8 Entertaining Front-Wheel Drive Rides For Under £2000

1. Honda Prelude

Want an epic front-driving coupe from Honda? That’ll be an Integra, then. But you’d need way over our £2000 budget for that, so how about a Prelude? The fourth and fifth-gen (pictured) examples are both tempting, with the most powerful versions of the latter car kicking out 217bhp from a H22 VTEC engine. Certain versions come with clever four-wheel steering technology, and the fourth-gen cars have a funky digital dash.

2. Peugeot 306 GTI-6

Before the 208 GTI and the RCZ came along, Peugeot was in the doldrums when it came to decent drivers’ cars. People would fondly look back and remember the last Pug that was actually decent to drive: the 306 GTI-6. Back then, having a six-speed box on a car like this was unheard of, prompting Peugeot to slap a big ‘6’ on the boot lid to draw attention to the fact.

Those short ratios made the most of the 167bhp 2.0-litre four-pot under the bonnet, but it’s the brilliant handling that’s the main reason you should be wanting one of these. Decent examples are dwindling, so if you find a good one for under £2000, snap it up. Values of these could end up going the same way as the older 205 GTI: rather far north.

3. Ford Puma

Yes, the Ford Puma - ignoring the hotter Racing version - is hardly the butchest of coupes, and the slightly nasty interior is lifted pretty much straight from the Fiesta upon which it’s based. But you’d be a fool to discount these. They’re well balanced, chuckable, and dirt cheap; prices start at just £500.

Sure, with the most powerful (non-Racing) version giving out just 123bhp, they’re not massively quick, but given the piffling purchase price and minuscule running costs, there aren’t many drawbacks with these. They make for an excellent low-cost track car, too.

4. Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf

Fancy something a bit different? Give one of these a go. Admittedly, the looks won’t be to everyone’s taste, but there are some gloriously quirky design touches going on here: just check out the way the window opening dramatically drops down half way along the door. Best of all, 145 Cloverleafs are cracking to drive and come packing a brilliantly fizzy 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine offering up 155bhp. 0-62mph is dealt with in eight seconds dead.

If you’re tempted, be prepared for a potentially long search: these aren’t all that easy to come by, especially in decent condition. Also, make sure you buy one with a full service history: keeping up with maintenance is essential on these Twin Spark engines, particularly cam belt changes.

5. VW Corrado

Before you get excited, a decent VR6 (pictured) or G60 Corrado isn’t really doable on this budget, but an example with either the 1.8 or 2.0-litre 16-valve engine in reasonable condition is definitely possible. Performance is hardly stellar with 136bhp available (both engines put out the same power thanks to a catalytic converter fitted to the later 2.0-litre), but the Corrado is regarded by many as one of the best-driving VWs ever made, and justifiably so.

Need more convincing? You get an electronic spoiler which raises at speed, or at the touch of a button if you’re up for a bit of posing. The Corrado is one of the cheapest cars available with such a device, and if that’s not a big selling point…you’re probably not as childish as us.

6. Seat Leon Cupra

Although our hypothetical £2k budget won’t be enough for a hotter R version of the first-gen Leon Cupra, it’s plenty for the regular Cupra. These are still worth looking at, with a 177bhp 1.8-litre 20-valve turbo four-pot giving a 0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds. Earlier examples start at just £1000, and if you push more towards £2000, you should be able to pick up one of the much sportier looking post-facelift cars (see above image).

7. Renault Sport Clio 182

If you’re after front-wheel drive thrills on a budget, you’d be utterly mad not to at least consider a 182. With a zingy naturally-aspirated four-pot making 180bhp (182PS) and low weight you’ll be able to do 0-62mph in just 6.8 seconds. Most importantly though, the 182 is blessed with a cracking chassis that’s ready for endless chuckable fun, and a touch of tripoding. If you can cope with a firmer ride, an example with the ‘Cup’ package fitted will have stiffer suspension.

8. Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo

Most of the cars here are relatively safe bets. The Fiat Coupe? Not so much. The reliability of these striking, Chris Bangle-designed two-door machines is decidedly iffy, so if you want one, tread very carefully. To make sure the one you’re looking at has been well cared for, full service history is an absolute must, and make sure the all-important cam belt change has been done recently. It’s a fiddly and pricey job to do - such is the lack of room under the bonnet - but it doesn’t always necessitate an engine removal as some would have you believe.

Even if it’s a riskier buy than the other motors here, it’s worth it. The 2.0-litre 20-valve five-pot is a peach, and will send 220bhp toward the front wheels while belting out a lovely warble. It’ll do 0-62mph in well under seven seconds, the chassis is great, and if you ask us, those distinctive looks have aged very well indeed.

Make sure you post your own suggestions below, and check out our list of rear-drive bargains here.