So with the credit crunch hitting (eugh, sick of that phrase)… we thought we’d put together a list of the cars with the fastest 0-60 times for under £20k. Whilst creating our new car comparison tool we had an opportunity to have a little play with some of the car data and this is what we’ve come up with for under £20,000.
We had UK spec car data available to us and we’ve chosen the top of the range car where possible.
The top 2 cars were not the most practical of cars for obvious reasons, so we’ve chosen to leave out the Westfield Sport and the Caterham Seven. Undoubtedly these are both great cars, but for the purposes of this chart we have omitted them both.
Ready..? Let’s go.
Honda Civic 2.0 Type R
5. Honda Civic Type R
Honda’s updated model of its excellent longstanding type R is a little bit bulkier than its predecessor, however coming in at around £18,000 and doing 0-60 in 6.6s puts the Civic at number 5 in our chart. The Honda Civic has always been a favourite amongst the hot hatch fans, and thanks to its performance deserves its position in our chart.
Seat Leon 5dr hatchback 2.0 TFSI Cupra
4. Seat Leon 2.0 TFSI Cupra
Possibly my favourite on our list is the Seat Leon Cupra. It looks great, it performs fantastically and is comfortable and well made. Perhaps even a 2009 purchase for me, I’m that much of a fan. This car just makes it into our chart’s price bracket at £19,545 and races to 60mph in 6.4s.
Renualt Megane 2.0T Renaultsport
3. Renault Megane 2.0T Renaultsport
This hot hatch is beefier than the Clio version and slips into our range at a price of about £19,395 and pushing itself from 0-60 in 6.3s. Perhaps one of the more understated hot hatches in terms of its aesthetics but handles very well, and is a great all-rounder.
Vauxhall Astra VXR
2. Vauxhall Astra VXR
The priciest car in our chart, edging the closest to our £20k limit. This looks great, accelerates hard, and is quite roomy. The only downside perhaps is that it’s the most likely to lose its value over any of the others in our chart. However, if that doesn’t really bother you (and to be honest, there won’t be much in it), then this will take you from 0-60 in 6.2s.
Mazda 3 2.3 MPS hatchback
1. Mazda 3 2.3 MPS
Looks can be deceptive, and our no.1 is deceptively quick. The quoted spec time for 0-60 is 6.1s, however word is that it can probably beat the 6 second barrier. That’s quicker than a Lotus Elise, which is pretty impressive. It’s perhaps not for the “hot hatch” fan who probably wants it to look as fast as it performs. However, the Mazda 3 2.3 MPS is a surprise package to appear at the top of our charts being the fastest car for under £20,000.
Reviews for all the cars
- Mazda 3 2.3 MPS
- Vauxhall Astra VXR
- Renault Megane 2.0T Renaultsport
- Seat Leon 2.0 TFSI Cupra
- Honda Civic Type R
December 28th, 2008 at 11:14 am
It’s kinda unexpected I guess. I thought the VXR was the quickest hatch.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:17 am
I agree. I think we’ll also chart the top speed, to see which cars can go the fastest for within the same price range. I would assume that some of these guys would appear again…but probably in a different order.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:28 am
…just checked the car data. The Mazda 3 has the greatest top speed too at 155mph. Then the Cupra, VXR, and the Ford Focus ST which didn’t appear in our chart because its 0-60 time fell just outside, at 6.8s.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking you feeds also, Thanks.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you
August 19th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I’d love any of those cars tbh
. Well I think the fast car of those is the Vauxhall, however I’d go for the Honda, simply because there usually quite reliable.