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I’m looking to replace my
1.2-litre Fiat 500 S with something fast, stylish and not too expensive. My budget is a modest £6,000.
You’ve already owned a Fiat
500, so why not just upgrade with a faster version? The Abarth
500 takes all of the cute, compact styling of the regular 500 and adds a touch more aggression – and a whole lot more performance thanks to a 135hp 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, capable of 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 128mph.
What’s more, goodies included are climate control, a CD player, Bluetooth phone connectivity and sports seats. We’ve found a 2011 model with 41,000 miles on the clock, yours for £5,995.
Not fast enough for you? How about a bona fide British hot-hatch Mini Cooper S. Not original, but a
2009 example with 35,000 miles for
£5,850. It has a 175hp 1.6-litre engine, is good for 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and has a 140mph top speed with climate control, air-con, front sports seats and Flame Spoke split rim alloy wheels.
Or try a Mazda MX-5. We’ve found a 2008-model 2.0-litre Sport model with 42,000 miles for £6,000. It does
0-62mph in 7.9 seconds thanks to a healthy power output of 158hp. PRICE (on the road): £32,995 after £3,500 Government grant. ENGINE: 64 Watt permanent magnet AC synchronous (204hp,
395Nm /292lb torque).
TOP SPEED:
7.7s.
RANGE: City: 382 miles. Combined: 301 miles.
CO2: Nil. Tax: Nil.
INS GROUP:
yet but expect 15.