Hi Brian,

Two PHEVs turn up regularly in your price bracket – the 252hp BMW 330e and the 280hp Mercedes C 350 e. Both are quick, with 0-100km/h in around six seconds, and both are petrol-electrics, although they do employ 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines – if you want more cylinders, this might be a drawback. Also look for the previous-generation Audi S5 (based on the Mk1 A5, built from 2007-2016) and the BMW M135i, or you could try used examples of the current Audi S3 (300hp); admittedly, this last one is still a four-pot, but as a Saloon, it’s a lovely car. Our eye was caught by a €30,000 example of a 1998 BMW 840Ci Sport, which has a 4.4-litre V8 and the added advantage of possibly appreciating in value if you’re not going to use it a huge amount…