Modern car technology has advanced to a point where it is becoming more affordable than ever to own the sports car of your dreams. Many still consider a true sports car to come in above £100,000 and be limited to millionaires and not the everyday worker. However, times are changing and there are a number of reasonably priced sports cars that do everything that a more expensive one would. For some inspiration, here are three new 2018 sports cars that come in at under £40,000.
1. Lexus RC
The Lexus RC offers a blend of luxury and performance, featuring a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 311 horsepower. Known for its quiet cabin and high-end materials, the RC provides a refined and smooth driving experience. However, its handling is not as sharp as some competitors, and rear-seat space is quite limited. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, making it more of a grand tourer than an agile sports car. The interiors are stunning with a choice of Stratus, Playa, Flaxen, Gray, Black or Rioja Red interior coupled with wooden trim. Technology-wise, it has some of the best features Lexus offers, such as a new 10.3” standard navigation screen
- Pros: Luxurious interior, powerful engine, smooth driving.
- Cons: Less sporty handling, cramped rear seats.
- Price: From £33,500.
Specification Details
Engine 3.5 Litre V6
Power 311 hp
0-60 mph 5.8 seconds
Top Speed 143 mph
Fuel Economy 21-28 mpg
Price £33,500 and up
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2. BMW 230i Xdrive
The BMW 230i xDrive strikes a balance between affordability and performance, offering 248 horsepowerand all-wheel drive. With its 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, this compact coupe provides quick acceleration and dynamic handling. It’s also equipped with BMW’s intuitive driving modes, allowing for a versatile driving experience, from daily commutes to weekend adventures. However, it lacks the aggressive edge of more expensive sports models like the M series.
- Pros: All-wheel drive, quick acceleration, versatile driving modes.
- Cons: Less exciting than BMW’s higher-end models.
- Price: From £25,000.
Specification Details
Engine 2.0-litre turbocharged I4
Power 248 hp
0-60 mph 5.3 seconds
Top Speed 155 mph
Fuel Economy 24-33 mpg
Price £25,000 and up
Compared to the 2017 model, BMW has given this car an impressive boost and for just £25,000 it’s an absolute steal. To help make it feel like a true high-quality sports car it comes with four drive modes which are Comfort, Sport, Sport-Plus and Eco-Pro. Not only does it look fantastic both in and out, but it handles superbly as well. Beyond this, it’s practical, coming in at around between 24 and 33 miles per gallon, and there’s plenty of room for the kids and groceries if need be.
3. Audi A3 Cabriolet
The Audi A3 Cabriolet is an attractive option for those who want a stylish, open-top experience without breaking the bank. Powered by a 186-horsepower turbocharged engine, it offers decent performance with a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds. Its interior is of typical Audi quality, featuring premium materials and modern technology. However, the A3 Cabriolet suffers from limited rear seating space and a small boot, which are common compromises for convertible models.
Coming in at just £29,000, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is just as much of a bargain as the BMW and Lexus. Despite this cheap starting price, the interior of the car is expertly finished with great quality materials that you would expect from a luxury German brand with features such as heated front seats and aluminium accents throughout. You may be able to fit the kids in the back, but beyond that, this car is designed with speed and style in mind. It comes in either a two-door convertible or four-door saloon, making it a possible buy regardless of your circumstances.
- Pros: Stylish design, high-quality interior, convertible roof.
- Cons: Small boot, cramped rear seats.
- Price: From £29,000.
Specification Details
Engine 2.0-litre turbocharged I4
Power 168 hp
0-60 mph 6.7 seconds
Top Speed 140 mph
Fuel Economy 25-34 mpg
Price £29,000 and up
These three sports cars provide a mix of luxury, performance, and affordability, making them attractive options for enthusiasts who want the thrill of driving without excessive costs.
The look of owning a sports car isn’t truly complete without first purchasing your own private number plate. We have built a handy search tool that allows you to search for which plates are available for you to purchase today and fit to your brand new car. Just head to the top of this page and get started now.