What are the cheapest fast cars you can buy?

So you want to buy a powerful new car, but your budget won’t allow you to go over the R 400 000 mark. What can you get that accelerates fast, but won’t force you to sell a kidney to afford those pesky repayments? We’ve compiled a list of hot vehicles that complete the obligatory 0 - 100 km/h sprint in under 8 seconds.

1. Renault Mégane RS Lux 265

This happy hatchback is not just the quickest, it’s also the most practical. It will reach a 100 km/h in a scorching 6 seconds, and there is enough space for the kiddos and all their stuff when you have to play Mom’s Taxi. This specific Mégane has been discontinued, so have a look on our website for a good deal on a used Mégane RS Lux 265.

Price	: R 389 900 (2015)
Power	: 195 kW
Torque	: 360 Nm
0 - 100	: 6 seconds

2. Volkswagen Polo GTI

The Polo is South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicle, so if you’re looking for German engineering and build quality with added performance, look no further than the Polo GTI. With rock-solid handling and the ability to sprint to a 100 km in 6.7 seconds, the Polo GTI is a hot hatch which will also keep its value.

Price	: R331 500
Power	: 141 kW
Torque	: 320 Nm
0 - 100	: 6.7 seconds

3. Renault Clio RS 200 Cup

A 1.6-litre, turbo-petrol engine and standard launch control are behind the Clio RS 200 Cup’s energetic demeanour. Clocking a 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, it’s not outrageously expensive at R359 900. If you’re after something just as quick, but second hand, the Clio RS 200 Lux (priced at R312 900 last year) is definitely worth considering. Its 0 - 100 km/h bolt is just as fast, with the same power figures.

Price	: R 359 900
Power	: 147 kW
Torque	: 240 Nm
0 - 100	: 6.7 seconds

4. Peugeot 208 3-door GTi

The least expensive car to make this list is the Peugeot 208 GTi. Stylish, well-specced and super-nippy, it will reach a 100 km/h in only 6.8 seconds. It costs R 309 900.

Price	: R 309 900
Power	: 147 kW
Torque	: 275 Nm
0 - 100	: 6.8 seconds

5. Audi A1 3-door 1.8T Sport

Strong poison comes in small bottles, and the A1 is no different.This little German will cost you R392 500, reaching a 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, (pricing as at February 2016).

Price	: R392 500
Power	: 141 kW
Torque	: 250 Nm
0 - 100	: 6.8 seconds

6. Ford Fiesta 3-door ST

Ford’s fabulous Fiesta ST is one of the more affordable cars on this list, apart from the Peugeot 208 GTi which is also in this price range. The Fiesta is not just fast and nimble, but safe too, with all of seven airbags. Sport suspension is standard.

Price	: R313 900
Power	: 134 kW
Torque	: 240 Nm
0 - 100	: 6.9 seconds

7. Volvo V40 T4 Momentum

The Swedes aren’t far behind with their V40 T4, which will zoom to a 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Apart from the power you’ll also get efficiency - Volvo’s are known for their green engines. We love the clean Swedish interior. The refreshing new Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country range arrives in South Africa in the third quarter of 2016. (Pictured and priced here is the current model.)

Price	: R 392 400
Power	: 141 kW
Torque	: 300 Nm
0 - 100	: 6.9 seconds

8. Mazda MX-5 2.0 Roadster-Coupe

Designed for the driving purist, The Mazda MX-5 is an involved drive, sporting a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine. It’s the world’s best-selling roadster. Watch our video review here.

 

Price	: R 399 800
Power	: 118 kW
Torque	: 200 Nm
0- 100	: 7.3 seconds

9. Peugeot 308 1.6T GT

The 308 1.6T GT (R 381 900) is another fabulously fast Frenchman. Standard on the 308 GT is a Sport Pack which will give the steering a firmer feel, sharpen the throttle and impart a more raucous exhaust note. The 308GT uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

Price	: R399 900
Power	: 151 kW
Torque	: 285 Nm
0 -100	: 7.5 seconds

10. Nissan Juke 1.6T Tekna

The only Crossover to make the list, the Juke 1.6T Tekna is a complete all-rounder, eating dirt roads for breakfast and reaching a 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.

Price	: R 399 900
Power	: 140 kW
Torque	: 240 Nm
0 - 100	: 7.8 seconds

OR

Hyundai Veloster Turbo Elite

The Veloster Turbo is not just quick off the mark, it’s interesting too. Its design is unique, featuring two doors on one side and only one on the other. We prefer the manual model, listed here. (And don’t forget to watch our review.)

Price	: R390 900
Power	: 150 kW
Torque	:  265 Nm
0 - 100	: 7.8 seconds