Choose a reviewed sporting saloon derivative before comparing executive comfort or peak power. Ordinary 330d/530d daily engines remain in Fast everyday cars.
Choose a reviewed sporting saloon derivative before comparing executive comfort or peak power. Ordinary 330d/530d daily engines remain in Fast everyday cars.
Models to explore
Hyundai i30
Compare i30 N generations and the actual manual or DCT version. Treat N Line as a styling trim, separate from the N performance models.
The i30 N is worth comparing when you want a performance hatch with a choice of engine/gearbox era. The Fastback N adds a separate body decision, so choose the shape you will use before settling on the N badge.
The i30 N offers a reviewed performance alternative to GTI, Type R and Focus ST.
- Hatch and Fastback body routes
- Manual or later DCT decisions to research
Consider: Try the driving position, ride and controls on the roads you use. N equipment and gearbox availability change with the version, so decide which features you actually value.
Specification sources: Hyundai N model history
BMW 3 Series
Compare the V8-era M3 Coupé/Convertible with later turbocharged saloon/Touring cars. Confirm the exact generation and engine in the advert and service record.
The M3 choice starts with the engine and body you want: a V8-era Coupé or Cabriolet feels like a different purchase from a later turbocharged saloon or Touring. Choose that experience first, then compare condition, gearbox and age.
Reviewed M3 versions have distinct engine and body eras; ordinary 3 Series engines are considered separately in Fast everyday cars.
- V8-era coupé or roof-down appeal
- Later turbocharged saloon and Touring formats
Consider: Two-door access, an opening roof and an estate body solve different daily jobs. Put the right body and a version-specific ownership allowance ahead of a badge or an attractive asking price.
Specification sources: BMW 3 Series Touring UK launch BMW 3 Series 2024 UK update BMW M3 Coupé 2007 UK press kit
BMW M3
Compare the V8-era M3 Coupé/Convertible with later turbocharged saloon/Touring cars. Confirm the exact generation and engine in the advert and service record.
The M3 choice starts with the engine and body you want: a V8-era Coupé or Cabriolet feels like a different purchase from a later turbocharged saloon or Touring. Choose that experience first, then compare condition, gearbox and age.
A reviewed M3 is a specific enthusiast performance choice.
- V8-era coupé or roof-down appeal
- Later turbocharged saloon and Touring formats
Consider: Two-door access, an opening roof and an estate body solve different daily jobs. Put the right body and a version-specific ownership allowance ahead of a badge or an attractive asking price.
Specification sources: BMW M3 Coupé 2007 UK press kit BMW M3 and M4 2014 UK press pack BMW UK — first M3 Touring (2022)
BMW 5 Series
Compare the exact M5 generation, engine and drivetrain. The latest hybrid saloon/Touring is separate from earlier M5 engine eras.
The M5 suits a brief that combines an M performance engine with a larger passenger-car format. Decide how much of that daily space you will use, then compare the generation and drivetrain rather than buying on the M5 name alone.
The 5 Series provides a choice between a conventional saloon and a Touring estate, with historical Gran Turismo branding requiring a separate body assessment. BMW’s own used guide separates the 2010–2017 and 2017-on eras. That makes generation and body better starting points than M Sport trim when deciding how a luxury or powerful family car should work.
- M performance in a passenger saloon
- Different engine and drivetrain eras
Consider: The larger body must work for your parking and regular journeys. Obtain a servicing, tyre and brake allowance for the exact generation; a similar purchase price does not make different M5s the same ownership decision.
Specification sources: BMW guide to an Approved Used 5 Series BMW 5 Series 2010 UK launch BMW M5 2018 UK press kit
BMW M5
Compare the exact M5 generation, engine and drivetrain. The latest hybrid saloon/Touring is separate from earlier M5 engine eras.
The M5 suits a brief that combines an M performance engine with a larger passenger-car format. Decide how much of that daily space you will use, then compare the generation and drivetrain rather than buying on the M5 name alone.
A reviewed M5 is a specialist performance-saloon proposition.
- M performance in a passenger saloon
- Different engine and drivetrain eras
Consider: The larger body must work for your parking and regular journeys. Obtain a servicing, tyre and brake allowance for the exact generation; a similar purchase price does not make different M5s the same ownership decision.
Specification sources: BMW M5 2018 UK press kit BMW UK — M5 Touring (2024)
Audi A3
Compare the actual S3 generation, body and gearbox. Choose hatch/Sportback or saloon around passenger access and luggage.
An S3 is worth comparing when you want a compact turbocharged car with a quattro-based performance brief. Choose the hatch/Sportback or saloon body you will use, then look at the generation, gearbox and fitted seats.
The A3 is a compact premium-body choice whose door count and actual derivative matter. Audi’s 2012 Sportback announcement distinguishes a five-door body from the three-door, while its MY2013 range sheet also separates the Sedan and S3. Choose the access and load opening you need before comparing S line styling or assuming a powerful Audi derivative is part of this ordinary A3 guide.
- Compact S3 engine and quattro brief
- Hatch/Sportback or saloon formats
Consider: Test rear access, luggage and the driving position rather than assuming every compact premium car fits the same job. The generation and equipment can change your choice as much as the badge.
Specification sources: Audi A3 Sportback launch Audi A3 manufacturer range sheet
Audi S3
Separate the earlier and later S3 generations and actual gearbox. Body, seats and equipment should be confirmed on the car you choose.
The S3 brings a compact turbocharged engine and quattro brief to hatch/Sportback and saloon bodies. It makes most sense when you want those daily-use formats as well as the sporting engine, so start with the body and gearbox.
The S3 is a distinct performance model in this catalogue, separate from an A3 wearing S line trim. The 2013 Sportback and 2020 Sportback/Sedan belong to different model eras and give different body choices. The later car’s turbocharged 2.0 engine, S tronic and quattro combination are specific design facts, not a substitute for an advert’s power.
- S3 powertrain within a compact daily car
- Sportback or saloon body choice
Consider: Try rear-seat access and luggage with your actual use in mind. Compare the cabin era and fitted seats before letting the quattro badge decide the whole purchase.
Specification sources: Audi S3 Sportback 2013 announcement Audi S3 Sportback/Sedan 2020 press kit
Audi A4
Compare the 3.0 TFSI S4 saloon around passenger use, cabin and gearbox. The V8 RS4 Avant is a separate engine and body choice.
The S4 saloon and the V8 RS4 Avant deserve separate shortlists. Choose the S4’s saloon format for your passenger-car brief, or the RS4 estate when the V8 engine and regular luggage use are both part of the attraction.
The A4 is useful for a motorway or estate shortlist when you want to compare an executive-sized saloon with the Avant’s tailgate loading. Comfort depends on the suspension fitted as well as the badge. A sports appearance package and an adaptive-damper version are different propositions, so decide which ride suits the roads you actually use.
- S4 saloon or V8 RS4 Avant
- Performance engine with passenger or estate use
Consider: The RS4’s estate body does not remove the need for a V8-era servicing and inspection plan. Price the tyres, brakes and maintenance for the actual S4 or RS4 rather than treating them as ordinary A4 costs.
Specification sources: Audi UK A4 Avant 2008–2015 archive Audi 2015 A4 and A4 Avant launch Audi A4 2019 suspension choices