Cars with V6 appeal.

Ferrari has pulled the wraps off the new 296 GTB as its first ‘mainstream’ electrified offering. The name is a reference to its 2992cc six-cylinder engine, which sees Ferrari switch from V8 to V6 power for its core sports car range.

But what if you fancy a V6 but you can’t afford Ferrari’s £231,000 asking price? Here are 20 affordable options with a V6 engine, including relatively new sports cars and luxury saloons. We’ve even found room for a Ferrari, of sorts. Our budget is £10,000, but you could end up spending significantly less:




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider (from £1500)

It would be wrong to start with anything other than the Alfa Romeo Busso V6. The charismatic engine was fitted to an array of models from 1979 until 2005, including the Alfa Romeo Spider and GTV (916).

The cheaper 2.0-litre 16-valve Twin Spark is arguably the better buy, but an Alfa with a 3.0-litre V6 has the romance and the soundtrack. Look out for the rare 3.2-litre V6 – only 54 were sold in the UK.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Peugeot 406 Coupe (from £1000)

It was designed and built by Pininfarina, so the Peugeot 406 Coupé was almost as Italian as the Alfa Romeo GTV. The styling was penned by the late Davide Arcangeli, the designer responsible for the E60 BMW 5 Series under the stewardship of Chris Bangle.

Launched in 1997, the 406 Coupé was offered with a range of engines, including a 3.0-litre ESL V6 developed in partnership with Renault. The V6 came with more equipment and is likely to secure classic status long before the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel variants.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Audi TT (from £1000)

The Audi TT launched in 1998 with quattro four-wheel drive and a choice of 1.8-litre turbocharged engines sourced from the Mk4 VW Golf. Five years later, Audi added the 3.2-litre VR6 to the Coupé and Roadster, complete with the new DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission (a six-speed manual came later).

In a review, we said: ‘Slotting the 3.2-litre V6 in, allied to the brilliant DSG, means a thumbs-up verdict no longer rests solely on its looks and construction. It’s now nearly a cast-iron alternative to a Boxster, something the turbocharged manuals never had a hope of claiming.’




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Volkswagen Corrado VR6 (from £2500)

After many years spent in the classic car holding pen, values of the VW Corrado VR6 are finally creeping up. In February 2021, a one-owner VR6 Storm sold for a record £22,750 at auction, but the Corrado VR6 remains relatively affordable (for now).

VW squeezed the narrow-angle V6 under the bonnet of the Corrado, transforming the stylish coupé into a performance car of some merit. Producing 190bhp, the engine could propel the Corrado to 62mph in just 6.7sec, by which time the active rear spoiler would be erect through excitement.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Nissan 350Z (from £6000)

Why settle for a 3.0-litre V6 when you can have a 3.5-litre? The Nissan 350Z is the classic muscular sports car, with power sent to the rear wheels by a big, brawny engine at the front. Early cars boasted 276bhp, but this was upped to 296bhp in 2005.

The more powerful unit proved troublesome, so in 2007, Nissan re-engineered the V6 to create the HR (High Response) unit. With power increased to 309bhp, and the completion of weight-saving measures, the final cars before arrival of the 370Z are the ones to buy. Purists will opt for the coupé, but don’t rule out the roadster.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Ford Mondeo ST220 (from £2000)

Ford has been turning mainstream motors into performance heroes for decades. The Mondeo ST220 is one of the best, so it’s odd that values remain lower than some of the more illustrious fast Fords. Available as a saloon, estate or hatchback, the ST220 drew its power from a fabulous 223bhp 3.0-litre V6 Duratec ST engine.

It could hit 62mph in a hot hatch-troubling 6.6sec, before going on to reach a top speed of 155mph. All cars got a subtle but aggressive bodykit, plus 18in alloy wheels and heated Recaro leather seats. A six-speed manual gearbox replaced a five-speed ‘box as part of the 2003 facelift.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Reliant Scimitar GTE (from £2000)

The Reliant Scimitar GTE is a shooting brake fit for a princess. Its glassfibre bodyshell means rust isn’t a problem, but some buyers are put off by the cost of repairs in the event of even a minor collision. It means that the Scimitar GTE is still relatively affordable.

Take your pick from a choice of three V6 engines: 3.0-litre Essex, 2.8-litre Cologne and, in Middlebridge form, fuel-injected 2.9-litre from the Ford Scorpio. Watch for corrosion beneath the body, especially on non-galvanised pre-1981 cars. The Essex unit, shared with the Ford Capri, is the most durable of the engines.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Volkswagen Golf R32 (from £6000)

The original R32 proved that it was possible to have fun in the Mk4 VW Golf, but the Mk5 was a more convincing product. Using a revised version of the acclaimed Golf Mk5 chassis, the R32 featured an upgraded 3.2-litre V6 engine and four-wheel drive. Three- and five-door versions were available.

The additional weight meant that it was only half a second quicker to 62mph than the brilliant Golf GTI Mk5, but the soundtrack, higher top speed, improved high-speed cruising and all-weather grip gave it the edge. It’s also more exclusive than the ubiquitous VW Golf R.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Volkswagen Passat R36 (from £10,000)

You might need to do a little haggling to secure a VW Passat R36 for our budget, but bargains do exist. At the time of writing, we could have bought a 2008 saloon for just £8500. Sure, we’d prefer the estate, but beggars can’t be choosers, especially at this end of the market.

What’s the appeal? The 3.6-litre V6 engine was an upsized and uprated version of that which powered the Golf R32, giving the repmobile a healthy 296bhp. It could hit 62mph in just 5.6sec, with the 4Motion four-wheel drive system giving it unflappable all-weather roadholding. Still want that Audi RS4 Avant?




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Toyota Camry (from £1000)

We’d love to say that you can buy a Lotus Evora for £10,000, but you’d need to triple the budget to secure an example of Hethel’s mid-engined 2+2 coupé. It features the same 3.5-litre V6 engine as the Toyota Camry, with a supercharger added to create the Evora S.

The Camry XV40 wasn’t sold in the UK, but the earlier XV30 and XV20 versions are available for relative peanuts. You’ll have to make do with the smaller 3.0-litre V6, but for wafting in air-conditioned comfort, the Camry is hard to beat.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

MG ZS (from £2000)

The launch of the original MG Z cars must go down as one of the best automotive makeovers ever. It may have dated back to the Rover 400 of 1998 (and thus also the Honda Domani of 1992) , but 2001’s MG ZS was one of the best affordable performance cars of the noughties, especially in ZS 180 guise.

Power was sourced from a smooth 2.5-litre V6 producing 175bhp, with a chassis offering a lot of entertainment. The MG ZS 180 could hold its own against the likes of the Honda Civic Type R and Seat Leon Cupra 180, which highlights the fine work of MG Rover’s engineers.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Skoda Superb (from £6000)

This is arguably the best Q-car on the list. Unfairly dismissed by some as little more than a spacious taxicab, the Skoda Superb is an affordable alternative to the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. There’s more space inside than a hen party limo.

Most people opt for a diesel or four-cylinder petrol engine, but it’s worth remembering that it was available with VW’s 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 260bhp. Permanent four-wheel drive gives it tremendous all-weather pace, while the level of standard equipment will turn a Mercedes or Audi driver green with envy. Just don’t ask about the fuel economy.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Mazda MX-3 (from £1000)

The Mazda MX-3 is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021. At a time when most manufacturers were focusing on four-cylinder hot hatches, Mazda launched a sports coupé with the option of a 1.8-litre V6 engine: a somewhat unique configuration. It was sold alongside the MX-5 and RX-7.

Its styling has aged as well as any other coupé of the 1990s, while build quality is higher than most mainstream rivals. The V6 might produce a mere 130bhp, but it sounds terrific and is likely to be an engaging (and less rusty) alternative to the later Ford Puma. An honourable mention for Mazda’s Xedos 6 and Xedos 9 saloons – the V6s are great, if you can find them.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Nissan Murano (from £2500)

Considered to be an oddball at its launch in 2005, the Nissan Murano is now an interesting alternative to a Qashqai. Bold styling, lots of interior space and more standard equipment than you can shake a stick at, maybe it’s time to take another look at the Murano.

The biggest attraction is the 3.5-litre V6 it shares with the Nissan 350Z. It might be detuned to 245bhp, but it gives the Murano a bit of character and is far more appealing than the later 2.5-litre diesel. Prices start from around £2000.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Audi S5 Sportback (from £10,000)

When considering buying a first-generation Audi S5, it’s important to note that the three-door coupé used a different engine to the five-door Sportback and cabriolet. At launch, the S5 coupé was powered by a 4.2-litre V8, while the others utilised a 328bhp 3.0-litre V6.

The second-generation S5 gained an all-new 3.0-litre V6 producing 349bhp, but these are well out of budget. The V6 isn’t as satisfying as the V8, but you’ll appreciate the improved fuel economy.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Alfa Romeo 156 (from £1000)

We offer no apology for featuring a second Alfa Romeo. The 156 is sitting on the cusp of classic car status, but it still represents excellent value on the used car market. Of relevance to this slideshow are the 2.5-litre V6 and the flawed but fabulous GTA, with its 3.2-litre V6.

You’ll pay handsomely for a GTA, so you’ll get more for your money when buying a 156 with the 2.5-litre unit. The key to prolonging the life of its V6 engine is regular maintenance. Make sure the cambelt and water pump are changed every 36,000 miles.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Mercedes-Benz SLK (from £4000)

The R171-series Mercedes-Benz SLK from 2004 to 2011 was a significant improvement over the original version, with smarter looked and improved styling. The folding metal roof remained, but Mercedes added a rust-resistant galvanised body, so there’s less chance of it falling prey to a British winter.

You have a choice of V6 engines. A 225bhp 3.0-litre V6 is found in the SLK 280, while the SLK 350 gets a formidable 264bhp 3.5-litre V6. The SLK 280 is marginally cheaper, but you’ll forever regret not going ‘all in’ on an SLK 350, especially when Mercedes upped the power to 297bhp as part of the 2008 facelift.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Infiniti G (from £8000)

There’s no need to venture beyond Infiniti for a slice of exclusivity to go with your V6 power. The G Series comprised of the G Coupé, G Convertible and G Saloon, with a 3.7-litre V6 to hit the spot.

Consider the positives. It’s more exclusive than a German rival, you get rear-wheel drive handling and a generous level of standard kit. Some versions even come with a rear-steer system, originally fitted to the Skyline.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Honda Legend (from £5000)

Here’s another luxobarge that took on the Germans… and lost. This doesn’t make the Honda Legend a bad car. On the contrary, the third-generation Honda Legend, which was available as a four-door saloon or a two-door coupé, was far better than the previous cars and should have sold in higher numbers.

The 295bhp 3.5-litre i-VTEC engine was, at the time, the most powerful V6 yet in a Honda saloon and produced a sound not too dissimilar to the NSX. It was also loaded with tech, including a new Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Jaguar S-Type (from £1000)

We wanted to finish with a Jaguar but couldn’t decide whether to choose the XJ (X350) or the S-Type. The latter won, because we figured you’d rather have an XJ with a 3.5-litre or 4.2-litre V8.

Which leaves the S-Type to fly the V6 flag. The 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre versions are more affordable than the V8s and tend to be cheaper to run. Aside from the R, the S-Type is less about handling and more about retro charm, so the V6 engines will do nicely.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


21/21 SLIDES