Compare the best small sports cars
High-quality small sports cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best small sports cars of 2022
A small sports car is the perfect thing for narrow country lanes and blasts down your favourite B roads. While luggage and passenger space tend to be inevitably compromised, some of our specially selected options below will take your kids and some weekend-away bags while still delivering sports car driving thrills.
1. Porsche 718 Cayman
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£557* / month
For razor-sharp handling dynamics, serious pace and solid build quality, the Porsche Cayman is just about the best in its class. Base models don’t sound as great as some of the pricier six-cylinder cars though, and options can quickly push the pricing way up.
2. Mazda MX-5
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£286* / month
(£23,908)
The most sold roadster in history remains a superb sports car with all the right ingredients. Namely, a revvy naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel-drive and a manual gearbox as standard. It’s not particularly quick and has a tiny boot but it’s a blast to drive at any speed.
3. Audi RS3
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£602* / month
(£54,655)
Aside from pulverising acceleration off the line, the RS3’s all-wheel drive setup makes it seriously capable in just about any weather. It’s not the most engaging car to drive and has a small boot, but it seats four (just) and the 5-cylinder engine sounds awesome.
4. BMW M3
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£944* / month
(£72,064)
The latest M3 is a superb family-friendly sports car with a big boot and all the tech you could want. The looks are divisive and it isn’t exactly cheap, but few rivals can match it dynamically and optional all-wheel-drive makes it a viable daily driver all year round.
5. Mercedes-AMG SL
There are few rivals out there to match the Mercedes-AMG SL’s luxury and stylish design, it comes packed with features and performs like a proper AMG model. The rear seats are best reserved for shopping bags though, and the convertible roof is a bit of a fiddle to operate.
6. BMW M240i
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£616* / month
(£44,085)
The new M240i improves on its predecessor in every measurable way and now comes standard with grippy four-wheel-drive. It can seat four and has a decent-sized boot but is automatic only and some options really should be standard at this price.
7. Jaguar F-Type
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£733* / month
(£52,051)
The F-Type is a characterful sports car, especially in V8 guise, and is both comfortable and sharp to drive. You won’t find much space for your luggage though, and the infotainment system isn’t all that intuitive. As a great weekend toy, the four-cylinder models strike a great price/performance balance.
8. Audi TT RS
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£730* / month
The TT RS shares its stonking 400bhp 2.5-litre engine with the RS3, but has a sportier coupe body style which still manages to squeeze in a pair of tiny rear seats. It may not be the most precise driving tool, but the TT RS is still extremely quick and feels solidly built.
9. BMW Z4
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£445* / month
(£37,670)
The Z4 is hi-tech, looks great and the top trims are very quick. The build quality is top class and the boot is actually useable. Some rivals are sharper to drive, but the Z4 remains a thoroughly enjoyable convertible that is refined enough to double as a daily driver.
10. Suzuki Swift Sport
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£226* / month
(£22,070)
Now you may say that the Suzuki Swift Sport is more hot hatch than sports car, but it offers the same type of driving fun at a fraction of the cost, and with a lot more practicality. The 129bhp engine is more nippy than quick, though.
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