Petrol cars are enjoying something of a renaissance.
The infamous 'Dieselgate' scandal knocked the black pump's popularity and EVs are still best suited to drivers with access to a charger. That means lots of popular models – especially small and medium sized cars – offer a mainly petrol engine lineup.
Plus, lots of modern petrols have turbochargers, stop-start and mild-hybrid systems, meaning they still score strong mpg figures. We've listed 10 of our favourite petrol-powered cars alphabetically across a range of budgets – all are available as great-value used cars from Motorpoint.
1. Abarth 595
The Abarth 595 is based on the dinky Fiat 500. There's no sensible reason to give such a small, lightweight car a fire-spitting 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine but Abarth did it anyway, and the results are simply hilarious. You get dramatic acceleration, especially in 165 and 180hp versions, accompanied by a snarling soundtrack that sounds like it belongs on a world rally stage. Plus, when you're not wringing its neck, the engine's extra turbocharged torque over a regular 500 makes it feel much more relaxed at speed.
Shop used Abarth 595 cars or read our Abarth 595 review
2. BMW M135
Even the regular BMW 1 Series is a fun-handling car, with a grippy chassis and quick steering. But the M135 takes everything to the next level. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre petrol engine boosted all the way to 300hp. Paired with a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic gearbox and limpet-like all-wheel drive, the M135 will rocket from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds – serious sports car numbers. The cabin has BMW's latest modern, minimalist styling along with a glossy infotainment system and dramatic ambient lighting.
Take a look at used BMW M135 cars or read our BMW 1 Series review
3. BMW M340i
'M' means fast in BMW-speak, and the fastest 3 Series of them all is the full-fat M3. Of course, it's amazing fun but the M3 is a super-serious performance car, with the firm ride and massive price tag to match. That's why we're honouring the slightly lesser M340i, which is turned one notch down from the M3. Not only is it substantially more affordable, it's nearly as fast, handles almost as well, and doesn't have the over-the-top looks of the M3 range-topper. The M340i's 3.0-litre, six-cylinder 'B58' engine is the star of the show, with bucketloads of low-down torque for smooth cruising, and a sharper, more aggressive edge if you floor the throttle.
Search used BMW 3 Series cars or read our BMW 3 Series review
4. Cupra Formentor 2.0 TSI 333
Formentor might sound like a baddie from a fantasy novel, but it's actually the first standalone model from Cupra – the former SEAT performance brand. And what a first act it is – this coupe-SUV is a genuine home run with good practicality, a stripped-back but well-equipped cabin, and superb driving manners. All models handle well, with keen steering and supreme body control but it's the full-fat 333hp range topper that gets our vote. Between the prodigious power, the slick-shifting DSG automatic gearbox and grippy all-wheel drive, the Formentor 333 is a family-sized SUV that'll keep up with supercars on a twisty road.
Browse used Cupra Formentor cars or read our Cupra Formentor review
5. Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost
At the other end of Ford's range, there's the Focus ST – a true, real-deal hot hatch. You could previously get this model with a 190hp diesel engine, but the 2.3-litre turbo petrol with 280hp is much more fun and dashes from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds – nearly two full seconds faster than the diesel. Spec-sheet warriors might be disappointed that Ford didn't bring back the four-wheel-drive Focus RS, but we reckon the front-wheel-drive ST handles a little sweeter and is much more comfortable over scruffy road surfaces compared to the race-car-stiff RS.
Take a look at used Ford Focus cars or read our Ford Focus review
6. Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X
Mazda's never felt the need to follow the crowd, which is why it's the only brand to offer a petrol engine with clever spark-controlled compression ignition. This unique combustion technology means you get a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a respectable 180hp output that can achieve around 50mpg if you drive economically. Not only that, but it does all that without the aid of a turbocharger, which means you get a sharp, sporty throttle response. It's a great engine to go with the 3 hatchback, which has a plush cabin and slick handling.
See a choice of used Mazda 3 cars or read our Mazda 3 review
7. Mazda MX-5 2.0
If you want an affordable convertible sports car, there's really only one choice – a Mazda MX-5. And what a choice it is – you get pin-sharp handling, dramatic styling and a neat, driver-focused cockpit. There's a choice of two petrol engines, both without turbos – trading some of the mid-range punch you get in boosted rivals for an ultra-responsive throttle that urges you to push all the way to the redline. The smaller 1.5-litre unit is really fun to drive but we slightly prefer the 2.0-litre, which is a little more relaxed when you're just cruising around.
Browse used Mazda MX-5 cars or read our Mazda MX-5 review
8. Mercedes-AMG A35
The standard Mercedes A-Class is a posh, comfortable hatchback. The A35 AMG, in comparison, still wears a dinner jacket but it's a serious athlete underneath. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine makes 306hp – that's a lot no matter what body AMG shoves it into but, in the compact A-Class, it makes the car feel like a rocket ship. Regardless of what revs or gear you're in, you get a huge amount of thrust sent to the wheels when you floor it. That's partially thanks to the car's super-grippy 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which means you can easily hit scary speeds on public roads if you don't respect the throttle pedal.
View used Mercedes A-Class cars or read our Mercedes A-Class review
9. Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota Supra enjoys almost mythical status thanks to its role as the hero car in The Fast & The Furious, and the fifth-gen model is leaner and meaner than ever. There might be a bit more BMW DNA hidden under the skin this time round but the dramatic, concept-car-like styling helps mark the GR Supra out from its Bavarian step-siblings. No one will have any complaints about the engine, however, because the 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder puts 335hp to the ground – a huge amount in this little two-seater – and sounds sensational while doing so.
10. Volkswagen Golf GTI
Name a hot hatch and there's a good chance the first one you'll come up with is the Volkswagen Golf GTI. This all-rounder ticks a long list of boxes. It's fast, grippy and agile on the road, while still being refined, practical and well-equipped enough to use every day. With 245hp on tap, the 2.0-litre engine has more power than you could ever reasonably use on the road but, if you want to truly scare yourself, check out the 320hp four-wheel-drive Golf R. The best thing though, is once you're done driving like a plonker, it goes back to being a regular Golf.
Check out used Volkswagen Golf cars or read our Volkswagen Golf review
Time to pick the perfect petrol car?
Browse Motorpoint's huge range of nearly new and used petrol cars – all backed by our Quality Standard. For help selecting the right fuel type for you, see our explainer on choosing between petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars.
