How does one quantify driving satisfaction? Unlike lap times, zero-to-hundred sprints or cornering G, you can’t really assign a number against how thrilling a car is – that quality is somewhat intangible.

Nevertheless, here are the five most enjoyable cars we steered in 2016, in no particular order. Why no supercars? Well, what’s sterling on a race track can be downright terrifying on a twisty country road. These five can be enjoyed on virtually any type of tarmac:

BMW M2

BMW’s M division took the BMW M235i, juiced up the 3.0-litre six, threw out its suspension in favour of M4 hardware and injected some collagen into its fenders to create the M2 – and we’re glad they did.

2016-BMW-M2-driving -front

Porsche 718 Boxster

Porsche copped flak for deleting two cylinders from the Boxster’s flat six and substituting them with a turbocharger, but though the soundtrack has less timbre than it used to the trade-off is a big ol’ whack of turbo torque that transforms the topless Porka.

2016-Porsche -Boxster -718

We’ll miss the flat-six theatrics, but we celebrate the humble Boxster’s newfound turbocharged verve.

HSV Clubsport R8 Track Edition

HSV’s last-ever naturally-aspirated car is also its most focused from a handling perspective, with a track-biased suspension that trades comfort for cornering, and a bulging brake package borrowed from its big bro the HSV GTS.

HSV-Club Sport -R8-Track -Edition -rear -side

Peugeot 308 GTi 270

Peugeot’s 308 GTi 270 is a textbook example of how to do more with less. At just over 1200kg empty it is the lightest car on this list by a wide margin, and with just a 1.6 litre four-cylinder under the bonnet it’s also the smallest-engined by nearly a full litre.

2016-Peugeot -308-GTi

Other GTi 270 highlights include its pointy steering (and go-kart-like steering wheel), slick six-speed manual, proper limited-slip differential, glorious suspension and mega-strong motorsport-grade braking package. A lot of performance gear – and plenty of adrenaline – for a hot hatch priced under $50k.

Ford Focus RS

When a carmaker puts a button in a car labelled “Drift Mode”, it sends a powerful message about the intent of said vehicle. That message being, “you’re gonna have fun driving this one”.

2016-Ford -Focus -RS

It’s a touch rough around the edges, though, and its taller-than-an-SUV driving position definitely won’t suit everyone, but for sheer giggle factor the Focus RS delivers big.