Honda Civic Type R

Price: £31,525Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 316nhpTorque: 400Nm0-62mph: 5.8 secondsTop speed: 169mph

To overcome the problem of relatively poor mid-range performance from its VTEC engines, Honda has equipped the latest Honda Civic Type R with a sizeable turbocharger – meaning the hot Civic comes with 316bhp and 400Nm of torque. The power is fed through the front wheels, and gives the Civic Type R a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 169mph.

Confirming its credentials as a bit of a track weapon, the Type R comes with an ‘+r’ button that firms the already firm dampers by 30 per cent, increases throttle response and gives the steering a bit more weight. On top of this it has a satisfying short-throw gearshift to add to the fun.

• Honda Civic Type R review

At over £30k it is by no means the most affordable car on this list, but when you consider that the Civic Type R has lapped the Nurburgring faster than the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI, Pagani Zonda C12 A and Lamborghini Gallardo, you are getting a serious amount of bang for your buck.

Best cheap fast cars 2018

1. 1. Ford Fiesta ST
2. 2. Caterham 7 160
3. 3. Mazda MX-5
4. 4. Volkswagen up! GTI
5. 5. Hyundai i30N
6. 6. Honda Civic Type R
7. 7. MINI Cooper S
8. 8. Toyota GT 86
9. 9. Suzuki Swift Sport
10. 10. Fiat 124 Spider