The best affordable coupes

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At Carvendo, we love cars that evoke more feeling than just driving from A to B. Coupés do just that: they combine style, sportiness and often a surprising amount of driving pleasure. Fortunately, you don't always have to lay down a fortune for that. There are plenty of affordable coupés that still impress, whether you fall for Italian design, German solidity or French flair. We compare some of the most fun and accessible models in recent years: the Alfa Romeo Brera, Peugeot RCZ, Audi TT, Volkswagen Scirocco and BMW 4 Series (F32). We look at comfort, interior quality, all-round visibility, handling, driving characteristics and, of course, design. Because you buy a coupé with your heart and mind.

Alfa Romeo Brera: Italian class with a touch of passion.

Some cars are not bought with your mind, but with your heart. The Alfa Romeo Brera is just such a car. When Giorgetto Giugiaro unveiled the Brera concept at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the design hit like a bomb. The audience fell in love instantly, and not much later, de Brera was awarded a prestigious design award. The lines were pure, powerful and at the same time elegant, typical Italian mastery that you won't forget.

When Alfa Romeo decided to actually put the Brera into production, things changed under the skin. While the concept version was based on Maserati technology, Alfa opted for the FIAT/GM Premium Platform, which was also below 159. This initially resulted in a relatively high weight, making the Brera feel less playful than some had hoped. Fortunately, Alfa listened to the criticism and gradually adapted the car: through smarter use of steel and refinements to the chassis, the Brera kept getting better.

A special chapter in the Brera story was written by Prodrive, at the request of the English Alfa Romeo importer. Their creation, the Alfa Romeo Brera S, was a limited version (500 units) that was delivered to the United Kingdom only. This version was lighter, sharper and sportier. Prodrive installed beautiful 19-inch rims, a Bilstein chassis, a sportier exhaust system and other seats. The Brera S was available with the 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6, but without all-wheel drive, a conscious choice for pure driving pleasure. Today, these Brera S models are popular collectibles that have risen significantly in value.

Even outside the UK, Alfa did not sit still. In 2009, the 1750 TBI engine with 200 hp, a turbocharged gasoline that breathed new life into the Brera, appeared. At the same time, the weight and handling were worked on again, which made the car considerably more dynamic. The absolute top version was the 1750 TBi Ti: lowered chassis, sports seats, 19-inch Ti rims and a look you simply can't ignore. These versions are now considered the most beautiful and best Breras you can find and their value is rising accordingly.

Comfort in the Brera is typically Italian: firm but sensitive, and always focused on experience. The interior is a treat for design enthusiasts, with a cockpit that really embraces you. The all-round view is not perfect, the thick pillars are to blame, but you'll forgive this car as soon as you're on the road. The handling is solid and, with the later adjustments, can also be called really sporty, while the driving characteristics are surprisingly sharp, especially in the later models.

And then there's the design... the Alfa Romeo Brera is a car that makes you look after even if you drive it yourself. Broad, muscular, but elegant at the same time. A coupé that proudly bears its age and still looks modern even today.

In short: The Alfa Romeo Brera is not a rational choice, but an emotional one. It's a stylish, one-of-a-kind coupé with a story, soul and design you won't forget. For those who value character and appearance, the Alfa Romeo Brera remains one of the most extraordinary affordable coupés on the market.

Alfa Romeo Brera

Beautiful Italian design, winner of design awards
Comfortable and solid interior for its time
Low rear visibility, typical coupé
Good handling, especially on later and ProDrive versions
The 1750 TBI Ti is the most beautiful and popular version

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Audi TT MK2 8J: Timeless design with a sporty soul.

Some cars strike just the right balance between elegance and sportiness, and the Audi TT is a perfect example. When Audi presented the second generation TT in 2006, it was immediately clear that this was not a simple evolution, but a carefully reinvented coupé. The design team led by Peter Schreyer and Freeman Thomas managed to maintain the iconic lines of the first TT, but at the same time gave the car a much more modern, sleek look. Minimalist, timeless and instantly recognisable: this is an Audi TT, but more mature and sharper than ever.

What is particularly striking about the TT is that Audi has clearly learned from the first generation. The original TT was beautiful, but had serious chassis problems that were later forced to be modified. With the 8J, Audi did a good job from the start. The platform became stiffer, the weight was lower and the balance improved. This TT was developed as a true sports coupé, not just a design icon with sporting aspirations. You can feel that behind the wheel.

Inside, it's typical of Audi: sleek, high-quality and logically designed. The finish is at a level that many competitors could only dream of at the time. The materials feel solid and everything is exactly where you expect it to be. Comfort is remarkably good for a sporty coupé. The seats offer excellent support, even on long journeys, and the seating position is low and sporty without becoming impractical.

All-round visibility is great for a coupé, although the thick C-pillars sometimes cause small blind spots, something you get used to quickly. The handling, on the other hand, is a real surprise: sleek, precise and inviting. The TT 8J steers with great confidence and, thanks to the improved chassis structure and weight distribution, feels much more stable and sharper than its predecessor. The driving characteristics are sporty but accessible, making the TT ideal for daily trips as well as for a winding weekend away.

In 2009, Audi came out with the absolute icing on the cake: the TT RS. Under the hood was the iconic 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, a nod to Audi's rallying past. With its distinctive sound and impressive performance, the TT RS changed the TT's image forever. Later, a TT RS Plus even followed, which further sharpened the sporty character. These versions have now become popular collectibles.

And then there's the design... The TT 8J is one of those cars that barely ages. The clean lines, perfect proportions and understated elegance ensure that this coupé still looks modern today. You don't have to be an Audi expert to be impressed by how well this design holds up.

In short: The Audi TT is much more than just a beautiful coupé. It is a mature sports car with a timeless design, a high-quality interior and excellent driving characteristics. For those who want to combine style and sportiness in a compact, iconic package, the TT 8J remains one of the most attractive choices on the affordable coupé market.

Audi TT 8J

Minimalist, timeless design that still looks modern
Sleek, high-quality interior and typical Audi
Compact coupé with good visibility and sporty seating position
Much more dynamic than the first generation
TT RS with 5-cylinder turbo is an icon

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Peugeot RCZ: French elegance with sporty flair.

Sometimes a brand brings a car to market that no one saw coming, and that's exactly what happened when Peugeot presented the RCZ Concept in 2007. The audience was surprised, even a little overwhelmed. Because this wasn't your average Peugeot for everyday shopping, but a bold, stylish and sporty coupé that did everything differently. When the production version actually appeared in 2010, the surprise turned out to be even greater: Peugeot had dared to put the RCZ into production almost unchanged from the concept car. The result? One of the most beautiful and distinctive coupés of its time.

What immediately stands out about the RCZ is the design. At the time, many thought that the characteristic double 'bubble' in the roof was designed by Zagato; it had that typical Italian flair. But nothing could be further from the truth: the design came directly from Peugeot itself, led by Boris Reinmöller. The RCZ is elegant, sporty and unique. The curved roofline, wide hips and perfect proportions make it a real eye-catcher, even today. The fact that Peugeot had the car built not in France but at Magna Steyr in Austria says a lot about the care and precision with which this coupé was produced.

Under the skin, the RCZ shares its basis with the Peugeot 308, but has been significantly modified by Peugeot Sport. You'll feel that immediately when you drive. The RCZ steers tightly and directly, with a chassis that offers a nice balance between comfort and sportiness. It really comes to life on winding roads: it lies low, feels agile and is surprisingly confident. The handling is excellent, especially with the more powerful versions, giving you the feeling of driving in something much more exclusive than a 'regular' Peugeot.

Inside, the RCZ surprises with an interior that is clearly more premium than you were used to from Peugeot at the time. The materials are solid, the finish is neat and the sporty seating position perfectly matches the character of the car. The seats offer good support, even when cornering heavily, and the all-round visibility is better than many other sports coupes, despite the low roofline. Want to take long rides comfortably? That's fine with this RCZ: it combines flair with usability.

In 2013, the RCZ received a facelift with a tighter front, new rims and fresh colors, making it look completely up to date again. At the same time, Peugeot presented the absolute top model: the RCZ R. This version was developed by Peugeot Sport and received a 1.6 THP engine boosted to 270 hp and 330 Nm, Brembo brakes and Recaro sports seats. The result was a compact sports coupé that could easily compete with established names, but with its own character. Today, the RCZ R is a popular collector's item among enthusiasts.

And then there's that design... The RCZ is one of those cars that you keep checking, even years later. Its elegance and unique lines set it apart from practically everything that was (and is) for sale in its price range. He has that rare ability to evoke emotion even before you've driven a meter.

In short: The Peugeot RCZ is a masterful combination of French design, sporty handling and a surprising amount of class. It is distinctive without being loud, drives well and offers a unique look that is rarely seen in this class. A coupé for people who dare to choose just that little bit differently and are richly rewarded for it.

Peugeot RCZ

Surprising design icon with unique roofline
Comfortable and stylish interior, good build quality
Sporty chassis modified by Peugeot Sport
RCZ R is sharp and powerful with 270 hp
Affordable entry-level model, rare top version popular

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Volkswagen Scirocco: the sporty Volkswagen with character.

Some cars have something special, something that makes them immediately stand out and stay with you. The third generation Volkswagen Scirocco launched in 2008 is just such a car. It was a bold move by Volkswagen to bring back a sporty coupé, based on the Golf VI platform, but with its own character. The Scirocco was neither an average hatchback nor a classic coupé, but a perfect mix of both. The result was a sporty, low-build car with a broad stance and an appearance that immediately showed that it wanted to be more than just a Golf.

In terms of design, the Scirocco III hit the nail on the head. The low nose, wide hips and sharply cut lines gave it a dynamic, muscular look that set it apart from the rest of the Volkswagen range. Especially in the familiar “Volkswagen Motorsport” blue color or with contrasting black details, it was a really striking appearance. Moreover, the design is barely outdated; even today, the Scirocco still looks modern and sporty, a sign that Volkswagen has created a timeless shape here.

Inside, you'll find a recognisable Volkswagen interior: sleek, functional and well-finished. The dashboard has largely been taken over from the Golf, but due to the lower seating position and sporty accents, the Scirocco immediately feels different. The seats are excellent and offer good support, even during heavy cornering. Comfort is surprisingly good for a sporty coupé, so it can also be used for long trips without being tiring. All-round visibility is slightly narrower due to the low roofline and wide C-pillars, but that's also part of its coupe-like character.

On the road, the Scirocco really comes to life. Thanks to the Golf VI platform and a balanced chassis, the handling is tight and predictable, even a little dull. The car steers precisely and is stable, both on winding roads and on the highway. The turbocharged engines, ranging from the smooth 1.4 TSI to the powerful 2.0 TSI, provide vibrant performance. Especially the Scirocco R, with its 265 hp 2.0 TSI, is a real driving machine. In that version, the car feels mature, fast and sharp, without sacrificing everyday usability.

The 2014 facelift brought subtle design changes and modern engines, keeping the Scirocco fresh and relevant for a few more years. Nevertheless, production ended in 2017, and since then, the Scirocco has slowly but surely become a popular model among Volkswagen enthusiasts. Especially the R version in that iconic blue color is now a popular collector's item, partly due to its relatively limited numbers and its unique place in VW history.

In short: The Volkswagen Scirocco is a sporty coupé with character that combines driving pleasure with reliability and timeless design. It offers sharp handling, powerful engines and a look you won't forget. For those looking for a sporty car with Volkswagen's reliability, the Scirocco is a perfect choice and a future classic in the making.

Volkswagen Scirocco III

Sleek and sporty design, distinct from the Golf
Solid VW interior, practically usable as a daily
Excellent all-round view for a coupé
Good road holding, especially with the R models
Scirocco R is now a popular youngtimer.

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BMW 4 Series F32 Coupé: driving pleasure over perfection

Sometimes a brand builds a car that is technically brilliant, but is just not entirely convincing in terms of design. The BMW 4 Series F32 Coupé is a good example. When BMW decided in 2013 to call the 3 Series coupé variant “4 Series” from now on, expectations were high. But actually, things immediately go a little wrong with the design. The F32 looks more like a slightly flattened, three-door version of the 3 Series than a really sleek coupé. The proportions look a bit odd: the front is long and elegant, but the rear lacks that typical coupé elegance. As a result, the whole thing looks a bit less exciting than you might expect from a BMW coupé.

However, BMW wouldn't be BMW if they more than made up for this with their driving behavior. Because as soon as you get behind the wheel, you forget the design criticism. The rear-wheel drive, perfectly balanced chassis and precise steering make the 4 Series F32 a real driver's car. Corners are taken with confidence and control, and on the highway, the car feels stable and mature. Comfort is well tailored, so you can go on relaxing long rides as well as sporty ones when you feel like it.

Inside, you'll immediately recognize the typical BMW quality: sleek, with high-quality materials and a logical, driver-oriented layout. The seating position is low and sporty, just like it should be in a coupé. The all-round visibility is decent, although the wide C-pillars sometimes cause small blind spots. Nevertheless, the car feels organized enough to be comfortable to use on a daily basis.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the F32 generation is the M4, known internally as F82. This top version came on the market in 2014, and everything did fall into place there. The design got wider wheel arches, more aggressive bumpers and a lower, muscular look — exactly what the basic version actually lacked. Under the hood was a 3.0-liter six-in-line biturbo engine with 431 hp and 550 Nm, good for performance that gets your blood flowing faster. You could choose between a manual transmission or a DCT automatic transmission, and both provided a pure and direct driving experience.

In addition, there were the special M4 CS and M4 GTS. The 2017 CS delivered 460 hp, had OLED rear lights and a sharply tuned chassis, making for a perfect mix between street and track cars. The GTS went one step further, with 500 hp, hardcore aerodynamics and a very limited edition. These versions are now highly sought after by enthusiasts and represent a serious value on the market.

In short: The BMW 4 Series F32 Coupe may not immediately convince with its design, but once you drive it, you'll know why BMW has built such a strong reputation. The chassis, balance and powertrain make this a real driver's car. And if you really want the most, you'll find the M4 — where the 4 Series fully shows its true character. Driving pleasure is above all else here.

BMW 4 Series F32

Design: less pronounced coupé, rather a 3-door 3 Series
Top interior and ergonomics, typical BMW
Excellent handling and balance thanks to RWD
M4 versions offer top performance and are in demand
Driving pleasure is key, despite mixed looks

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The conclusion according to Niels

My conclusion is: if you really want rear-wheel drive, you can't ignore the BMW. The disadvantage of the BMW, however, is that the design is not really a coupe, but more like a 3-door sedan. From a design perspective and I know this is taste, the Alfa Romeo Brera and Peugeot RCZ are the best; these are real coupes. The Audi TT and Volkswagen Scirocco are actually somewhere in between.

My choice would be the Alfa Romeo Brera or the Peugeot RCZ. I think these are the best cars here, depending on your taste. I think that a coupe should have a beautiful design and really be something special. I miss that a bit about the Germans, and the Italians and French do that better.

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