Cheap fast cars 2024
We'll level with you: going fast on a budget is quite tricky. Unless you buy a used car, you'll need to find at least £25,000 for something new, which might stretch your definition of ‘cheap’.
On the plus side, the availability of cheap finance means it's never been easier to buy a new car, so securing a pocket rocket is unlikely to put a serious dent in your household budget. And unlike the hot hatches your parents owned in the 1980s, today's fast cars will do their best to keep you safe – and they won't cost a fortune to run.
In the real world of speed limits, congestion and pockmarked roads, these cheap fast cars are likely to be as quick as a six-figure supercar. One thing that's guaranteed is that each one will put a smile on your face.
Buckle up, because these are the best cheap fast cars you can buy right now.
Cheap fast cars
|
Suzuki Swift Sport
Swift by name, swift by nature. Everything is relative, so while the Suzuki Swift Sport doesn’t boast headline-grabbing performance figures, it feels fast where it matters: on a B-road. The delightfully named Boosterjet petrol engine produces 129PS, but the real strength of the Swift Sport is the way it makes you feel. The six-speed gearbox is a joy to use, while the agile handling puts it close to the top of the class. You also get plenty of kit as standard, including 17-inch polished alloy wheels, smartphone integration dual exhaust pipes, a rear spoiler and keyless start.
Ford Fiesta ST
There’s a reason why affordable hot hatches are few and far-between: not many can topple the superb Ford Fiesta ST. We awarded it a maximum five-star rating, finding few reasons to criticise this pocket rocket. Its 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine produces 200PS, which is enough for a 0-62mph time of just 6.5 seconds. It’s an engine that begs to be driven hard, which is just one of the Fiesta’s many virtues. The way it handles is superb, the gearbox is delightful and the driving position is spot-on. It's just a shame that the Fiesta is being axed, which feels like the end of an era.
Abarth 595
Like the Up GTI, the Fiat 500-based Abarth 595 feels most at home in the city, where its eagerness can turn even the most tedious journey into something enjoyable. All versions are powered by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, but output varies depending on the model, ranging from 165PS to 180PS. It’s riotously good fun to drive, even in its most basic form – we’d liken it to driving a go-kart around the Monte Carlo street circuit, but we’ve yet to have the honour. Whatever, the Abarth 595 looks superb, sounds great and is fast enough to challenge more powerful performance cars. You can also choose an all-electric Abarth 500e for a thoroughly modern take on the hot hatch formula.
Mazda MX-5
It’s amazing to think that you can buy a new Mazda MX-5 for less than £26,000. Not only is the MX-5 the best affordable sports car on sale, it’s also as much fun to drive as many cars costing four or five times the price. The brilliant 2.0-litre engine is the one we’d go for, but don’t rule out the 1.5-litre, which is cheaper to buy and run. Everything about the MX-5 is designed with the driver in mind, from the sublime six-speed gearbox to the low-slung driving position. Fancy a folding metal roof? Opt for the MX-5 RF.
Hyundai i20 N
Until the i20 N came along, no other small car had come close to dethroning the Ford Fiesta ST as the best affordable hot hatch. In fact, we think the Hyundai edges the Fiesta in some areas. Power is sourced from a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 204PS, which is enough to deliver a top speed of 143mph and 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds. There are also five driving modes, plus rev matching, launch control and an array of other motorsport-inspired features. You even get a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, so you can please your heart and your head.
MINI Hatch
Handling is a great leveller. A car might be powered by an engine producing a gazillion horsepower, but that’s overkill if things start to unravel when you approach a corner. That’s why the MINI Hatch makes our list of the best cheap fast cars. Even the entry-level MINI One is a joy to drive, boasting the ‘go-kart’ handling the company is best known for. The Cooper S gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and is considerably quicker, but the 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit in the Cooper will suit most buyers. Prices start from around £23,000.
.jpg?width=620)
Caterham Seven 170
The Caterham Seven 170 will turn every commute into a track day. Caterham’s lightest ever production car is powered by a 660cc turbocharged Suzuki engine, which packs enough punch to propel the 170 to 60mph in 6.9 seconds. The standard S pack includes a five-speed gearbox, 14-inch alloy wheels, black leather seats, a windscreen, a fabric hood, side screens and a heater. Prices start from around £29,500, and a self-build option is available if you fancy upgrading from a Lego Technic set.
.jpg?width=620)
Fiat 500 Electric
Electric vehicles represent the future of cheap fast cars. Because they produce instant maximum torque, EVs are seriously quick from a standstill, making them feel as fast as a Lamborghini or Ferrari in the city. The Fiat 500 Electric is one of the most affordable electric cars you can buy and boasts a 0-62mph time of around nine seconds. Quick enough, but it’ll feel even faster from zero to 30mph. Prices start from around £25,000 for the 24kWh battery, but the 42kWh version adds around £3000 to the price. It's probably worth it for the 199 miles of range.
Volkswagen Polo GTI
An earlier version of this list featured the excellent Up GTI as a brilliant example of a small, affordable hot hatch. Alas, the Up is now out of production, which means the Polo GTI is now Volkswagen’s smallest hot hatch offering. Don’t worry though, because it’s a cracker, with a maturity beyond the Fiesta ST – including a top-quality interior – and terrific performance from the same engine you’ll find in the much pricier Golf GTI. There’s 207PS of power to play with and while it lacks the final edge of excitement that you get in the Ford, it’s much more of a solid all-rounder. You can use it for everything, every day.
Audi TT
You might not have expected a bona fide premium sports car on this list, but the entry-level Audi TT Sport 40 TFSI sneaks on. OK, it’s the priciest car here, but for less around £38,000 new you can pick up a massive amount of fun. Even with the least powerful 197PS engine, it’ll hit 62mph in 6.6 seconds, but the TT is about way more than straight line speed. Through the corners it’s taut and composed, and it won’t break the bank on fuel, either. You also get the best interior here by a mile, and a decent amount of included equipment, too. Be quick, because the TT is about to be discontinued.
How important are 0-62mph times?
A car’s 0-62mph time has little relevance beyond the realms of road tests, making comparisons in the pub and social media bragging rights. It tells you how quickly a car will accelerate to 62mph (100kph) from a standstill, but factors such as the driver’s clutch control, road conditions and tyres will play a part in the actual time achieved. A 0-30mph time is arguably more relevant in the forthcoming age of electric vehicles. Then there’s the fact that a time tells you little about how a car feels – driving an Abarth on a country road often feels faster than an Audi R8, even though the actual speeds are far lower.
Does a bigger engine make a car faster?
Yes and no. Take two cars, identical aside from the engine: one has 200PS, the other 300PS. The more powerful car will be faster to 62mph and should boast a higher top speed. However, lightness and aerodynamics play a part, so going faster requires more than basic brute force. Turbocharging also means that a small engine is able to punch above its weight, so a modern 1.0-litre turbo unit could offer the same performance as an older 1.6-litre engine.
How can I make my cheap car go even faster?
Popular performance modifications include an engine remap, new air filter and aftermarket exhaust. If you’re buying a used car, you should also consider adding a bottle of petrol or diesel treatment to the tank, as this can improve performance. Regular servicing will help, while some engines respond well to premium-grade fuels. Don’t forget to upgrade the brakes and tyres if you’re increasing performance – and let your insurance company know, too.
