Top pick: Subaru BRZ, $27,295

Modest power, modest grip, sublime balance and fab driver interface make for an elemental and unbridled sports car experience.

In one of autodom’s more unlikely pairings, Toyota and Subaru hooked up to give us the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S near-identical twins. Even more surprising, these reasonably priced, front-engine, rear-drive sports coupes’ only raison d’être is to put a smile on a driver’s face. Within the first few meters of driving the BRZ, its snug seats, tactile steering and snickity shifter telegraph what this car is all about.

We Liked

-The growly 200 hp flat-four sits low in the chassis

-Having fun without going crazy fast

-Feeling the back end step out, wheee!

-The back seats in case the kids want to come along

-The good fuel economy

-The standard limited-slip differential

More: 2013 Subaru BRZ truly a driver’s car

VW Golf R, $39,675

Pricey all-wheel-drive uber Golf impresses with its pace, refinement and handling. It’s a grown-up hot hatch with premium appointments and snarly attitude.

We Liked

-The 256 hp 2.0 L turbo four that loves to rev

-The push from back wheels when powering through a bend

-It’s super rare, only 250 coming to Canada

Ford Mustang Boss 302, $48,799

This is the best Mustang yet. Re-engineered from nose to tail, it’s a track car that you can drive everyday on the street.

I liked:

-High revving 444 hp 5.0 L V8 and quick-shifting six-speed

-The noise — Detroit never sounded so good

-Balanced, forgiving and ferocious on the track

Fiat 500 Abarth, $23,995

This little 160 hp firecracker is as frisky as a Jack Russell puppy and snarls like one, too. Surprisingly swift, it loves a winding back road.

I liked:

-Meaty Abarth steering wheel connected to a quick rack

-5-speed stick that comes out of the lower dash

-This Italian has bags of character

Ford Focus ST, $29,999

The harder you drive this hatch, the better it feels. A bit stiff around town, but exceptional poise on winding black-top. Truly quick and good value.

I liked:

-Retina-searing Tangerine Scream paint job

-Standard Recaro seats that hold you in place

-Induction growl from 272 hp 2.0 L EcoBoost four