Performance cars come in all shapes and sizes, from junior hot hatches like the effervescent Ford Fiesta ST to sports saloons, fast coupes, track day specials and of course supercars. Here we choose five of the best performance cars currently on sale in Ireland, cars that are not just fast, but also hugely enjoyable to drive - the type of car we'd all get up early on a Sunday to take for a blast just for the sake of it.
1 - BMW M2 Coupe
We're big fans of most cars that come out of BMW's M division, but none more so than the M2 Coupe, launched in 2016. Its compact footprint is well-suited to Irish back roads and it looks far beefier than the regular 2 Series Coupe. A turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine sends 370hp to the rear wheels for huge fun, even without breaking the speed limit.
Read the full BMW M2 Coupe review here
2 - Ford Focus RS
All the hype about the Ford Focus RS hot hatch seems to have focused on its 'Drift Mode', and with that engaged it is hilariously easy to drive sideways (on a track only, please), but there's so much more to this car. It is hugely fast, very competent and yet also stuffed with personality. A true icon in the making.
Read the full Ford Focus RS review here
3 - SEAT Leon Cupra
For those that want something a little more unhinged than the Golf GTI there's its sister car, the SEAT Leon Cupra. It's now offered with 300hp, but the Leon Cupra's front-drive chassis handles the power well, relishing fast driving over difficult surfaces. We also love how it looks - surprisingly subtle.
Read the full SEAT Leon Cupra review here
4 - Audi RS 6 Avant
We can't resist a good estate car here on CompleteCar.ie, and they don't come any more 'performance' than the ballistic Audi RS 6 Avant (even if it is getting a bit long in the tooth). It's big enough to move house in, yet thanks to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8 engine under the bonnet, it'll be advisable to make sure the crockery is well-secured...
Read the full Audi RS 6 Avant review here
5 - Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI has evolved into one of the best all-rounders on the market, which is why Irish buyers love it so much. It's civilised and quiet in everyday use, yet has a chassis that truly sparkles the more you push it. The whole range was updated in early 2017 with more power and equipment.