Five of the best value sports cars

Our pick of five of the best value sports
Summer motoring is possible on a budget
Each car is sub-£30k and great fun to drive

Written by Parkers Published: 11 May 2011 Updated: 1 February 2017

Price: £21,135
Power: 160bhp
0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 132mph
Weight: 1173kg

Why buy?
Mazda's MX-5 has been in production in one way or another since 1989. It was a great little car to begin with but has morphed with time in to a refined and accomplished sports car with fantastic handling and loads of character. It's reliable and well-made too.

2. Peugeot RCZ Sport THP200

Price: £23,595
Power: 200bhp
0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 146mph
Weight: 1421kg

Why buy?
Peugeot's attempt at a sports car is an impressive effort. It certainly looks the part with a double-bubble roof and sleek lines. Inspired by the French firm's successes at Le Mans, it also drives very nicely without feeling too sports-orientated. A genuine Audi TT competitor.

3. Honda CR-Z 1.5i V-TEC GT

Price: £20,820
Power: 114bhp
0-62mph: 10.1 seconds
Top speed: 124mph
Weight: 1198kg

Why buy?
The CR-Z is the first attempt at building a hybrid that's fun to drive. Where cars such as the Prius can seem dull and uninspiring, the CR-Z has had chassis tweaks to make it a decent car through the twisties. Performance isn't show-stopping, but for the enthusiast with a conscience it could be the ideal solution.

4. Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI Quattro Sport

Price: £28,300
Power: 170bhp
0-62mph: 7.5 seconds
Top speed: 140mph
Weight: 1370kg

Why buy?
Audi's coupe is a sure-footed machine with sleek styling and fantastic build quality. The addition of a diesel engine to the range has made the TT a much more realistic proposition for drivers wanting frugal fun in a high quality car.

5. Renault Wind GT line 1.6 VVT 133

Price: £17,010
Power: 133bhp
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 125mph
Weight: 1173kg

Why buy?
The Wind borrows many of its underpinnings with the excellent Twingo city car and is developed by the French firm's performance arm, Renaultsport. This means it's a lot of fun to drive, and when coupled with the 1.6-litre petrol engine it really comes alive. The roof folds away in 12 seconds too, so you'll always be prepared for the sun to come out.