Editorial Picks: Sporty drives under $300k

Cars are expensive these days. Just before COVID-19 hit Singapore, I remember how you could get sporty sedan like the Octavia RS for less than $140,000. And people were even kicking up a fuss over how the Hyundai i30N costs almost $150,000.

And just some four years ago, the notion of a Toyota hot hatch - the GR Yaris - costing almost $200,000 seemed ridiculous. Today, $200,000 would just get you an EV with Cat A COE…

In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We’ll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.

The sad fact is that there aren't really any affordable cars out there anymore, and if you want something sporty and fun to drive, you need to be ready to pay. We are talking about prices that could get you a 3-room BTO HDB flat to be exact - here are the sporty cars that you can get with $300,000.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is stylish, fun to drive and quite practical

Quintessential hot hatch pick: Volkswagen Golf GTI

Price: $273,900
Depreciation: $24,900/yr
Power: 261bhp

Good-looking, fun and extremely agile to drive. There are many reasons why the Volkswagen Golf GTI is known as the quintessential hot hatch. In fact, most would agree that it is the original hot hatch - the first Golf GTI was a hotted-up version of the base Golf that was created unofficially by the passionate engineers.

The current Mk8.5 Golf GTI retains the original recipe with excellent handling, explosive power and a fair bit of practicality. If you like a sporty car that is equal parts fun and practical, you won't go wrong with the GTI.

Pros:

• Smallish, easy to drive
• Perky and agile handling
• Potential to make more power from modifications
• It's the quintessential hot hatch!

Cons:

• Not a huge upgrade from its predecessor (Mk8 GTI)
• It's front-wheel drive and might not be the preferred drivetrain for some

If you love driving, you won't go wrong with the Toyota GR86

Driver-oriented pick: Toyota GR86 (Manual)

Price: $152,888 (without COE) - est. $267,889 with COE
Depreciation: $25,089/yr
Power: 231bhp

Although many lament the 'lack of power', the GR86 isn't actually slow. Yes, 231bhp might seem rather low in today's context, but the low kerb weight and close gear ratio means it will complete the century in 6.3 seconds - not too shabby!

But above all else, the allure of the GR86 lies in how it drives. From the ergonomics to the dynamics of this lightweight sports coupe, everything is a dream for driving enthusiasts. Responsive and agile in corners, the GR86 exhibits everything you'll want from a sporty rear-wheel drive coupe - excellent turn in with the ability to rotate the car on demand through throttle input. If you enjoy performance driving, you there's no better car than the GR86.

Pros:

• Stylish and good-looking
• Amazing ergonomics
• Excellent handling, a true driver's car

Cons:

• Might be a tad low on power for some, and as it's naturally aspirated, potential for more power is limited
• It's a coupe, so might not make sense for those with a family

A sporty sedan that's equally suited to the racetrack and for your family-hauling duties, talk about getting the best of both worlds!

Family-friendly pick: Honda Civic Type R (PI)

Price: $ 279,800 (lowest)
Depreciation: est. $27,600/yr
Power: 326bhp

The Honda Civic Type R has always been an enthusiast's favourite. While the original Civic Type R was the EK9 hatchback, one of the most popular Type R was a sedan model - the Civic Type R FD2.

Like the FD2, the latest Civic Type R (FL5) is a sedan, and it is also powered by a variation of the famous K20 engine, though unlike the one in the FD2, this one's turbocharged and puts out a fair bit of power! With four doors and a liftback design, the current Type R is a sporty sedan with fancy suspension, great handling, and tons of practicality. Oh, and unlike its predecessor, the FL5's design is quite a mature one, you won't feel like a boy racer for driving one either!

Pros:

• Clean and understated good looks
• One of the most capable front-wheel drive cars out there
• Turbocharged power, with excellent aftermarket support
• Five-door liftback, a great compromise for family-hauling duties and spirited drives

Cons:

• Only available from Parallel Importers
• It's front-wheel drive and might not be the preferred drivetrain for some

You got me at bespoke aluminium monocoque chassis...

Used pick: Alpine A110

Price: $174,800 - $237,800
Deprecication: $24,960 - $41,360/yr
Power: 248bhp - 288bhp (S)

Having driven the Alpine A110 briefly, it has left a deep impression. While many might be unfamiliar with the brand, this is actually an amazing car.

Powered by the same engine you'll find in the Renault Megane RS, there’s sufficient power, but this isn't all. The A110 has a bespoke all-aluminium monocoque that keeps it lightweight and stiff, and the engine is also placed at the best position for performance - a rear-midship layout.

The result is a stunning sports car that's lightweight, agile and incredibly controllable. My only gripe is that it is only available with an automatic transmission, but to many, it might even be a good thing. The Alpine A110 would have cost you almost $240,000 (without COE) when it was first introduced here, the prices of a used example is quite a steal indeed.

Pros:

• Stunning looks
• A true sports car: Mid-engine rear-wheel drive platform
• Amazing handling with excellent balance
• It's like a Lotus that's even easier to live with

Cons:

• Only available with automatic transmission
• Not a practical option - cargo space is limited and it's strictly a two-seater

Enjoyed reading about our recommended cars? Here are the articles from our Editorial Picks series that you should check out:

Editorial Picks: Mid-sized Cat B hybrid SUVs under $275k!

Editorial Picks: Electric crossovers below $170k

Editorial Picks: Cat A petrol sedans under $200k