Want performance that will scare off a supercar, but in a package that’ll still be comfortable enough for four or five adults and their luggage? Enter the sports saloon. These cars are just as at home on a twisting lane as they are blasting down the Autobahn – and we’ve found some examples for under £10,000.
Let’s take a look at some of the four-door sports saloons available now for our budget.
BMW E39 M5
Few sports saloon are as iconic as BMW’s M5. The E39 model was a masterclass in understated, yet muscular, styling — while its 4.9-litre V8 endowed it with a bellowing soundtrack, and plenty of performance too.
Yet, when you dialled things back, it was still a useable, comfortable car based on the regular — and very good — 5 Series. Plus, you can now pick these up for just under our £10,000 budget, making them excellent value for money.
Jaguar XFR
While the regular, used XF may not tickle the fancy of performance car enthusiasts, the same can’t be said of the XFR. Despite appearing relatively unchanged over the cooking model in terms of styling, its 503bhp V8 engine meant it was anything but boring.
They’re excellent value used, too. If you can deal with a rather old-fashioned cabin, then you’ll be rewarded with a truly invigorating sport saloon.
Audi S6
When it comes to understated styling on performance monsters, there aren’t many who do it quite as well as Audi. The S6 has always been a key showcase of this, bringing to the table plenty of go but fewer ‘look at me’ styling touches as rivals.
Our budget will bag you a 2008-year model, which features a staggeringly powerful V10 engine — one shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, no less. Of course, running costs will be high — but few on this list could be described as frugal, in fairness.
Alfa Romeo 159
Many say that you can’t be a true petrolhead until you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo — and the Italian firm’s 159 was a prime example of why these cars have such a cult following. A 3.2-litre petrol engine was the punchiest powerplant on offer – available in the JTS model – and gave the 159 a decent level of performance.
In true Alfa fashion, residuals haven’t been strong – which is why the 159 is a sports saloon that won’t cost the earth to buy.
Vauxhall Insignia VXR
Vauxhall has a habit of creating some mad-hat, outlandish variations on its regular road cars, and there are few quite as crazy as the Insignia VXR. A 2.8-litre V6 engine under the bonnet provides 321bhp, meaning it’ll hit 60mph in just under seven seconds — respectable for a car of this size.
And because it’s based on the regular Insignia, it’s brilliantly practical — with plenty of room for driver, passengers and their luggage.
Subaru Impreza WRX (Blobeye)
If you’re after a livelier, more energetic experience compared with the regular sports saloon, the Subaru has you covered with the Impreza WRX. The commonly called ‘blobeye’ generation – which is the one our budget covers — may have been knocked at the time for its styling, but it’s a design which has arguably aged well.
Though the interior quality may be lacking somewhat against rivals here, it’s robust — and should stand up to daily duties without issue.
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
There’s a key aspect of the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG that makes it so exciting — and that’s the engine. It’s a naturally aspirated 5.4-litre V8 with 476bhp, allowing it to hit 60mph in 4.6 seconds — crazy performance for a large, relatively heavy saloon car. Though the quality of Mercedes cars at this age did falter a touch, you’ll find all manner of gadgets and gizmos fitted inside.
Make sure to thoroughly check through the car’s history here — these engines needed consistent maintenance. Find a great one though and you’ll nab yourself one of most exciting sport saloons of all time.
Volvo S60 R
Think of Volvo, and what springs to mind? Safe, reliable estate cars perhaps, or even frugal hatchbacks. For most, it’s unlikely that an image of a performance saloon car will pop up — but that’s just what the S60 R was. A 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine drives all four wheels, making this one accomplished cross-country four-door.
The S60 R also represents excellent value, and you’ll be able to pick up a decent example for well under our £10,000 budget.
Saab 9-5 2.8 V6
Though the Germans may have established the super saloon segment, the Swedes knew how to make one just as good. Enter the Saab 9-5 2.8 V6, which perhaps takes the understated ‘Q car’ to a whole new level.
Instead of hiding a boisterous V8, under its bonnet lays a — you guessed it — 2.8-litre V6 engine. It was however aided by two turbochargers, ultimately sending 296bhp to all four wheels — enough to shock a Lotus or two. As a result of relative obscurity and the collapse of Saab though, demand isn’t too high and neither are prices.
Mitsubishi Evo VII
Back in its day, the Mitsubishi Evo wasn’t just touted as a fast saloon car — but something of supercar killer. With clever rally-honed mechanical systems combining with its legendary 4G63 engine, the VII is when things really began to get wild.
Though the succeeding VIII and IX models are more popular, the VII was what kicked that string of hits off — and ultimately it’s relative lack of of appreciation means values haven’t quite skyrocketed yet, meaning it can still deliver a mega driving experience for not too much cash.