Poverty Spec (US Vs. UK)

The grass is always greener on the other side, or is it? We take a look at bare-bones cars you can purchase in the UK and spec them up to how we would normally spec a vehicle to see exactly what you get for your money in the UK vs. the U.S. Let’s dive in! 2026 BMW 120 Sport ($44,360) 1.5 turbocharged three-cylinder with 48-volt mild hybrid, 170hp and 206lb-ft torque. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive layout. Options: Blue cloth seats ($237.84). Harmon Kardon Sound System ($747.49). Technology Package ($2,106.57). Panoramic Sunroof ($1,427.03). Cross-bars ($406.36) Total: $49,327.63 We were very conservative on the options here. A 1-series with a three-cylinder turbo producing 170hp would run us almost $50k with front-wheel drive.

2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe ($42,000) 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 241hp. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive layout. Frozen Pure Grey Metallic ($2,350). Premium Package ($1,350). Comfort suspension ($0). Total: $45,050 Our pick: 120i Sport. You can’t go wrong with the trusty hatchback. It’s much more stylish and practical for everyday use compared to the 228 Gran Coupe.

Audi A1 (Sport 25 TFSI 95 PS 5-speed) ($33,031.48) 1-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, 95hp. 5-speed manual gearbox. Front-wheel-drive. Options: Cross bars ($473.14). Technology Package (1,760.68). Fun fact: 120i doesn’t offer power-folding mirrors or DAB radio standard, despite being more expensive. Total: ($36,047.07)

2026 Audi A3 (Premium 40 TFSI quattro S tronic) ($40,100) 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 201hp. 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic. All-wheel-drive. Options: Convenience Package ($1,500). Total: ($42,995) Our pick: The A1 only comes with 95hp! But it makes the most of that with a 5-speed manual gearbox. There’s no sunroof option with the A1, which is a bummer! However, the A3 offers much more for the money.

2026 Mercedes A 180 Sport Edition ($43,330.45) 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Mild-hybrid, 136hp. Front-wheel-drive. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. No options added. Total: ($43,330.45) Fun fact: The bare-bones basic Mercedes doesn’t look like it on the inside. However, just like the A1, there is no option for a sunroof or glass roof. 2026 Mercedes CLA 220 Hybrid Sedan ($43,900) 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, mild-hybrid. Total output: 208 hp. Front-wheel drive. No options added. Total: ($45,330.45) Our pick: It’s a bit strange that the A180 doesn’t offer an optional sunroof and the CLA has it standard. We prefer the looks of the A-class and the powertrain of the CLA. With that being said, we’d still choose the A-class simply for the looks and hatchback body style.

2026 Volkswagen Polo Life 1.0MPI ($28,626.38) 1-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder, 79hp. Front-wheel-drive. 5-speed manual gearbox. Options: 16-inch alloy wheels ($706.99). Panoramic Sunroof ($1,332.41). Keyless access ($557.44). Cross bars ($410.60) Total: ($31,633.81) Fun fact: The Polo base trim can be optioned with a panoramic sunroof while the A1 base trim doesn’t offer one at all.

Volkswagen Jetta S ($23,995) 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 158hp. Front-wheel-drive. 8-speed automatic transmission. Options: Cross bars ($414). Total: ($24,410) Our pick: The Jetta S can’t be optioned with any luxury features like the Polo. In fact, the Polo doesn’t even have a turbo engine. If you overlook the power difference. The Polo is the better deal with a nicer interior and simpler engine technology.

Toyota Aygo X Icon ($29,428) 1.5-liter naturally aspirated hybrid petrol. Front-wheel-drive. CVT transmission. Options: Convenience package ($500) Total: ($30,264.70)

2026 Toyota Corolla LE ($23,325) 2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, 169hp. CVT transmission. Front-wheel-drive. Options: LE Premium Package ($1,135) Total: ($24,620) Our pick: Despite the Aygo X having less horsepower. The Aygo X can be optioned with luxury features that the Corolla doesn’t offer. Both are base trim levels, and that’s insane!

Devon test drives an Audi A3 (Used)

If you acquire the taste of luxury but the price tag leaves you running for the hills. Fret not because the Audi A3 is here.

There are two engines to choose from. The standard 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 170hp while the top of the range 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 220hp. Picking between the two is all a mere matter of taste. The 1.8 only comes with front-wheel-drive and is our pick of the range. It makes the most sense financially and running costs are decent too. It’s nice though that you can have more power with the 2-liter turbo but you can only have it with all-wheel-drive. Both versions don’t even offer a manual gearbox, in both cases however you’ll have to go with the upcoming redesigned Volkswagen Golf/GTI to satisfy that desire.

Unless you’re downgrading from a Bentley, the interior won’t be as classy in comparison. However both are classy and both won’t disappoint. Audi's interior decors are some of the best in the industry. Even the optional infotainment display that sort of leaps out of the dash is a welcome touch; everything is within easy reach of the driver’s hand and the seats are comfortable with plenty of support. Rear passengers however may suffer a bit in legroom.

Premium trim offers leather seats, Xenon headlamps, dual zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. Premium plus trim adds keyless start, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats. You’ll have to step up to the Prestige trim to full LED headlights, 14 speaker 705watt sound system and voice control navigation system.

The A3 may seem expensive compared to indirect rivals such as the Mazda3 and even Volkswagen GTI. But for those who crave the Audi badge but can’t afford the A4 we strongly suggest sticking with the standard form and you’ll be fine. Resale value is too soon to call since the A3 is new to the market.

The A3 is a classy offering and is worth considering if you want a four-door sedan with premium image. However it’s just not as compelling to look at compared to the Mercedes CLA and it’s not as fun to drive as a BMW 2-series. It is the best between the two and we think it’s the top pick for those who want a classy well rounded sedan.

Likes: Both engines have strong pull. The standard kit is impressive for such a low asking price.

Dislikes: Bland exterior looks. There are so many indirect rivals that offer more for similar money.

Devon’s Choice: The A3 Premium 1.8t is where our money would go. It offers enough kit to satisfy most needs without being too expensive. Plus running costs are decent too.

Our favorites (Part one)

Wagon:



Volvo V60

Some may argue that the V60 is just a hatchback as the cargo space is too small compared to the BMW 3-series Touring and it doesn't really have much in terms of rear seat legroom. What we do love about the V60 is how much wagon  you get for your money. Volvo tends to be quite generous when it comes to standard kit and the V60 doesn't disappoint at all. Plus there's a version for everybody. The entry-level Dynamic offers plenty of flexibility, low running costs and decent purchase price. R-Design gets sportier looking styling and a more potent 306hp turbo engine. Top of the range Polestar gets a thumping 362hp turbo engine and of course is the only real high-performance wagon you can option for currently. (We're looking at you BMW.)

Hatchback



VW GTI

The king of the hot hatches continues to be that. It may not have the hooligan appeal that the Focus ST does but for someone looking for hot hatch turn of pace in a classier more refined package, you won't be disappointed with this one. For 2018, Volkswagen has given the GTI a facelift with new LED headlights and restyled infotainment screen. The 2-liter turbo has been pumped up to 220hp and also new snazzy looking alloys are also fitted standard.

Sedan



Kia Optima

When it comes to mid-sized sedans, we think that the Kia Optima is one of the better choices out there. You can choose between three engine options; 2.4 four-cylinder, 1.6-turbo and 2-liter turbo. The 2.4 is the pick of the range as it makes the most sense financially. We do like that Kia offers the 1.6-turbo but it just doesn't really offer much of a benefit in running costs over the 2.4. The top of the range 2-liter turbo doesn't feel as potent as the horsepower figures suggests, but for most buyers looking for a competent mid-sized sedan that's roomy and offers tons of value for the money. Look no further.

Coupe



BMW 2-series

You'd think that opting for the cheapest BMW coupe of the range would be a total penalty box, but it is the complete opposite. You can get the 2-series with two amazing engines (2-liter turbo four 248hp, 3-liter turbo six-cylinder 320hp) and a slick shifting six-speed manual; if you can't drive stick-shift then you can choose a eight-speed automatic which is just as good. The M-tuned version of the 2-series is quite literally the best M car from BMW in a long time. Just because it sits at the entry-level spot in BMW's coupe range doesn't mean that it's a penalty box and of course it can get quite expensive as well.

SUV



Land Rover Discovery

We fell in love with the Discovery when we had it as a rental. It's very comfortable to drive, has plenty of flexibility from both engines and won't disappoint with it's legendary off-road abilities. We'd choose the diesel engine which makes the most sense financially, especially considering that most buyers will do tons of highway driving with their Disco. You can also carry seven-people aboard and opt for uniquely trimmed versions. Land Rover isn't famed for its reliability, but it's very hard to fault it for what it really does bring to the table; in our