There’s nothing more exhilarating than driving a car with a powerful engine and a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette – but sports cars are too expensive, right? These sporty picks pack a punch without breaking the bank.
Our favourite hatchback: Volvo V40
Breaking away from the conventional idea that Volvos are safe and therefore boring, it’s hard not to be infatuated by this gorgeous hatchback from the Swedes. Not only is this Volvo sporty, packing a powerful two-litre engine, but it’s also incredibly safe. A 5-star rating is sure to give you peace of mind should the worst happen. With a 402-litre luggage capacity, there’s plenty of room for all your shopping, luggage and anything else you may need.
Safety rating:
- Adult Occupant Protection – 98%
- Child Occupant Protection – 75%
- Pedestrian Protection – 88%
- Safety Assist – 100%
- Overall rating – 5 stars
We found: 2016 Volvo V40 D3 R DESIGN Nav 5 dr
Our favourite saloon: Audi A4
It would be hard not to include a German car in a list of our favourite sports cars, and this Audi is our pick of the bunch. An excellent two-litre engine will get you past 60 mph in around nine seconds. With a 5-star safety rating and a roomy 480-litre boot, this truly is a practical powerhouse. And with great models up for grabs for around £15,000, we think it’s a bargain.
We found: 2015 Audi A4 2.0 TDi Ultra 163 SE Technik 4dr
Our favourite coupé: BMW 1 Series
Another sporty two-litre engine, this time fitted to a smaller and lighter chassis, gives this classic BMW coupé a really thrilling edge. Yet again performing excellently in Euro NCAP safety tests, scoring a full 5 stars, this car is ideal for those who want to dart around in premium comfort and style. The large infotainment system and big, retro dials make the interior just as exciting as the driving experience.
We found: 2016 BMW 1 Series 116d Efficient Dynamics Plus 5dr
Our favourite convertible: Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 is a total head turner, with sleek curves and a frisky engine that really packs a punch. This two-seater isn’t going to carry all your shopping and a ton of passengers, but what it lacks in practicality it more than makes up for in sheer unadulterated fun. With the added bonus of a super cool retractable soft top roof, the joy of driving this on a sunny day just can’t be beaten.
We found: 2015 1.8i Sport Venture Edition 2dr