Crossword Genius

Tough, best car (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hardtop

'car' is the definition.
(hardtop is a kind of car)

'tough best' is the wordplay.
'tough' becomes 'hard' (synonyms).
'best' becomes 'top' (top can mean the very best).
'hard'+'top'='HARDTOP'

(Other definitions for hardtop that I've seen before include "Rigid-roofed vehicle" , "Non-convertible car" , "Sort of car" , "Style of car" , "Car with a rigid top" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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