Looks can be deceiving, and large, aggressive sports cars are not the only vehicles you can have serious fun driving. On the market, there are many other models which offer serious engagement, but they may be disguised in a slightly less than "macho" package.
Often, preconceived ideas stop people purchasing these vehicles, as they feel they are not manly enough, or too feminine. Unfortunately, they are missing a trick, as the cars on this list demonstrate. Being more compact and lighter overall, less power is required to create the same performance and acceleration credentials. Cornering ability and overall agility is often surprisingly good, and more of the car's available power can be put to use.
Perhaps the excellent, but less macho cars on this list, will make you think again about buying that more conventionally masculine performance car. Here are 10 cars that aren't considered 'macho'... but they're tons of fun to drive regardless.
10 Abarth 595
Despite looking very similar to the Fiat 500, the Abarth 595 is a completely different animal. The car is fitted with a new, in-line 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter Turbo T-Jet engine, which generates 165 HP. Given its diminutive size, 0-60 mph takes only 7 seconds before the 595 tops out at 135 mph.
The styling is far more aggressive compared to the Fiat 500, however, it will only really be gearheads who appreciate the differences. The compact dimensions and power mean the 595 is a true pocket rocket.
9 Mini Cooper S
The Mini Cooper has always been seen as a characterful and fun car to drive. The latest Cooper S is one of the greatest cars Mini has produced so far. With the "S" signifying sport, the car is tailored towards the gearhead. Beefier than the regular Cooper, the S is kitted out with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine putting out a sizable 178 hp.
The car is like a street legal go-kart, and many owners get hooked on the Mini for life, they really get under the skin. 0-60 mph takes around 6 seconds, and the top speed is a respectable 146 mph.
8 Audi TT
Dismissed by many as simply a "hairdresser's car", the compact TT can actually be a great car to drive. With a range of engines to suit all drivers, the TT can fit the bill for those gearheads looking for a compact sports car. Even the base model is fairly rapid, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 228 hp. This performance is enough to propel the car from 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
Available as both a coupe and a convertible, the TT has retained its iconic design through the generations. As you might expect from Audi, the interior is suitably premium, and a lovely place to sit.
7 Ford Fiesta ST
Unfortunately, no longer available in the U.S. market, the accomplished Ford Fiesta ST is a firm favorite with European buyers. Ford had previously sold the car in North America from 2012 to 2019, with around 5,000 units bought per year.
Under the current car's hood lies a 200 hp, 1.5-liter, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. 0-60 mph takes just over 6 seconds, before the ST blasts all the way up to 143 mph.
6 Audi S1 First Generation
Produced between 2014 and 2018, the first generation Audi S1 was a mini powerhouse. Despite being the brand's smallest "S" car, performance was available in spades. Powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI engine, the car generated a decent 228 hp.
The S1 was able to blast all the way up to an electronically limited 155 mph top speed, with 0-60 mph taking a little under 6 seconds.
5 Volkswagen Up GTI
Many would dismiss the ultra-compact Volkswagen Up as being little more than a shopping car. However, in GTI trim, it is arguably one of the best compact driver's cars. The weight and power levels have even led to comparison with the iconic Mk1 Golf GTI.
115 hp is generated by the car's turbocharged 1.0-liter engine. While the displacement is low, performance is more than satisfactory, with 0-60 mph taking 8.5 seconds.
4 Toyota GR Yaris
Despite its non-macho stance, this Toyota punches well above its weight. For starters, the GR packs the world’s most powerful production three-cylinder under its hood. The 1.6-liter unit pumps out an impressive 261 hp, with 0-60 mph achievable in just over 5 seconds.
Manual is the only option here, with a 6-speed box providing drivers with a good level of engagement. Toyota has even managed to pack in a 4-wheel drive system, something that is seriously impressive in a car of this stature.
3 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Despite its compact form, the MX-5 is arguably one of the best driver's cars you can buy for the money. Retailing at around $28,000, little else can offer such high levels of engagement at this price point.
The majority of trim levels come with an enjoyable six-speed manual as standard, demonstrating this is a car aimed at the enthusiast. 0-60 mph is achievable in just 5.7 seconds, thanks to the car's 181 hp, 2.0-liter inline-4.
2 BMW M240i
While not a full-blown M2, the M240i still provides a surprising level of performance. Under its hood lies a powerful, 382 hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. As a result, 0-60 mph is achievable in a fairly ludicrous 3.6 seconds.
The car even impresses where fuel economy is concerned, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined.
1 Renault Sport Megane RS
Renault Sport has an enviable history of producing some of the best hot hatches ever made. The current Megane RS is no exception. Under the hood lies a 280 hp, 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. Employing a front-wheel drive configuration, the car manages to go from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds.
Those looking for more performance can order the "Trophy" edition, which produces 300 hp, and has an upgraded chassis.