In the motoring world, big figures are thrown around in the quest for power, acceleration and the ultimate driving experience. However, you can still have just as much fun in a car for a much smaller budget – £5,000 in this case.
There’s no reason why spending £5,000 on a car should equate to a mundane, run-of-the-mill vehicle – there are many gems on the market today that should provide the driving enthusiast with everything they need. Here are five of the best.
Peugeot 206 GTI
Yes, the little 206 may still be a common sight on UK roads today, but it spawned one of the best handling hatchbacks ever – the 206 GTI. Available with a 2.0-litre engine putting out either 137bhp or 180bhp.
Though the lower-output car may offer slightly lacklustre performance, the more powerful version can hit 60mph in just over seven seconds – so it remains punchy even today.
Toyota MR2
The last edition Toyota MR2 produced was arguably one of the sweetest handling cars of its generation. A 1.8-litre engine linked to the rear wheels via a notchy six-speed manual gearbox.
Limited storage space meant that it wasn’t the most practical car, but its inherent balance was loved by driving purists back in the early 2000s – and that makes it a bit of a steal today.
Citroen Saxo VTS
Small, lightweight, yet good to drive, the Citroen Saxo VTS embodied what a hot hatch was meant to be. A 1.6-litre engine sat under the bonnet, while the brakes were upgraded from drums to discs enabling better stopping power.
Though the Saxo gained a strong ‘boy racer’ image, it remained a popular hot hatch for some time, even when rivals started to become more accomplished towards the end of the Saxo’s life in 2003.
Suzuki Swift Sport
The Suzuki Swift Sport is easily one of the best used buys available at the moment. Powered by a 1.6-litre engine, it produced around 120bhp when new, as well as 148Nm of torque. Though this may not sound like much, it was enough to make the Swift feel, well, swift. Inside, it gained red sports seats, while the exterior was treated to larger alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes and sports suspension.
Driving the Swift shows up the car’s inherent balance, as well as its keenness to corner – traits which make it a steal at £5,000 and under.
Renaultsport Clio 182
Despite its humble basing upon one of the most popular small hatchbacks of all time, the Renaultsport Clio 182 came to define the hot hatch segment. A 2.0-litre engine powered the whole affair, linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. However, the Clio 182’s success was down to its inherent balance and ability to conquer twisty B-roads quickly and effortlessly.
The 182 was also available with an optional ‘Cup’ pack. This added modified suspension and a wider track as a result, while a lower ride height gave it a sportier stance. The 182 Cup remains widely regarded as one of the truest drivers’ cars of all time.