bulbous-looking blob, you'd have thought there might be a few more litres of space in it.

• Running costs

  If you really did go and do this as a company car you'd be 35-percent liable thanks to 24.8mpg and group 19 insurance. Residuals are pure financial suicide.