JB from Cars with JB posted to his popular YouTube channel listing the best options for budget buyers.
Seat Leon Cupra R
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This model starts around £8,000, and for that price JB says it’s “insanely quick” with its ability to speed to 60mph in 5.8 seconds.
He said annual insurance policies start from £1,400 per year.
JB said: “It looks good, accelerates well and has a firm sporty ride.”
The Seat Leon Cupra R hasn’t always been the most popular choice among hot hatch enthusiasts but is renowned for being sturdy and fast.
Renault Megane RS
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The Megane RS starts at around £5,000, with insurance also starting at the £1,400 per year.
It moves from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds.
JB says they are popular among motorists looking to whizz around, as long as they don’t mind the interior.
He said: “I’ve never loved the interiors on them but they are sharp to drive, making them quite popular track day cars.”
Mercedes SLK200
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In German, SLK stands for sporty, light and small.
The model is slightly slower than others on JB’s list, taking 6.8 seconds to reach 60mph.
But he was able to find insurance policies starting a tad cheaper.
JB said buyers could look to purchase the motor £5,500, and he got an insurance quote for £1,300.
BMW 135I
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One of the flashier options, the 135I is available from around £7,000, JB said.
And despite the BMW badge he said: “I still managed to get an insurance quote of around £1400 per year on it.
“That’s not bad when you consider it has a 3-litre twin turbo engine … taking it to 60mph in 5.1 seconds.”
JB said the model remained one of the “best looking small coupes”.
He added: “They’re pretty lairy to drive with that much power.”
It was also dubbed “supremely comfortable” by Jeremy Clarkson.
JB did make a caveat, however, warning that water pump and thermostat failure has been known.
Peugeot 308 GTI
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JB says “the 308 GTI is no slouch”.
That’s courtesy of its turbocharged engine, enabling it to power to 60mph in 5.8 seconds.
The Peugeot can be purchased for £7,500 with insurance quotes from £1,300.
JB added: “There are loads of reports of small issues by owners, but catastrophic ones, not so much.”