But affordable new coupes are getting rarer by the day. Nissan's latest Z car isn't available in the UK, Audi's TT will soon bow out after 25 years on sale, and Mazda's legendary rotary engine is now fulfilling a role as a range extender in one of its EVs, rather than powering an RX. Shame.
You might argue that hot hatchbacks have got you amply covered when it comes to obtainable performance, but there's something deeply alluring and purposeful about a quick coupe. The good news is that such cars are still around - albeit with a few miles under their belt. This means that a desirable, engaging coupe can now be bought for as little as £6000, while some fivestar evo heroes are mere family-hatchback money. Spend a bit more and you can even bag something with eight cylinders and a high-ticket badge. Here are four suggestions for your shortlist.
PORSCHE CAYMAN S (987)
The obvious choice, perhaps, but for many very good reasons
EVERYTHING FEELS IN HARMONY BEHIND THE wheel of a 987-generation Porsche Cayman S. The push from its mid-mounted flat-six, the precise shift action of its six-speed manual gearbox and the fluidity of its chassis meld together to create what is a wonderfully balanced coupe experience. It was good in 2005, and with new compact, naturally aspirated sports cars now few and far between, it feels even better today.
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Esta historia es de la edición August 2023 de Evo UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
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FORD FOCUS ST TRACK PACK & HONDA CIVIC TYPE R
The Civic Type R has so far seen off all challengers, but will it meet its match in the trackday-friendly Focus ST?
TOYOTA GR86 & BBR MX-5
GR86 and supercharged MX-5 look closely matched on paper; how will it prove on the twists and undulations of Cadwell?
PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS
It’s the perfect blend of speed, poise and precision: what better car than the GT3 RS to establish our benehmark lap
TRACK CAR OF THE YEAR
From hot hatches to flyweight sports cars to actual racers, 15 contenders vie to be crowned evo Track Car of the Year 2024
ORANGE RUSH
The new Vantage has the power and speed to take on the mighty Porsche 911 Turbo S, but is it all about the numbers or does it have the ability to engage and entertain too?
