The ten best coupes on the market | Top 10 - Car News Jun 2012

16:37 Monday 18 Jun 2012

Ever since the days of the Ford Capri, man has traded the practicality of hatchbacks and four-door saloons for the good looks and desirability of a two-door coupe.

On paper, coupes make little sense -- they're expensive, cramped, and are often based on more modest models in the manufacturer's range. We buy them because they look good, and that makes us feel good.

So to celebrate, we've lined up the ten best £30k(ish) coupes on sale today for your approval.

Audi TT

The Audi TT is truly terrific bit of kit. Good to look at, fun to drive and surprisingly cheap to own, it's easily the best all-rounder on this list. However, precisely because it's so good, everyone seems to drive one -- estate agents in particular seem to like TTs. If you're not a natural extrovert, however, this is the car to have.

Images, Videos and Data for the Audi TT

BMW 3 Series Coupe

Okay, so the 3 Series isn't really a coupe at all, just a two-door saloon. However, it makes it onto this list purely because it's so ruddy good. Great engines, superb handling and oodles of practicality (for a coupe) make the Beemer a very tempting proposition. Also, you can stick some M badges on it and non-petrolheads will think you've got an M3. Petrolheads, however, will think you're a tool.

Images, Videos and Data for the BMW 3 Series Coupe

VW Scirocco

A Golf in drag. The Scirocco might not be the fastest or the most desirable car in its class but it more than makes up for this with crisp steering, good engines and the sort of build quality that could withstand a 20-megatonne nuclear blast. It's also pretty cheap for a coupe and comes with a good amount of equipment as standard.

Images, Videos and Data for the VW Scirocco

Toyota GT 86

The land of the rising sun has a good track record for producing reasonably priced coupes -- the Celica, the Supra, the Skyline -- and the GT 86 carries on this tradition with aplomb. It's basically the same car as the Scooby BRZ but the Toyota is likely to be the bigger seller. It's not very practical, and you have to rev the nuts off the engine to get anything from it, but it handles like almost nothing else in its price bracket and it's very well priced.

Images, Videos and Data for the Toyota GT 86

Mercedes-Benz C Class Coupe

Smart, sophisticated and supple, the C Class Coupe is a stylish and elegant way to travel. Forget the big engines -- if you're going to spend that much money, you're better off buying a bigger Merc -- and you'll find that the C Class Coupe offers a comfortable and relaxing driving experience. It's also one of the safest cars in its class.

Images, Videos and Data for the C Class Coupe

Audi A5

Like the Benz, the A5 majors on quality and refinement rather than sportiness. It's just about one of the most stylish cars on the road today but it's far from the most practical, and the BMW 3 Series is more fun to drive. If you can get past the cramped cabin and the awkward driving position, you'll find a very competent car.

Images, Videos and Data for the Audi A5

VW CC

Volkswagen has dropped the Passat name from the CC's badge in a bid to rid the car of its repmobile image. And it's worked -- the CC looks great and drives well. However, it's a little expensive for what it is and it's still not quite desirable enough to warrant the higher price tag.

Images, Videos and Data for the VW CC

Nissan 370Z

Thanks to its 3.7-litre V6 engine and sharp handling, the 370Z is a hoot to drive. It's not as well built or as exclusive as its German rivals, but Nissan Z Cars have a bit of a cult following and this means you might get a few respectful nods as you drive along.

Images, Videos and Data for the Nissan 370Z

Peugeot RCZ

Pigs do fly! Peugeot has actually produced a car you might want to buy, after years of churning out awful little hatchbacks. The RCZ looks fantastic, handles well and won't cost the earth to run. It's not quite up there with the best of them but we've included the Pug on this list for its sheer likeability.

Images, Videos and Data for the Peugeot RCZ

BMW 1 Series Coupe

The perfect coupe to drive if you wear a blue hat with a bell on it and live with an old man called Big Ears. The 1 Series Coupe is not the best-looking car in the world. Or even the best-looking BMW. Or even the best-looking BMW 1 Series. But in its defence, it's fantastic to drive, well-built and should hold its value well -- never underestimate the power of the BMW roundle.

Images, Videos and Data for the BMW 1 Series Coupe

So there you have it, BuyYourCar.co.uk's top ten reasonably priced coupes. Have we missed any out? Comment below.