In September of 1980, BMW presented the first R 80 G/S to motorcycle journalists. Skeptics soon became true believers, and just like that BMW created a whole new class of motorcycle. Thirty years on, we look at how it all started.

Some motorcycles are simply beautiful; others are rolling works of art. Since its world introduction in 1997, the MV Agusta F4 has never left the latter category. With an entirely new version just shown at the EICMA show in Milan last month, now is a perfect time to look back at the last twelve years of F4s.

For more than three decades the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been the performance car of choice for enthusiasts throughout the world who appreciate its unique combination of lively driving dynamics, surprising practicality and unexpected economy. It's a rare vehicle, one that defies social classification — appealing to young and mature alike, wealthy or otherwise.