Racing and competing have been a staple of the auto industry for over 100 years, and drivers have continued pushing the limits to determine what’s possible. While racing at Le Mans might be out of your budget, you can take the best sporty small cars for a spin.

The sport compact car is built around speed and handling, creating an exhilarating driving experience. Knowing the best options to test drive and buy will aid you in your journey to find the perfect daily driver.

Luckily, you’ve uncovered this helpful guide to the top four sporty small cars to take for a test drive in 2024. Continue reading to take your driving thrills to new heights today!

1. Honda Civic Type-R

The Honda Civic Type-R is the most powerful and enjoyable sport compact car produced by Honda in years. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces over 300 horsepower and uses high-tech features to provide an impressive driving experience.

The handling is precise and responsive, and fuel economy is a reasonable 24 miles per gallon. You can enjoy better fuel economy if you can stay off the throttle in the Type-R, which is a tall task.

The only drawback of the Civic Type-R is the price tag. You’ll need to spend north of $50,000 to drive this sport compact car home. Still, it’s worth a test drive if you can fit it into your shopping budget.

2. Toyota GR Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is famous for fuel economy and reliability, but the GR Corolla is changing the game. It’s a hot hatch with a turbocharged engine producing 300 horsepower.

It features unique styling and impressive performance at a reasonable price tag. You can reach 60 miles per hour in under five seconds. Your new Corolla will keep you on the edge of your seat.

3. Volkswagen Golf GTI

If you’re looking for a sleek car with a European cab design and high-tech features, look no further than the Volkswagen GTI. It provides refined tastes and an impressive 27 miles per gallon, producing plenty of power from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The four-door design provides plenty of space for a practical daily driver. The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is an excellent alternative if you prefer a non-hatchback option.

4. Subaru WRX

Subaru is famed for producing the top rally vehicles on the circuit, and the WRX furthers that impressive legacy. The WRX features an advanced all-wheel drive system and a throaty four-cylinder turbo engine for speed and handling. The gas mileage is lower than other options, but you’ll smile all the way to the pump.

Take These Small Sporty Cars for a Test Drive Today

Driving small sporty cars is an excellent way to enjoy (relatively) cheap thrills behind the wheel. These cars provide plenty of speed and handling to make you happy on your daily commute. The WRX delivers plenty of punch, while the GR Corolla is a dark horse option that will keep you on the edge of your seat when the light turns green.

Finding the fastest and most entertaining cars is challenging, but you can find the perfect ride with proper guidance. Explore our Auto guides and articles for the best car shopping tips today!