Reliability and Quality - 2/5
TVR doesn't like to hear it, but build quality and reliability is some way off the industry best - you need a helpful dealer to minimise the occasional pain. And despite the practicality of its layout, it's not as easy to live with as a Porsche.

Image 5/5
This is the quintessential brutish, British sports car: the Cerbera is uncompromising, unconventional and noisy. TVR's committment to style and performance are qualities that many admire, however.

Performance 5/5
The only statistic you need to know is that 60mph can arrive in around 4 blinding seconds - and the Cerbera is meant to be TVR's family car. Top speed is a near-alarming 160mph and oddly, both the six and the V8 perform similarly. Of the two, the six is the more civil.

Ease of Driving 4/5
Getting in an out of this low car is an effort, but once in, the reclined driving position is okay for most. The controls are less effort than might be expected, but many will find the interior claustrophobic, the instruments difficult to read and until they're familiar, the minor control layout a near unsolvable puzzle. It's not hard to drive the Cerbera slowly but it takes practice, not least because it always wants to go faster. Power steering is an option you'd be unwise to ignore.

Safety and Security 2/5
TVR's have strong body and chassis structures, but in conventional terms there's not much in the way of safety equipment, ABS brakes and airbags being notable absentees. The Cerbera is unique among TVRs for having deadlocks, while the strange door handle location and keyless ignition are serious barriers to entry for the uninformed. However, the remote central locking and alarm system can play up.

Roominess 3/5
It's fine for two up front, although they'll sit tightly. The rear seats are for children only, and they won't be seeing much scenery. The boot is barely adequate for two, while oddments space inside is limited.

Running costs 3/5
Although the Cerbera offers supercar performance, running costs are not quite in that league. Service intervals are spaced an inconvenient 6,000 miles apart, however, and spares can be costly. Insurance is a steep group 20 and fuel consumption is also heavy at around 20mpg. But TVRs hold their value supremely well.

Comfort 3/5
Fine for two, as they sit in snug luxury up front. TVR use attractive materials imaginatively, which makes for an unusual and interesting environment. The Cerbera is not as wearing as you'd expect, and provides a smooth (ish) ride. The Speed Six is more refined than the V8, but both cars demand concentration to drive fast and well.

Fun to Drive 4/5
Intimidating at first, the Cerbera is hugely exciting when you're familiar. It may lack finesse and demand effort, but you're rewarded with an exhilarating drive. Watch it in the rain - there's more than enough power to overwhelm the roadholding.

Stereo 3/5
The standard stereo is no better than fair, but can easily be upgraded from the options list.