Top 10 best performance cars to buy 2023
Performance cars have reached new heights of speed and interaction - here’s a list of our ten favourites from the current crop
With most manufacturers pushing funding towards ambitious EV targets in 2023, traditional performance cars aren’t as prominent as they once were. That’s a real shame for those who enjoy driving, but there is a flip side to this coin: some of the models that have emerged recently have been fastidiously engineered to celebrate the closing years of the combustion engine, and they’re blindingly good as a result.
Hot hatches like the latest Honda Civic Type R are a case in point - the firm’s engineers have honed familiar ingredients to stunning effect, and there are more highlights further up the market.
Maserati hit the ground running with its first bespoke supercar since the MC12 - its new MC20 gives no hint of this hiatus, and it’s a match for the latest and greatest from Ferrari.
Some buyers, need a touch more versatility from their performance car, and BMW has a stronghold on that particular brief. The M5 CS not only blasts its competition away, we struggle to think of a sports saloon from any era that’s quite so enthralling on a challenging road. Of course, pure electric performance cars are creeping on the scene too, the best of which are worthy of consideration.
Read on to discover our favourite performance cars from across the spectrum…
10. Porsche Taycan
As the only electric car on this list, the Porsche Taycan is undoubtedly the best of its kind from behind the wheel. Of course, EV’s naturally carry a weight penalty thanks to the fitment of dense battery packs, but the Taycan manages to mask the effects of this with more than a hint of 911 sports car in its behaviour.
Available in standard saloon or more versatile estate forms, Porsche’s first electric car is offered with a range of power outputs - we’d go for the 523bhp 4S model, which offers scorching speed without straying over £90,000.
Despite its brutal acceleration, the Taycan’s real talent materialises on a challenging road, where its linear, accurate steering, fluid body control and surprising agility come to the fore. Admittedly, it’s not as thrilling as petrol-powered offerings like the M5 CS, but if this is Porsche’s starting point with EVs, we’re very excited for what comes next.
9. Hyundai i20N
The Ford Fiesta ST has been axed, but the small hot hatch genre hasn’t died with it - mainly thanks to the Hyundai i20 N. Launching a competitive Fiesta ST rival at first try is no mean feat, but Hyundai did exactly that with an energetic, well rounded machine that became an instant hot hatch hero in 2021.
The extravagant styling might not hold universal appeal, but there’s no doubting the i20 N’s performance. Weighing just 1,190kg, it scrambles from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 143mph.
The i20 N’s 201bhp is sent to the front wheels alone, but the chassis is easily able to contain this power - it’ll even lift an inside rear wheel in the air when cornering hard. A pair of sports seats and a chunkier steering wheel complete the N makeover inside, where the i20’s 10.25-inch dual-screen infotainment system adds a sensible streak to this playful hot hatch.
8. Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster
While the mid-engined, two-seater sports car market isn’t exactly saturated, the cars that do occupy it face a tight battle to be the best, and the Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster is often regarded as a pinnacle car in this sector. Even though the 718 is technically an entry-point into Porsche ownership, it provides an incredibly sharp and enjoyable driving experience that few cars can come close to matching.
The latest generation cars caused something of a stir among fans when Porsche announced that they would be downsizing the engine choices from six-cylinders down to four. Set this controversy aside, though, and you will quickly realise that these turbocharged units are more than up to the job - with the only real downside being a distinct lack of noise. However, Porsche has since reintroduced a naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine to the GTS models. No matter which 718 you opt for, though, you will enjoy precise steering, excellent balance, brilliant handling, and plenty of power - so you will struggle to go wrong.
7. BMW M5 CS
The regular BMW M5 already offers a winning combination, with the practicality of a large saloon and the level of driving excitement you’d expect from a sports car. The M5 CS takes things to an even higher level, thanks to some carefully thought out changes to its chassis and powertrain.
These upgrades result in an extra 10bhp from the same V8 engine found in the standard M5, which makes for a total of 626bhp. While this brawny unit will launch the M5 CS from 0-62mph in just 3.0 seconds and onto a top speed of 189mph, the upgraded chassis is truly the star of the show. With changes including a 7mm drop in ride height over a regular M5, adaptive dampers from the M8 Gran Coupe, and adjustments to the car’s suspension geometry, the M5 CS corners with great precision – this is especially impressive when you consider its kerb weight of over 1,800kg.
6. Toyota GR Yaris
It may be small, but the Toyota GR Yaris is extremely mighty and highly deserving of a spot on this list. In fact, we like it so much that we named it Performance Car of the Year at the 2021 Auto Express New Car Awards. To create this ‘World Rally Car for the Road’, Toyota has done far more than just soup up a standard Yaris with a bit of bodykit and a big exhaust. Instead, they’ve added what they claim to be the world’s most powerful three-cylinder engine - giving out a whopping 257bhp - stiffened the suspension, and fitted a highly-sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. This combination makes for a pocket rocket that will pack a serious punch on the straights and then make light work of corners, all while putting an enormous smile on your face - exactly what a performance car is all about.
With a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph, the GR Yaris may not be as fast as some of the other cars on this list, but it is such a fun car to drive that this likely won’t matter if you find yourself behind the wheel. Where it also shines is in its daily usability, the three-cylinder engine should return over 30mpg if you go easy on the throttle - which is a lot by typical performance car standards - it will also seat four passengers, and comes with Toyota’s five-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard.
5. Ferrari 296 GTB
It’s fair to say that Ferrari stumbled slightly in its second stab at a hybrid supercar. The V12 LaFerrari was mesmerising, but the electrified SF90 felt confused in its execution. Thankfully, with the 296 GTB, the firm went back to the drawing board and gave us its best supercar in years.
It did so, surprisingly, by dropping two cylinders and four-wheel drive, which unlocked the trademark expressive handling that the SF90 lacked. The new V6 motor sounds even better than Ferrari’s current twin-turbo V8, with the electrified system offering a combined 819bhp.
The performance is eye-widening, but the nature of delivery is what defines the 296 GTB. It feels light, responsive and endlessly adjustable, which is some feat considering the complexity of the powertrain. The hybrid element genuinely adds to the thrill, rather than reining it back.
4. Maserati MC20
After an 18-year hiatus from the supercar market, Maserati has made every effort to ensure the MC20 is a statement of intent, and a reminder the historic marque is still a force to be reckoned with.
With its truly stunning looks, butterfly doors, carbon fibre chassis, double wishbone suspension, and ferocious 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, the 621bhp MC20 has every supercar factor covered, and even features F1-derived technology. A starting price of around £190,000 means the cost even looks reasonably good value next to some of its supercar rivals. 0-62mph takes just 2.9 seconds in the correct conditions, and it will keep accelerating until it hits an impressive 202mph. However you drive it, whether hammering it around a track or cruising through town, the MC20 is undoubtedly a very special car.
3. Porsche 911
There are few cars that boast such a long and rich heritage as the Porsche 911. The 992 is the 8th generation of nearly 60 years of 911 production, and it continues to advance the technological and performance standards of this flagship model. There are a multitude of variants available but one thing remains the same across the range, the 911’s brilliant all-round performance as a premium sports car.
Even in standard Carrera guise, the 911 will launch from 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 182mph. However, if that’s not enough for you, the Turbo S (with the Sport Chrono Package fitted) makes for even more impressive figures of 2.7 seconds and 205mph. This outstanding performance, an engaging driving experience – and even enough practicality to allow you to take a weekend away with luggage – make the 911 a solid all-round choice.
2. Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is rather subdued until you uncork its 324bhp. In normal driving, it feels tightly wound but beautifully judged, with instinctive responses from all its controls, but make no mistake - a seriously unruly hot hatch hides beneath this sophistication.
The fury from the Civic’s 2.0-litre motor is only just contained by its 265-width front tyres, which occasionally skate and hop over the road surface at maximum attack. Importantly, though, the Civic clearly communicates when you’ve reached - and breached - its limits, so these moments are exciting rather than frustrating.
In fact, it feels unlike any other hot hatch in its flat, wide stance, storming along like a Super Touring car rather than an upright family car. It might cost £47,995, but the new Type R justifies that asking price - and then some.
1. Toyota GR86
There may be a drought of truly attainable performance cars these days, but with the GR86, Toyota proved that the modest rear-wheel drive coupe is to be savoured in 2023. The GR86 builds on the old GT86’s recipe for fun rather than pure pace, with choice mechanical improvements that fill holes in the previous car’s repertoire.
It still uses a four-cylinder boxer engine, but it’s a larger 2.4-litre unit with more torque and 231bhp. In truth, it’s one of the slowest models in this list, but it combines affordability with engagement like no other.
Wringing out the engine is a joy, and the GR86’s organic responses and playful balance encourage you to get stuck in, no matter your skill level. It’s always predictable, always friendly, and yet it tackles tricky roads with the finesse of a much more expensive car. Toyota has poured over the GR86 to make it the best sports car possible for the price, and it shows.
The best performance cars to buy now
- Toyota GR86
- Honda Civic Type R
- Porsche 911
- Maserati MC20
- Ferrari 296 GTB
- Toyota GR Yaris
- BMW M5 CS
- Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster
- Hyundai i20 N
- Porsche Taycan
Now check out our list of the fastest accelerating cars in the world…
