Top 5 Cars for Summer Driving Under £15,000

The summer, spectacular weather, time well spent with family and friends, laughter, fun, holidays and travel. Sometimes our views of summer can be rather optimistic but there is one summer memory that will always stand out and never ceases to please, a summers drive behind the wheel of a new car.

In this article we will look at 5 affordable cars for under £15,000 that are perfect for long summer drives.

First up is the Renault Twingo Gordini 133. This compact and sporty supermini is more than capable for use within cities and windy open country roads. With a 1.6 litre engine able to deliver 133 bhp, this is an extremely punchy and well responsive car that will excite and surprise on those beautiful summer drives. At £14000 new, this could quite possibly be your perfect new car.

Next up is one for all those sporty folk that love to feel the wind blow through their hair. For under £15000 you could pick a new Mazda MX-5. Truly one of the greatest cars within this price range, the MX-5 delivers superb rear wheel drive, direct steering and a stunningly attractive chassis. Quick, responsive and full of character, no other car screams to be driven on a hot summer’s day more than the Mazda MX-5.

When you think of a good old British car what pops into your mind first? That’s right, the mini! For £12500 you could make your new car for this summer, a Mini One. Solid in its design, the Mini One is simple a pleasure to drive. Nippy, sleek and oozing fun, this is a car that will always remain a fond memory throughout life.

Going back to convertibles the Daihatsu Copen is a great car that can be bough new for just under £12000. This incredibly compact car now comes with a fantastic 1.3 litre engine and convertible hard top roof. Packed with amazing features, including alloy wheels and air conditioning, the Copen is the perfect car for trips to the beach and journeys along the coast.

Now for something a little special, it may not be a conventional new car, but for die hard car enthusiasts there truly is no better ride. For just slightly above £15000 you could buy a Caterham Seven Classic. Not designed for family trips, as it only has room for one, the Caterham Seven, is the thee car for long summers day driving. The long nose, stretching proudly ahead, the dual exhausts gargling away, the iconic headlights mounted on that sleek bonnet and the steering wheel jiggling between your hands. Feel the road, every turn and bend, feel the wind surrounding you, the freedom of the open road the way it should be enjoyed.

If you are looking to buy a new car, you should always think long and hard about how practical it will be for your needs and requirements. However, sometimes you need to be self indulgent and think, "How will this car drive, on a beautiful summer’s day?", as quite frankly there truly is no better feeling.