Supercars with seven-figure price tags and top speeds above 300kph are all well and good, but most performance car enthusiasts are more interested in scoring the maximum bang for their hard-earned money.
In the UAE, it is possible to acquire a decently fast and engaging sportster for less than Dh300,000. Here are our top eight picks:
Mini Cooper S
The original 1960s version was a tiny basic offering, but the modern Mini Cooper S – under the BMW umbrella since the start of the noughties – is a premium hatchback with feisty performance. Its 2.0-litre turbo engine kicks out 204hp and 300Nm, propelling the cute Brit from 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds.
The Mini’s lively acceleration is complemented by a nicely tied-down chassis that delivers the “go-kart feeling” the brand is known for. The fit and finish inside and out are flawless – especially for a car of this genre – and the Cooper S offers almost endless scope for personalisation.
From Dh155,000
Audi RS3 Sportback
This Ingolstadt-built pocket rocket is something of a giant killer. The combination of a potent five-cylinder turbo engine stuffed into a compact bodyshell adds up to electrifying performance.
The warbling 2.5-litre motor thrashes out 400hp and 500Nm, propelling the perky hatchback from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds. The Audi is far more than a straight-line bully though, as an all-wheel-drive chassis delivers leech-line cornering grip and roll-free handling. The icing on the cake is that the RS3 can comfortably transport four occupants (five at a pinch) and enough luggage for a weekend away.
From Dh285,000
Ford Mustang GT 5.0
Ford's beloved pony car has been a popular choice in the UAE for the past three decades, but the latest iteration is far and away the best version to date. The recently released seventh-generation Mustang GT carries over a brawny 5.0-litre V8, but outputs have been ramped up to 486hp and 566Nm.
Previous Mustangs were not renowned for their agility or dynamics, but MagneRide adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes are part of a recipe that makes the newbie a genuinely fast and rewarding car to drive.
From Dh208,377
Mazda MX-5
The pint-sized Mazda is sometimes overlooked by performance car shoppers because its modest outputs of 181hp and 205Nm are eclipsed by even a humble Toyota Camry. Even so, the MX-5’s slim and lightweight build of just over 1,000kg and perfect 50:50 weight distribution over the front and rear axles make a delightfully engaging alfresco fun machine that shines on winding mountain roads.
It might seat only two people, but there is enough space in the boot for a golf bag or generous load of shopping. As added bonuses, the Mazda’s compact dimensions make for easy manoeuvrability in tight car parks, and it sips fuel at a miserly rate.
From Dh144,000
Nissan Z
Nissan’s “Z-car” was a revelation when the 240Z debuted in 1969, and the nameplate lives on in the form of the simply named “Z”. Although continuing the spirit and distinctive profile of its five-decade-old ancestor, the newbie is a thoroughly contemporary sportster that is both rapid and satisfying to drive.
A 405hp/475Nm twin-turbo V6 catapults it from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or nine-speed auto. The rear-wheel-drive chassis is an evolution of the former 370Z’s underpinnings, but it has been stiffened for added cornering grip and dynamism.
From Dh215,900
Subaru WRX
Although it has a strong following in many other countries, Subaru flies under the radar in the UAE, so the WRX remains a niche seller in our market. Its 2.4-litre turbo engine thumps out 271hp and 350Nm, propelling the mundane-looking sedan from 0-100kph in 6.0 seconds, and on to a top speed of 250kph.
Two transmissions are offered – a six-speed manual and a CVT, and we would recommend the former. Belying its nondescript styling, the WRX is surprisingly rapid on tarmac or gravel roads, with its all-wheel-drive chassis providing limpet-like grip in wet or dry conditions.
From Dh157,000
Toyota GR Supra
The Supra debuted in 1978, but the latest generation stands apart from its predecessors since its core architecture – engine, transmission and chassis – are shared with BMW’s Z4. This is no bad thing as the latter is a solidly engineered roadster with sparkling handling and performance. Unlike its topless German counterpart, the Toyota is a fixed-roof coupe, so the driving experience is markedly different. Striking styling means the 387hp Supra has plenty of wow factor, but its appeal is more than skin deep – it is fast, taut and engaging in equal measure.
From Dh229,900
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Golf GTI has been the definitive “hot-hatch” ever since the first-gen model took the world by storm in 1976. The current eighth-generation GTI has the essence of its 49-year-old ancestor, serving up scintillating performance at a bargain price.
Outputs of 265hp and 370Nm deliver a brisk 5.9-second 0-100kph sprint, yet the GTI offers comfortable seating for a family of four, 374 litres of luggage capacity and easy manoeuvrability around town. The GTI does it all with panache but, in case you have an extra Dh60,000 burning a hole in your pocket, VW can sell you the even faster Golf R.
From Dh137,990
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30
Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
Ai Seoul: Suspended all flights to China
Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March
Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February
South Korea's Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air: Suspend all flights
The biog
Name: Salvador Toriano Jr
Age: 59
From: Laguna, The Philippines
Favourite dish: Seabass or Fish and Chips
Hobbies: When he’s not in the restaurant, he still likes to cook, along with walking and meeting up with friends.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
The Vines - In Miracle Land
Two stars
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
RIVER%20SPIRIT
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeila%20Aboulela%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Saqi%20Books%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Other must-tries
Tomato and walnut salad
A lesson in simple, seasonal eating. Wedges of tomato, chunks of cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, coriander or parsley leaves, and perhaps some fresh dill are drizzled with a crushed walnut and garlic dressing. Do consider yourself warned: if you eat this salad in Georgia during the summer months, the tomatoes will be so ripe and flavourful that every tomato you eat from that day forth will taste lacklustre in comparison.
Badrijani nigvzit
A delicious vegetarian snack or starter. It consists of thinly sliced, fried then cooled aubergine smothered with a thick and creamy walnut sauce and folded or rolled. Take note, even though it seems like you should be able to pick these morsels up with your hands, they’re not as durable as they look. A knife and fork is the way to go.
Pkhali
This healthy little dish (a nice antidote to the khachapuri) is usually made with steamed then chopped cabbage, spinach, beetroot or green beans, combined with walnuts, garlic and herbs to make a vegetable pâté or paste. The mix is then often formed into rounds, chilled in the fridge and topped with pomegranate seeds before being served.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
More from Janine di Giovanni
THE DETAILS
Deadpool 2
Dir: David Leitch
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Justin Dennison, Zazie Beetz
Four stars
What is a calorie?
A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.
One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.
A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.
Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.
Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram.
