Top Ten Affordable Fast Cars
Performance cars don’t have to be cripplingly expensive. There are plenty of examples around which cost less than you might think, both to buy and in terms of how much they cost to run.
In this article we take you through some of our favourites, including everything from a cheap-and-cheerful hatchback to a sportscar that thinks it’s a supercar.
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Our list is as follows:
1. Ford Focus RS
Why buy?
A new Ford RS is big news. Previous models have proven so popular with enthusiasts that their used values have skyrocketed far beyond their price when new on countless occasions.
This time around we’re treated to a Focus with a stonking 345bhp from its Mustang-derived 2.3-litre turbocharged engine. All that power is fed through an intelligent all-wheel drive system which features a number of drive modes, including a track-only ‘drift mode’ which allows for tail-out antics if you feel like shredding some Michelins.
We were blown away by the pace and handling of this car, both on the road and on the racetrack and with a list price £10k cheaper than some rivals, it starts to look like the performance bargain of the century.
Spec secret: Residual values will be strongest if you pick the Luxury Pack, Recaro race seats and forged lightweight alloy wheels.
Parkers rating: 5 stars
Price range: £29,995
0-62mph: 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 165mph
Road tax*: £205
Fuel economy: 36.7mpg
2. Mazda MX-5
Why buy?
The MX-5 is a cheap, honest, lightweight two-seater convertible built around the concept of the classic British roadster but with a modern Mazda styling twist.
We love its rear-wheel drive chassis with fantastic steering feel and driver feedback, finding it a more rewarding drive than many more expensive sports cars but with far lower running costs.
Sure, its cabin and boot aren’t the last word in practicality, but there are well-equipped trim levels and a choice of two engines along with a variety of chassis upgrades to further improve the drive.
Spec secret: The 1.5-litre engine is the purists’ choice – it drives better than the 2-litre and makes the MX-5 feel more like the brilliant first generation.
Parkers rating: 5 stars
Price range: £18,495 – £24,295
0-62mph: 8 seconds (1.5 version)
Top speed: 127mph
Road tax*: £130
Fuel economy: 47mpg
3. Ford Fiesta ST
Why buy?
Another Ford in the same article? Yep. The reality is, the company is on a performance car hot-streak right now, but with the exception of the GT hypercar, all models major on good value as well as strong performance.
That’s the headline here. It’s so much cheaper, and arguably better, than all of its closest rivals (Peugeot 208 GTI, Renaultsport Clio and VW Polo GTI) that it’s difficult to ignore in a list like this.
Spec secret: The Mountune upgrade is a worthwhile addition if you’re interested in fast driving. It costs just £599 and adds another 15bhp, 30Nm of torque and even more excitement. Read more about this upgrade here.
Parkers rating: 5 stars
Price range: £17,645 – £19,645
0-62mph: 6.7 seconds
Top speed: 139mph
Road tax*: £130
Fuel economy: 47mpg
4. Porsche Boxster
Why buy?
It might seem strange including a Porsche in a feature about cheap cars, but bear with us. The Boxster, in our opinion, is one of the best performance cars at any budget. Some of our expert reviewers even prefer it to the famously capable 911.
The crucial thing here is the chassis, which has a wonderful balance and feelsome steering. We’re very keen on each of the engines on offer too, the flat-six units driving brilliantly and sounding just like a racing car.
Another surprising aspect of the Boxster is how practical it is when compared to other roadsters such as the Mazda MX-5 or Jaguar F-Type. It has two luggage spaces and combined they measure 290 litres, which is exactly the same as the UK’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta.
Spec secret: you can spend a lot of money on optional extras, bigger engines and automatic gearboxes, but one of our favourite Boxster specifications is a lowly 2.7 manual. It feels like a mini supercar.
Parkers rating: 5 stars
Price range: £40,098 – £61,384
0-62mph: 5.6 seconds (2.7 manual)
Top speed: 164mph
Road tax*: £265
Fuel economy: 33mpg