With the popularity of SUVs being at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that manufacturers have made as many options available to their customers as possible, from big V8 engines to frugal diesel motorway cruisers and now sophisticated hybrid systems. 

These are the best 10 hybrid SUVs currently on sale in the UK, perfect for family holidays, commuting and anything in between. 

We’ve included both plug-in hybrids (PHEV) as well as full hybrids for greater selection, for more on which is which check our guide 

There are lots of hybrid cars on sale with very high MPG figures quoted, but one of the best in real-world feedback is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Its novel aerodynamic styling and extremely efficient engine selection allow it to reach over 120 MPG. 

Toyota has always been a pioneer in the hybrid sector. The RAV4 was also an innovative vehicle in its day. Combining the two then seems the obvious step.

With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and robust hybrid powertrain, the RAV4 remains a top choice for those seeking a well-rounded and eco-friendly SUV.

Combining luxury with efficiency, the Lexus UX 250h is an elegant hybrid SUV that delivers a smooth and quiet ride. Its distinctive design, high-quality materials, and advanced technology make it a standout choice for drivers who appreciate both style and sustainability.

The hybrid tech is very similar to those used in the RAV4, as Lexus and Toyota are essentially the same company, but the Lexus shows a marked improvement in interior quality and comfort.

The Volvo XC60 Recharge combines Scandinavian design with plug-in hybrid technology. Offering a luxurious interior and an impressive electric-only range, this SUV caters to those who prioritise both sustainability and a premium driving experience. 

If your commute is less than 50 miles and you can charge at work, you’ll be quids in on 

 with the 50-mile EV-only range. Impressive for a car weighing over 2 tonnes, in part due to its incredible safety features. 

Hybrid, Petrol Or Diesel - Which Is Best For You

Brand new for 2024, the Kodia iV is the first EV SUV from Skoda. This car is yet another reminder that Skoda is no longer the ugly duckling of the Volkswagen-Audi group, with very sleek styling both inside and out.

With a purported EV range of 100km, it would outlast most other EV modes currently on the market. 

Available in both a ‘full hybrid’ and PHEV guise, the new Kuga is very similarly styled to the old one, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The interior has received a minor refresh with better infotainment controls, though.

Both hybrid variants come with a 2.5L petrol engine again, which is larger than most others in this segment. It does not help the 0-60 performance though, with 9.2 seconds sounding (and probably feeling) quite poultry compared to some in this list.

Another Carbuyer favourite, the Tucson leads the way in a range of engine options, with mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid all available. All of the options use the same 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Interior styling on the new Tucson is very bold, with an interestingly designed steering wheel, dash and centre console. We definitely recommend sitting in one before you commit to buying, as it might not be to everyone's tastes. 

Whilst there are cars that could be considered hybrid SUVs that are cheaper than the Niro, most of those are technically crossovers, the Niro would be our pick for a well-priced hybrid SUV.

Awarded Carbuyer’s Car of the Year 2023 in the small family car category, the Niro is set to continue its rise in 2024. The new models still combine the power from an electric motor system with a large 65kWh 

 and a 1.6-litre internal combustion engine.

This combo provides great economy and reasonable performance, easily rivalling the more sophisticated German and Japanese marques in this list. The styling is certainly not subpar either.

For the more premium end of the market, these last three cars should tick all the boxes. The xDrive45e sports BMW’s legendary 3.0 straight-six petrol engine, giving plenty of old-fashioned grunt when needed.

On the contrary, the refined hybrid system lets you cruise along in almost silence and absolute luxury. This is aided by the superb quality of the interior trim.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e combines German engineering with hybrid technology. Featuring a sophisticated interior, advanced safety features, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. 

It's an attractive option for those who prioritise luxury and sustainability, and it comes with all the usual features found in high-end Mercedes vehicles, touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, Distronic radar cruise control and more. 

Last up is the Audi Q5 TFSI e, which is a plug-in hybrid SUV that blends style with efficiency. The Q5 is great for those who want a slightly less brash car, as the exterior styling is reminiscent of an A3, one of Audi’s smaller cars. 

If SUVs aren’t your thing or you’re on a tighter budget, then check out our 

guide to affordable hybrid vehicles in 2024.

Split the cost of repairs, maintenance, MOTs and services into monthly payments. Apply online before your visit and choose from 1000s of garages and dealerships nationwide.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Top 10 Best Hybrid SUVs To Buy 

Luxury can take many forms, from exotic holidays and fashion brands to swanky cars. However, it's not without a cost! The luxe life usually comes with a hefty price tag and a big dent in your wallet. 

Don’t give up your search. If you know where to look, luxury cars can be surprisingly affordable. 

We have some good news for luxury auto fans — we’ve researched for you. In this article, we’ll list the best cheap luxury cars so you don’t overspend on purchasing and maintenance. Let’s get started. 

New cars are expensive, especially luxury models. Thankfully, the secondhand market is full of bargains! If you want to buy a cheap luxury car, look at pre-loved models. 

Here are five of the best-value luxury cars:

Made from 2001 to 2011, the L322 is one of the most iconic shaped Range Rovers. Known for being the first to use a monocoque design instead of the old Land Rover-esque body on chassis, it was sublimely comfortable and refined whilst still being more than capable off-road. 

These can be bought for as little as £5,000 with less than 100,000 miles on. Look out for a good service history, as these complex cars can be demanding if not looked after.

BMW’s flagship executive saloon has been around for many years now, but as with many premium models, the older generations quickly lose value. The best generation to buy for great value is the E65, made from 2001 to 2008.

As it has not yet become a classic but sports a completely different styling from the newer and current generations, a model in good condition can be had for less than £6,500. We’d suggest the 3.0 diesel engine, which is legendary for its reliability and torque.

3. Mercedes S-Class 2006 - 2013 - £4,400

The S-Class has always been a staple in the high-end luxury/executive saloon market, competing with the BMW 7 series and Audi A8. Along with oodles of tech and ultra-luxurious cabin space, the S-class came equipped with great engines, from the 3.0-litre economical diesel to the 6.0-litre V12.

For practicality and running costs, we’d advise either the S320 or S350 versions with economical but powerful Diesel engines. For around £4,400, you can get a 130,000-mile Mercedes S-Class with plenty of kit and options from circa 2007. 

The Jaguar XF is the newest car of the bunch and the most expensive option. However, it’s a great combination of luxury and a more affordable price that some readers might find interesting. Second-hand models are available for as little as £8,000.

Highlights of the Jaguar XF include a deluxe cabin feel, sports driving characteristics, attractive interior design, and a smooth drive. 2020 models even have a touchscreen media system, which will cost you a little more. 

Launched in 2010, the Audi A8 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a cheap luxury car that will stand the test of time. This model is known for being reliable and needing little maintenance — meaning it also has affordable maintenance costs (but more on cars that are cheap to run later!)

The Audi A8 has a classy interior, a sophisticated overall look, and plenty of technical features that’ll make any auto fan smile. Benefits of an Audi A8 include adaptive air suspension, a 3.0 TDI, and a super smooth engine feel.

The secondhand market is rarely kind to expensive and luxurious vehicles, mainly due to the high costs associated with keeping them on the road.

Almost everything costs more, from high tax bands to even the tyres being two or three times the price of those fitted to a basic hatchback.

These three luxury cars have been picked with their cost of running in mind: 

As luxury cars go, Lexus is pretty high up in the rankings. It is famous for producing some of the best-made saloon cars in the world, but for some luxury that won't break the bank, the GS450H is perfect. 

It uses a 3.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, a system similar to that of the Toyota Prius, and is extremely reliable and effective at producing great economy figures. The GS450H, despite being a full-size luxury saloon with over 350 horsepower, can easily achieve in excess of 45 MPG.

Cars from around 2006/2007 offer the best combination of low miles (under 100,000) and great value. 

Another Japanese brand, the Honda Legend, is a much less common sight on the roads than others on this list. With its 3.5-litre V6 engine and ample creature comforts, it definitely falls under the category of a luxury car.

Whilst you won't see as impressive MPG figures as the Lexus, as a hybrid system does not assist the NA 3.5L engine, you can rely on it being ultra-reliable and well-built, as with all Honda products. This means you shouldn't end up in the garage too often for repairs.

Volvo is well known for its comfortable cruisers, and the S80 takes passenger comfort to a new level with plush seats and loads of creature comforts. Double-glazed windows are an option for unrivalled interior quietness, too!

We’d suggest the dependable D5 engine, with plenty of torque and reasonable fuel consumption. This 2.4 Diesel is used in all of the Volvo range. £3,000 would net you a tidy Volvo S90 from 2003-2011 with reasonable miles; around 120,000.

If you’re looking for an upmarket hatchback but don’t want to splurge, consider the classic Mercedes A-Class. This car has a luxury look and a sleek interior design, making every journey feel like a treat. More recent models even have high-tech entertainment systems and voice recognition. 

Older A-Classes cost less, allowing you to drive around in style without a big bill. However, this might not be the best option if you live within a ULEZ area, as some old A-Class models aren’t compliant.

The Volvo XC60 provides the space and sophistication of a mid-size SUV while also giving an all-around modern driving experience. Unlike sportier models, the XC60 has a simpler design, but this is Scandinavian minimalism at its best. Pair this with a touchscreen media system, and you’ll get a faultless vehicle.

What really makes the XC60 a cheap luxury car is its high-quality materials and build. Owners report nee

 meaning you’ll spend less time paying off garage invoices and more time enjoying the car on the road.

Unlike fashion, car brands tend to spread their products across many market segments, with only a select handful making luxury cars. However, the most commonly seen luxury brands are Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Range Rover, and BMW.

Let’s get to know some of the top names.

One of the oldest car makers in the world, Rolls Royce split their business ventures between building jet engines and arguably the most luxurious cars in the world. They are famed for their exquisite quality, attention to detail and paint finish.

Another British classic, although it has been owned by Volkswagen since 1998, Bentley has focussed on the sports-luxury market in the last 20 years or so, with one of their most popular models being the Continental GT. 

One of the big three high-end German manufacturers, Mercedes was one of the first to make a car back in 1886. It produced a single-cylinder tricycle of sorts, using wooden wheels and a tiller to steer. Their modern vehicles are much more well-equipped. They are some of the most premium cars on the market.

Another German Giant, BMW targets the premium-luxury market worldwide, with a large market share in their home country as well as the rest of Europe and the US. Whilst still producing executive and luxury cars, BMW is also big in the sports car market, linking to its large motorsport history.

Whilst Audi has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group since the late 1960s, Audi cars are generally distinguished from their VW counterparts by higher quality and more stylised design.

Created as a vehicle for wealthy landowners and farmers to use instead of the utilitarian Land Rover, in 1969, the Range Rover offered off-road capability. Still, in comfort and luxury, it was an immediate success. 

Nowadays, it’s still super popular, one of the most well-known SUV and luxury brands in the world, and it is still equipped with great off-road ability. 

Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to the question of what the cheapest luxury car is.

The best way to find cheap classy cars is by looking through used car sites. Like second-hand clothing sites or antique store websites, the pricing can be unpredictable and depends on what the seller wants to earn.

Sometimes, you might get lucky and find an incredible deal. Other times, sellers want to charge high fees for cars that aren’t worth so much anymore.

Finding the cheapest luxury car - The bottom line

So, that was a quick rundown of the most affordable luxury cars. Hopefully, we’ve given you a starting point for your search. Make a note of these models and brand names, or bookmark this page. 

Always check out second-hand sites to find the best value-for-money luxury car. You’d be surprised at the hidden gems that get listed every day! Now go forth and discover. 

Split the cost of car repairs into interest-free monthly payments with Bumper. Apply online before your visit and choose from 1000s of garages and dealerships across the country.

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Affordable Luxury Cars: The Cheapest Luxury Cars to Buy and Maintain 

In a world where a run-of-the-mill Vauxhall Astra is nearly £26,000, and a Ford Focus is over £28,000 it may seem mad to see a new car for around £10,000, but there are still some manufacturers making genuinely cheap new cars. 

We’ve rounded up the top 10, sorted by lowest price first, for your perusal. All our prices have been taken from current cars for sale on 

Your personal circumstance determines which is the most cost-effective method of buying a new car, mainly how long you intend to keep it, and if you will want to upgrade it in the near future. 

For example, Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is great if you want to change your car every 2 or 3 years or don't mind paying a large ‘balloon’ payment at the end of the term to keep the car. Hire Purchase (HP) is better suited to those wanting a new car for 5+ years, as it allows you to buy it outright, over a set period of time.

For more in-depth information on ways to buy a new car, check out our guide 

Whilst not a ‘real’ car in its home country, the Citroen Ami is considered a motor vehicle in the UK, and thus gets to top our list of cheapest new cars, even if it is mostly made of plastic! 

The Ami is aimed at young adults and city dwellers, with its 28 mph top speed and sub 500kg weight, it's certainly not a car to be taken anywhere near a motorway, but for driving around city centres, it may be better than cycling. 

At £7,695 the Ami is by far the cheapest brand-new car listed on Autotrader, with its 6.3kWh battery and front-to-back styling (the front and rear bumpers are the same to save on tooling costs!) it’s certainly one to consider for out and out cheapness. 

The Picanto is a perfect small car, it has a frugal but revvy 1.0-litre petrol engine, a 5-speed manual gearbox and only costs £12,195 off the forecourt. Alongside Kia’s 7-year warranty as standard, the Picanto represents excellent value if you just need an A to B car. 

Further savings come when running the car, it will do nearly 60 miles to the gallon, and only costs £185 per year to tax. 

 will be low too, as the Picanto falls into group 1, most drivers aged 25 and over wouldn’t expect to pay more than £500 per year (location depending). 

MG has re-entered the market with a very wide range of vehicles on offer, from this small super mini right up to the brand new MG HS SUV. This shape MG3 was introduced in 2018 but the car it is based on was designed in 2011 by the UK team of automotive company SAIC. 

Performance is not too shabby from the 1.5-litre petrol engine, at 107 horsepower, certainly more than most of the other cars on this list, but the engine design shows its age by only achieving 42 MPG, something Japanese cars, such as the Suzuki Swift, have been achieving for nearly 20 years. 

Thankfully other concerns over build quality would be remedied by the 7-year warranty, possibly introduced to compete with the Kia. Nevertheless, the MG3 is a cheap way to get into a small, back-to-basics car. 

The C3 is the smallest car Citroen makes, replacing the Saxo and the AX before that. It is classed as a supermini, and is one of the better-equipped cars in the category, especially at this price point. The current generation is the third one since 2002, with a fourth planned for next year. 

Powered by a modern 1.2 turbo petrol engine, which is capable of achieving 55 mpg and delivers 107 horsepower. Just the right balance of economical city driving with a small amount of long-distance and motorway thrown in.

Citroen has always focussed on the styling and innovation of their cars, and the new C3 is no different, with a striking front and side profile sprinkled with just enough modern features such as LED daytime running lights and body-coloured door handles. 

Another well-equipped small car is the i10, shipping with air conditioning, Bluetooth and touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, lane keeping and reversing camera. Truly impressive for less than £14,000. 

It has also received high praise by various outlets including What Car? and Top Gear, for its driving feel, high levels of tech and comfort on the road. 

Hyundai offers a 5-year warranty as standard, slightly less than the Kia or Dacia, but it is an unlimited mileage warranty, so if you intend to do mega miles in the first few years of owning your new car, the Hyundai might be worth considering. 

Since Dacia, a company originally from Romania, were bought by Renault, they have begun producing some quality utilitarian vehicles, with just enough modern tech to be competitive and enjoyable in the modern market. 

The cheapest Sandero comes with a 1.0L naturally aspirated engine producing 65 horsepower. Whilst it’s not going to be winning any traffic light Grand Prix, what it can do is deliver over 50 MPG with a very low insurance group, meaning it’s 

Dacia is keen on giving their customers plenty of tech, too. The car we found on Autotrader at £13,795 had cruise control, a DAB radio and tyre pressure monitoring, features few of the other cars offer. 

The Panda has been around since the 1980s and has become a very popular small car both in Italy and across Europe. Designed as a cost-effective but safe method of transportation, the new Panda is far removed from the original. 

Standard features include air conditioning and a great infotainment system, with cruise control and park assist available on the higher City Life trim models.

In terms of engines, you can pick from multiple, with the 85hp TwinAir turbocharged unit found in the 500, and the hybrid version using the same engine being the most popular. The latter achieved over 50 MPG. 

Replacing the popular 207, the 208 is a great small car for those looking for plenty of styling features and creature comforts. The interior is as bright as the exterior, with coloured trims and buttons coming as standard.

Other than an electric version, only one engine choice is available for each fuel type, a 1.2-litre petrol unit with three power output choices, and one diesel. For the best of both worlds, we’d suggest either the 100hp or 130hp petrol engine, both achieving MPG figures over 50, but with quite a bit more power than the other options. 

The new Ignis is a complete redesign of the older, much more basic car of the mid-2000s, with funky body-coloured plastic mouldings and door trims, it certainly stands out among the more sedate small cars. 

With an optional 4-grip 4-wheel drive system, there is something for everyone when specifying the Ignis, although the most basic model, the SZ3 comes with air conditioning, Electric windows and a DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity. 

Engine choices are limited to one, a 1.2 hybrid system, but that’s not always a bad thing, as Suzuki has clearly worked hard to make it efficient, outperforming many small petrol cars on this list at nearly 56 MPG. 

. Apply online and choose from 1000s of trusted dealerships signed up to the Bumper network. 

The 9 Cheapest New Cars In The UK

Electric vehicles have significantly improved since their introduction. Cars like the Kia EV6 can now out-accelerate supercars. Yet range remains a major concern for many drivers. 

However, this issue is improving. The first-generation Nissan Leaf could only go 73 miles on a charge, but the latest model can now travel 168 miles, nearly 2.5 times longer. So, will we see a 1000-mile EV any time soon?

In this article, we’ll examine the EVs on sale and what the future holds for EV range numbers. 

With top cars of 2023 reaching only 450 miles per charge

, achieving a 1,000-mile range will require major advancements in battery technology

. It's uncertain if this will happen soon or if it will be too expensive.

However, Toyota is working on it, planning to develop a 1,000 km EV using a new type of lithium battery. These upcoming ‘solid-state’ batteries are expected to cost 10% less than current lithium-ion ones.

Yes, it’s looking very likely that in the next 2-3 years we will see the advent of 500-mile range EVs using existing methods. 

MIT’s 2023 technology review suggests that lithium batteries will see further advancements soon. With ongoing improvements in cooling, charge movement, and energy density, we may experience 10-20% increases in capacity without significant changes in volume.

We may also see a 600-mile EV in 2027/28 from Toyota’s high-performance lithium-ion battery. The aim is to create a driving range of 1,000km, which is approximately 621 miles.

There might not be a 1000-mile EV yet, but some long-range electric vehicles are on the market right now. Wondering what electric car has the longest range? Here are the top options with over 350 miles:

Thanks to its huge battery bank, storing over 107 kWh of power - that’s over five times the capacity of the original Nissan Leaf! - it will do 452 miles on a single charge. As the MQS is the electric version of the revered S-Class, it will also be 452 miles of comfort and luxury!

It’s nice to see manufacturers creating EVs by tailoring the styling slightly from the standard cars instead of only creating bizarre concept car-looking designs. With its accented trim and shiny grille, the EQS is simply a sleeker, more modern-looking S-Class.

A relatively new player in the EV market and one that has focused on sustainability and longevity in its ethos, Fisker has multiple EVs either in production or planned to be released soon. The Ocean is an SUV that comes in multiple trim levels. The top model, the 

, has a slightly smaller battery pack than the Merc' but still manages 440 miles between plug-ins. 

Fisker claims the Ocean is the world's most sustainable vehicle, with over 50kg of recycled, biodegradable materials being used. Hopefully, that won't mean the dash will disintegrate after 15 years of use!

Polestar has been in the UK for a few years now. After being bought by Volvo, they have cemented their place in the mid-to-high end of the EV market. The new Polestar 2 has achieved sector-topping performance, with over 400 miles range. 

As one of the more subtle EVs, the new Polestar could be mistaken for a new Volvo if it didn't have the green number plate stickers, aero wheels and shiny, flat front grille.

Around 10 years ago, Tesla would be dominating this lineup of EVs, it shows then the pace at which the competitors have innovated, that the Tesla only takes spot 4. 

Regardless, the tech crammed into the latest Model S cannot be overstated, and the figures back it up with a range of nearly 400 miles and a 0-60 of 3.1 seconds.

Very similar to the Model S, the Model 3 is built on the same motor, battery, and drivetrain ‘skateboard’. This means the stats are very similar, with the Model 3’s baby-SUV styling increasing the drag coefficient slightly, leading to a slightly worse range figure of 391 miles.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium RWD - Range of 372 miles

Another option with an impressive range is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium RWD. This car is popular for those looking for an electric vehicle with unique muscle car features. Cue an impressive range and engaging driving dynamics. 

The main drawback of this model is its poor infotainment system. However, if you can look past this you’re in for a great experience.

BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport - Range of 365 miles

The BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport is another EV that provides a long driving range. With a luxury feel and plenty of advanced tech, this model isn’t the longest on the list, but it gives a satisfying drive nevertheless. 

Two options were released in summer 2021 (eDrive40 and the more performance-focused M50). Both were then later joined by a more basic eDrive35 model. 

 Instead of focusing on longer-range EVs, improving charging infrastructure in the UK would be more beneficial. 

For instance, the Mercedes EQS can travel over halfway from Land’s End to John o’Groats on a single charge and add 86 miles of range with just 15 minutes on a 200kW charger. This raises the question of whether the cost and weight of larger batteries are justified for the extra range. 

Reducing range anxiety is a key advantage of longer-range EVs. Fortunately, the government plans to increase ultra-rapid charging stations from 200 to 6,000 by 2035.

Sceptics of electric vehicles often cite range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery during a journey. 

This concern is valid for two reasons: EVs can't be towed easily due to their complex drivetrains, and you can't simply walk to a charging station for a quick battery top-up like with petrol. 

Running out of power can mean costly recovery or rare services like 

To achieve a 1,000-mile range, EVs will likely need to differ significantly from current models, especially in terms of weight. 

Top EVs with large batteries often have complex features like automated seats and suspension. It would be interesting to see how far a simpler, smaller EV, like the early Nissan Leaf, could go with a 100 kWh battery from the Mercedes EQS.

1000 electric cars - Looking to the future

In conclusion, while the quest for longer-range electric vehicles (EVs) continues, current advancements suggest that increasing charging infrastructure may be a more practical solution than solely focusing on extending range. 

Advancements in battery technology and the expansion of ultra-rapid charging stations in the UK promise to alleviate range anxiety, making it easy to get from A to B without worrying about running out of charge. 

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When Will Electric Cars Have A 1000 Mile Range?

Elektrofahrzeuge mit großer Reichweite: Wann werden wir 1600 km sehen?

There are many different types of automobiles, from saloons to SUVs, and everything in between. One thing most of them have in common is that they are made to serve a practical purpose. Whether that’s hauling luggage in an estate or traversing rough ground in an SUV.

Sports cars, however, are made for one thing, fun. Their powerful engines excite with rapid acceleration, the low-slung body lets corners be taken faster, and a convertible top lets you enjoy the scenery whilst on a leisurely drive.

If you’re lucky enough to be considering buying a car just for having fun in, there is a world of options available, from comfortable cruisers to lightweight racers, we’ve compiled a guide of what does what, best.

Whilst £20,000 is a significant amount of cash to spend on a car, selecting the right one is still super important, as some sports cars can be faster to 

This car features prominently in this article as it’s one of the best-selling sports cars of all time. The recipe for the Mx-5 has stayed the same since the very first generation; simplicity, front-engined, rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. 

The reason the modern edition has been so immensely popular is that Mazda has stuck to this recipe, actually managing to make the current 4th generation car lighter than previous ones, contrary to most other manufacturers out there. 

For £20,000 you can get a one-year-old (2022 reg) 1.5 petrol with less than 10,000 miles on the clock. Although we’d probably opt for a slightly older car, with the 2.0 engine, the 1.5 is an excellent unit producing 130 bhp and a 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds. 

For a slightly more powerful car than the Mx-5 but with similar handling, the Nissan 370z is a great choice. The 3.7-litre engine produces 324 horsepower, nearly 3 times that of the ND Mx-5. The V6 engine will also accelerate the car to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. 

As a GT car, the 370z is designed to be slightly more refined on longer journeys, with better sound deadening, driving aids and overall creature comforts. It’s perfect therefore for driving holidays, road trips or just general long-distance travel - as long as you don't have too much luggage! 

If back to basics, raw driving pleasure is what you’re looking for, then a Lotus is one of the best cars to set foot in. Designed by the same company that produced some of the most influential and successful Formula 1 cars of all time, the Elise is the last name for handling and poise.

At only 826kg, the 1.8 normally aspirated petrol engine is plenty to keep the Elise on the heels of any high-powered sports car on a technical, twisty road. The exquisite weight distribution and suspension setup make it one of the best-handling cars ever made. 

Due to the limited production numbers, a consequence of the cars still being made by hand in Norfolk, the Elise has held its value very well, £20,000 would buy you a 2007 model at the newest, with nearing 60,000 miles on the clock.

If you’re willing to go for a slightly older model, then £10,000 is still more than enough to buy an exciting but reliable sports car. Here are our top picks.

The BMW Z4 has been around for over 20 years now and has always been a top pick for those looking for a well-built car for spirited driving but with functional German styling and engineering.

The 3.0 litre straight 6 engine is the best of the bunch, producing around 260 horsepower, which is just the right amount to be lively but not uncontrollable. The Z4 comes in both manual and DCT - BMW’s codename for automatic, standing for Dual Clutch Transmission.

For comfort on long road trips, and ease when using on the occasional summer commute, the DCT is the best choice, both the manual and the DCT get to 60 mph in around 6 seconds, with the manual being slightly faster.

First launched in 2012, the GT86 was quickly adopted as a cheap-to-run, reasonably fast sports car. Its 2.0 litre naturally aspirated engine is surpassed by quite a few of the cars mentioned here, but its nimble-ness is what sets it apart.

With great weight distribution, the GT86 offers great driving performance at a reasonable price, with insurance and tax rates being considerably lower than larger-engined BMW or Porsche alternatives.

As well as being cheap to run, the GT86 is a nice car to be in, coming as standard with Air conditioning, cruise control and a great infotainment system. At around £8,000 for a 2014 car with sub 80,000 miles on the clock, it’s a great option for those with a £10k budget.

Always at the upper end of the spectrum of sports cars, Porsche’s history is full of racing pedigree, from Le Mans to Rally. That ethos is built into all their sports cars, with the Boxster being the most accessible.

Introduced in 1996 it is often regarded as the lesser Porsche when compared to the 911, but in reality it is still an extremely capable car, with excellent poise and handling characteristics. The generation we’d recommend is the first gen, sold up until 2004, as these are obtainable within the £10,00 budget.

 and records, as these cars need to be maintained correctly. A good condition, sub 90,000-mile car can be bought for around £9,000, this will get you the ‘S’ model with the superb 3.2 litres flat 6 engine.

What is the Cheapest Sports Car to Maintain?

Maintenance is an essential part of owning any vehicle, especially one that is designed to be driven near the limit of its performance on a regular basis. To keep costs low you need a combination of good reliability, cheap parts and ease of accessibility, the latter being a killer for many mid-engined sports cars.

For the reasons mentioned above, we would crown the Mx-5 as one of the cheapest sports cars to maintain. Regardless of generation their dependable engines and drivetrains make them extremely durable.

Parts too are easy to come by, and their front engine, and rear drive layout are great for easily accessing components such as the clutch, cambelts and more.

The one, rather large caveat is to look out for rust, look to buy one that’s been restored, imported or dry stored. Whilst the rust repairs are well documented and easily fixed, the costs can mount quickly.

As the Mx-5 has been around for so long, and each generation has been as reliable as the last, we’d recommend any of the 4, depending entirely on your budget.

Cheapest New Sports Car: Mazda Mx-5 - £24,750

We said an article about sports cars would feature a lot about the Mazda Mx-5, and here it is again! At a current MSRP of £24,750, the brand-new Mx-5 is the cheapest new sports car on sale in the UK.

That price gets you the most basic spec known as ‘Prime-Line’. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing, as that nets you 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, android auto and the great 1.5 petrol engine.

Besides, with the great combination of rear-wheel drive, a manual gearbox and a small, light roadster, the open road is the only extra element required to have loads of fun in the ND Mx-5.

What is the Most Powerful Affordable Sports Car?

If it's raw power you want, there are a few cars out there that offer extremely high horsepower figures but have now depreciated to very affordable prices.

Whilst we would not recommend these for their fuel economy or low insurance premiums, they are certainly reasonably priced to purchase.

As the car with the largest engine on this list, the Monaro VXR8 packs a huge punch, its 5.7 Litre V8 produces 330 horsepower and 349 lb-ft of torque. If the power itself is not enough, the V8 engine produces one of the most thunderous sounds you can get for less than £13,000.

On the topic of cost, a 2005 Monaro can be found for £12,500 on Autotrader. The car we found had only 48,000 miles and a full service history.

If you liked the sound of the Monaro, this German bruiser has even more power, for an even cheaper price. The CLS 55 AMG is a 4 or 2-door saloon with a staggering 500 horsepower from its 5.5 litre V8 engine.

Thanks to a clever automatic gearbox the CL 55 can hit 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds, despite it weighing twice as much as some of the other cars on this list, at 1920kg.

All this power and performance comes at only £7,495, for a 2006 car with 95,000 miles on the clock. If you want a better-kept example though you may have to break the £10,000 mark. Make sure to keep some money aside for servicing, we found that one rear tyre costs over £300!

So there we have it, a round-up of the various levels of sports car goodness the market has to offer, everything from reliable and economical Japanese featherweights to petrol-guzzling, supercar-challenging brutes. For more guides on what cars to buy, check out our blog 

A Guide to Affordable Sports Cars, New and Old

When it comes to purchasing a family car in the UK, affordability is a key concern. Beyond the initial purchase price, you'll want to consider the cost of taxing, servicing and insuring your new vehicle. 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

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