Best Fun Cars to Drive | Ten of the Best
11th Jun 2024
Fun to Drive Cars
Although a fun car is subjective, there's a good chance that if it brings a smile to your face, is engaging to drive and sees you grabbing the keys with any excuse, there's a fair chance it can be classed as a fun car.
Some cars will be more fun than others, so we've complied a list of fun cars from a variety of segments. The beauty about fun cars is that they don't necessarily have to be powerful or just sports cars. Of course, it can help, but there are plenty of other characteristics that can ensure a car is fun.
Small cars can offer fun on a budget, whist family cars can still be fun despite their increased practicality. And with sports cars, you'd assume all will be fun, yet some actually fall short of expectations. Below, we list our top picks.
Small cars
Family cars
Sports cars
Small fun to drive cars
Hyundai i20
The humble little i20 has been Hyundai's supermini and entry-point into the range since 2008. It's always been a chic little car, but in 2020, when the third generation was introduced, the i20 become more sophisticated, and with it, more fun.
But perhaps the culprit for this enhanced fun was the N version, which gave the little i20 a punchy 201bhp, via a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, good for 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds, and giving this tiny city car some real grin enticing traits.
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Ford Fiesta
Whether you know your cars or not, the Ford Fiesta is a household name, being a favourite of UK motorists since its launch way back in 1976. Unfortunately, Ford decided to discontinue the legendary model in 2023, but you can still pick up a cherished used example, from each of its generations no less.
Like the Hyundai i20 mentioned previous, the ST versions of the Fiesta, are the ones which will have you grinning from ear to ear due to their handling, feel, raspy exhaust note and of course their ability to make you feel young again. The perfect pocket rocket?
Search Used Ford FiestaMINI Hatch
In 2001, BMW launched the new MINI. Despite purists having lots to say, the car sold in huge numbers, and the MINI Hatch continues to sell extremely well over two decades later. Its party piece is of course its iconic go-kart like handling, which has ensured no matter which model you go for, you'll adore the feel a MINI Hatch gives.
Of course, those who want maximum fun will want the spicy Cooper S or JCW versions, whilst the Electric MINI Hatch is also rather uncanny and grin enticing - but then, it's a MINI after all.
Search Used MINI HatchAbarth 500/595/695
Abarth has a rich history that dates back 75 years, specialising in small, fun cars. In 2008, they decided to apply their wizardry to the humble Fiat 500. After BMW saw success with the reintroduction of the MINI, Fiat relaunched a new 500, so then it was only natural for Abarth to do a hot version.
Since then, the Abarth 595 and 695 have been born, giving the car which is based on a Fiat 500 ever more power and fizz, with an exhaust note that punches well above its weight. Their small proportions, spike in power and their character means they are a lot of fun to drive.
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BMW 3 Series
Since the '70s, the BMW 3 Series has been the textbook executive saloon, which also makes for a fine family car. Its four doors, big boot and smart looks ensure it's still as popular almost fifty years after its introduction, and also proves that 'sensible', 'practical' cars don't have to be boring.
This is especially the case if you opt for the legendary M3 version, of course. But even if you get a standard 3 Series, you're sure to witness a grin when behind the wheel, due to the 3 Series fine feel, power options and overall experience. There's even a Touring (Estate) version too.
Search Used BMW 3 SeriesFord Puma
Since the Ford Puma returned as a small SUV, it's been another hit for Ford. The chunkier looks, yet compact proportions ensure it sits as a fine choice over its rivals, and like many decent cars, there's plenty of model choice.
Naturally, if you opt for the ST version, your fun factor is of course enhanced, giving similar thrills to its popular and much loved Fiesta sibling mentioned previously, but any Puma model provides a decent driving experience for sure.
Search Used Ford PumaVolkswagen Golf
Going textbook again with the inclusion of the Volkswagen Golf. A base Golf is good, but if you opt for the iconic GTI or R versions, you're set for some enhanced fun for sure.
The Golf is just a solid, dependable and all-round excellent hatchback. It's practical, frugal, full of tech and can raise a smile when needed. If you opt for the R model, you also get all-wheel drive, meaning the fun doesn't stop, no matter the weather.
Search Used Volkswagen GolfBMW X1
SUVs were once massive, but now manufacturers offer much more compact versions. The X1 is BMW's entry-level SUV so is the smallest in their line-up, perfect for those who want a decent SUV, but don't necessarily want a large version.
The X1 is typical BMW, ticking many boxes. Practicality, refinement, style, technology and driving experience are all excellent, but there are certain models of the X1 which are incredibly fun to drive. Of course, the M35i version is a hoot, but perhaps one that will enhance the fun factor is the iX1, which is the fully-electric version. Its laugh-out-loud acceleration is sure to keep the family entertained, as well as ensuring they are pinned back in their seats.
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Porsche Cayman
The 911 is Porsche's most celebrated model, after being around since the '60s, but its more compact Cayman sibling is bound to make you grin from ear to each just as much.
Like many performance car manufacturers, when they make a smaller model, the cars still have plenty of horsepower, and with the Cayman it's a rather great package no matter which version you opt for. Of course, the howl of a flat-six version heightens the fun even more, and the rawer 981 GT4 version pictured is a sure bet for guaranteed fun.
Search Used Porsche CaymanMazda MX-5
You don't need masses of power to produce a fun sports car, and the Mazda MX-5 has proved this point since its introduction in 1989.
Its recipe is simple. Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, manual gearbox and naturally-aspirated. In a world where there are lots of gimmicks in cars, the MX-5 is refreshingly plain and simple, but it's got a character that means it's a hoot to drive. And with the open air experience this little roadster gives, it's a sure fire hit when the UK summer decides to turn up.
Search Used Mazda MX-5Discover your perfect fun car with Evans Halshaw
No matter what type of car you're looking for, you'll be able to find a fun car amongst the comprehensive used car portfolio we offer here at Evans Halshaw.
Contact your preferred Evans Halshaw retailer for any help finding your ideal used car, or if you enjoyed this article, check out more like it in our dedicated blog section.
