BRIT drivers are snapping up budget hot hatches that offer big performance for small money – and you can too.
We’ve picked 10 of the best on sale right now for under £5,000, including everything from iconic VWs to snazzy Mazdas and track-ready tearaways..
Citroen DS3 Racing (first generation)
This example’s going for only £4,495[/caption]
Originally planned as a 1,000-car special, the DS3 Racing ended up being built in double that number thanks to sky-high demand.
Even so, it’s still a rare find.
With just over 200bhp, firmed-up suspension and carbon fibre accents, it’s a serious bit of kit – and this example’s going for only £4,495.
Volkswagen Golf R32 (Mk5)
This one slips under the £5k mark – or go retro with the same engine in a Mk2 body[/caption]
The Mk5 R32 packs a six-cylinder punch and sounds glorious all the way to its 6,800rpm redline.
Expect 247bhp, 236lb ft of torque and 0–62mph in just 6.5 seconds.
Best of all, this one slips under the £5k mark – or go retro with the same engine in a Mk2 body.
Mazda 3 MPS (second generation)
HT3W1E 2012 Mazda 3 MPS Artist: Unknown.[/caption]
Loud looks meet serious firepower.
The Mazda 3 MPS comes with a turbocharged 2.3-litre engine chucking out 256bhp.
Add in stiffer suspension, upgraded dampers and a limited-slip diff, and you’ve got yourself a proper street sleeper.
Vauxhall Corsa VXR (E)
As British as a Sunday roast.
This hot Corsa has been slammed to the ground, fitted with aggressive body mods, and wears smoked lights and an Airtec windscreen sticker.
It’s a loud, proud VXR that doesn’t try to blend in – and that’s the point.
Ford Focus ST (third generation)
The 2011 Amsterdam motorshow was running from April 12 until April 23, in the RAI event center in Amsterdam[/caption]
This metallic blue ST-3 is listed at £4,980 – and it’s a lot of car for the cash.
Inside, you get Recaro leather seats, illuminated buttons and a boost gauge.
It’s covered 112,500 miles but still looks sharp. If you want something even wilder, how about a Martini-liveried XR2 track car?
Renault Clio 172 (X65)
Don’t be fooled by its modest 172bhp.
This featherweight Phase 3 has been stripped, lightened and track-prepped with race seats, harnesses and a fire extinguisher.
At just 900kg, it feels twice as fast as it is – and it’s yours for under £3,000.
Audi S3 (second generation)
One version even comes with a six-speed manual and lashings of silver paint. Classy and quick.[/caption]
A grown-up hot hatch with serious grunt.
The second-gen S3 puts out 261bhp and 258lb ft from a turbocharged four-cylinder, good for 0–62mph in under six seconds.
One version even comes with a six-speed manual and lashings of silver paint.
Seat Leon Cupra R (second generation)
Seat Leon Cupra R, 19in wheels and a 261bhp turbocharged[/caption]
This one’s got some miles – 153,000 to be exact – but it’s a high-spec gem.
Quilted leather, red calipers, 19in wheels and a 261bhp turbocharged engine make it a compelling pick.
Volkswagen Scirocco R (third generation)
Long bonnet, sleek lines, serious presence[/caption]
You’ll need to haggle hard to get it under budget, but the Scirocco R remains one of the best-looking hot hatches of the modern era.
Long bonnet, sleek lines, serious presence.
Wildcard: Vauxhall Astra GSI (third generation)
The Vauxhall Astra GSi 16v, has a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated lump putting out 150bhp[/caption]
A red-top slice of Nineties nostalgia.
This Astra GSI started life as a lowly Merit but now sports a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated lump putting out 150bhp.
