These second-hand coupés boast style and substance - which is best?

Sarab Bradley lines up the Mini Coupe against the Peugeot RCZ and Volkswagen Scirocco

All three of these used cars look fantastic, and two of them also make 200bhp-plus. Thanks to their relatively small dimensions, thrilling performance is a given – yet it’s balanced with the efficiency that such light weight should bring. Add in depreciation, which means you can buy each for £10,000 or less, and you’re looking at great value for money, too. We want to work out which is best.

Those 200bhp-plus models? That’ll be the Mini John Cooper Works 1.6-litre turbo and the Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0. The latter is the fastest both off the line and to 62mph, and it feels like it gets the power down better. Yet the former, more frenetic model lives up to its outlandish looks, wheel-spinning away from a standstill or else sending the traction control into a spasm. This means it’s initially slower off the line, but get it going and it’ll haul past the VW and then some.

The Peugeot, with its distinctive double-bubble roof, shares a variant of the Mini’s engine, but in a lower state of tune. It’s still quick yet easier to drive, but the fidgety ride and light, uncommunicative steering mean it’s best suited to smooth roads. Meanwhile, the Mini’s ride and handling are more sophisticated than you’d expect from such a zany car. The platform is supple, giving reasonable comfort when you’re pushing on. Meanwhile, the Scirocco is as cool, calm and collected as you’d expect from a VW.

Inside, the German model is equally well built, sensible and even stylish. It’s spacious for all four occupants, although the raked roof eats into headroom a little. Those stylish exterior lines don’t impact on the well sized load space, however.

It’s a different story in the dinky Mini Coupé. It has no rear seats, while visibility is limited. Still, the driver has plenty to look at on the trademark dramatic Mini dashboard. The ‘fun’ styling means some of the switchgear is fiddly, however. With its low-set driving position it feels much sportier than the more mainstream Peugeot cabin, which boasts a full leather sports wheel and decent room for everyone – if not quite as much rear space as in the Scirocco.

The RCZ is also the cheapest of our trio to buy and to run, partly thanks to fuel economy of 40mpg. The maker has taken a common-sense approach to ownership costs as well, with official dealers allowing non-genuine parts to be used to reduce servicing costs. Surprisingly for a French model, the Peugeot is the most reliable of our group, too.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Scirocco is the most expensive of the group to buy and service as well. At least its reliability rating is fairly good. Unfortunately, the Mini’s reputation for dependability isn’t as good, while it sits in between its rivals in terms of purchasing and running costs. Also, the numerous personalisation options available when new can bump up the used price substantially.

So, what are you looking for? When it comes to second-hand buys, the Peugeot RCZ is the most sensible option. It looks great and goes well, and is the cheapest to buy and run. Yet its poor handling means it’s surprisingly uncomfortable on many surfaces.

Holding out for potent performance and a comfortable, well handling chassis? The Volkswagen Scirocco is the most rounded of the trio, making it the mature thinker’s choice.

However, if you’re searching for a bit more fun from your sporty coupé, rather than sense and practicality, then the Mini Coupé John Cooper Works is the car for you. Forget that it seats only two and isn’t the cheapest option; it’s stupidly fun, fast and incredibly agile. It wins here.

Specifications

Mini Coupé John Cooper Works (5 stars)

Engine size 1.6-litre petrol
List price when new £23,795
Price today £9000*
Power 208bhp
Torque 192lb ft
0-60mph 6.9sec
Top speed 146mph
Fuel economy 39.8mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 165g/km

Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TSI 210 GT (4 stars)

Engine size 2.0-litre petrol
List price when new £24,705
Price today £10,000*
Power 208bhp
Torque 207lb ft
0-60mph 6.5sec
Top speed 149mph
Fuel economy 38.2mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 172g/km

Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 200 GT (3 stars)

Engine size 1.6-litre petrol
List price when new £25,945
Price today £8500*
Power 141bhp
Torque 203lb ft
0-60mph 7.5sec
Top speed 141mph
Fuel economy 42.1mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 159g/km

*Price today is based on a 2011 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing

Sarah Bradley is a writer for WhatCar.