1. Home
  2. …
  3. Guides
  4. Future classic cars in 2025: Next generation classics

21/08/2025

Future classic cars in 2025

Future Classic Cars 2024

You could tear your curls out trying to guess what the next generation of classic car is going to be. Luckily, we’re here to save you from follicular fallout with our experts’ noses for what will be collectable in the future.

Don’t think this is just a list of blue-chip, blue-blood supercars. We’ve looked at a much broader picture and found plenty of cars that will cut, from sporting to sybaritic.

As with all classic cars, you make the most important decision when you buy, so look for one that’s been spoiled all its life with tip-top servicing, an unmarked body, and bulging service records. Then, get on and enjoy driving a car that will carry you gracefully into its classic future.


Future classic cars in 2025

  1. Ford Focus RS
  2. BMW i8
  3. Toyota GR Yaris
  4. BMW M2
  5. Jaguar F-Type
  6. Volkswagen Golf R
  7. Renault 5
  8. Alpine A110
  9. Audi TT RS
  10. Jaguar XJ

1. Ford Focus RS

Supercar pace and an iconic badge

Ford Focus RS Review (2016-2018): Exterior
Ford Focus RS (2016-2018) Review: Interior

Pros

  • Superb fun to drive

  • Potent engine

  • Still very practical

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Some engine problems noted

  • Low-speed ride is harsh

You could argue that a fast-Ford is a safe bet – and you’d be right. But just because it’s got an RS badge, it doesn’t mean it’s any good. 

After all, it should stand for the fastest, most insane, most brilliant handling, lairy Essex car you can think of, but the Mk2 Focus RS flushed that straight down toilet.

Luckily, Ford knocked it out the park with this Mk3 generation. It was sexy and it knew it. Supercar performance for £30k when new and it sold in limited numbers. If you were lucky enough to get one, hang on to it and you’ll be able to retire in a few years. Maybe. If you can afford the £24,000 minimum to buy a good one now, do it.

"While it's a massive shame the last Focus RS wasn't replaced, it does guarantee its future classic status"

Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor

Read our full Focus RS review

2. BMW i8

Fast and frugal hybrid coupe

BMW i8 (2014-2020) Review: exterior front three quarter photo of the BMW i8
BMW i8 (2014-2020) Review: interior close up photo of the BMW i8 dashboard

Pros

  • Redefines hybrid performance

  • Incredibly low CO2 figures

  • Stunning futuristic design

Cons

  • Tiny 154-litre boot limits practicality

  • Petrol-powered rivals are more thrilling

  • Needs charging regularly to maximise its performance

The BMW i8 is already a classic, arguably, although it's barely a decade old. In an era where so many car manufacturers played it safe, BMW threw caution to the wind and built a radical sports car unlike anything we'd seen before.

The chassis is carbon fibre, the powertrain is a plug-in hybrid, and the styling looks like a concept car. But it wasn't - it was a car you could go out and buy. And still can as a used choice.

The result wasn't perfect. The driving experience isn't as good as the looks – quick, but not scintillatingly so, and the handling isn't the best we've seen from BMW, let alone the competition (hello Porsche!). But neither is it terrible, and so much was so revolutionary about it that we could easily forgive it for not reaching its lofty goals.

You can get an i8 in both coupe and convertible forms. While it's not practical, it's impressively efficient, promising 128.4mpg according to official (albeit wildly optimistic) figures. Even 10+ years after it was introduced, it'll turn heads wherever you go. And you can buy one for as little as £30,000.

"There was clearly something in the water at BMW HQ when the i8 was greenlit - it hasn't made anything as daring since"

Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor

Read our full BMW i8 review

3. Toyota GR Yaris

Rally-bred hot hatch justifies the hype

Toyota GR Yaris review: interior view

Pros

  •  Staggering performance

  • Improved interior from 2024

  • Used examples from less than £30,000

Cons

  • Small boot and firm ride

  • A new one costs more than £44,000...

  • ...and that's if you can get one

The humble Toyota Yaris city car is not a machine that people get particularly excited about. But then Toyota engineers imbued it with the spirit of its World Rally Championship programme and suddenly this reliable but anonymous city car turned into one of the most entertaining drives of the 2020s. Step forward the GR Yaris.

When it comes to future classic criteria, this ticks all the boxes. It's fun to drive, with all-wheel drive and a propensity to drift. It's got genuine motorsport pedigree, originally built as a homologation special for a Toyota rally car. 

That machine never actually got a chance to turn a wheel in anger in the World Rally Championship, but no matter. Find an open stretch of road, and there aren't many cars that provide this much entertainment.

If the Toyota GR Yaris isn't revered by motoring enthusiasts for decades to come, then we'll eat our hats.

"Some might have baulked at the thought of a £30k GR Yaris, but the car sold out at that price, and so did the £44k+ facelift version"

Phil Hall, Senior Editor

Read our full Toyota GR Yaris review

4. BMW M2

Fun and fiery little sports coupe

BMW M2 Review 2024
BMW M2 Review 2024: interior

Pros

  • Amazing performance and handling

  • Beautifully appointed interior

  • Four-seat practicality

Cons

  • Space rather tight in those rear seats

  • Offset pedals in manual model

  • Steering could instill you with more confidence

There’s a special place in classic car heaven reserved for BMW M cars, so we really could’ve picked any. 

We went with the BMW M2 for a variety of reasons. At under £50k new, it was the most affordable way into M ownership at the time. But it also stands out from the crowd. Thankfully, the latest version isn't much more than the original. Both have modern classic potential, we reckon. 

While rivals like the Audi RS3 or the Mercedes AMG A45 use a four-cylinder, the turbocharged six-pot in the M2 offers a higher level of joyousness. Yes, it’ll do 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, but it’s the sweet, sweet sound of six-cylinders that’ll make you want to do it over, and over, and over again.

"We love all versions of the M2, but we reckon the first-generation M2 Competition is the best of all"

Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor

Read our full BMW M2 review

5. Jaguar F-Type

Competent, beautiful Jaguar ageing well 

Jaguar F-Type Convertible white
Jaguar F-Type Review: interior close up photo of the Jaguar F-Type dashboard

Pros

  • Full-hybrid power option

  • Surprisingly good off-road ability

  • Keen pricing

Cons

  • Some cheap build elements

  • Pointless LPG version

  • Slow infotainment response

Could this be more nostalgic? After giving us the mighty E-Type, Jaguar finally stepped up decades later and delivered its spiritual successor – the F-Type. 

While the ball-breaking SVR gets to waltz straight down the classic hall of fame thanks to its £115k price tag and great-sounding engine, the coupe and convertible might have to wait a bit longer. But not that long – Jaguar discontinued the car in 2024 along with its entire line-up ahead of its reinvention as a luxury EV maker. A direct replacement for the F-Type doesn't exactly fit into that plan. 

There are plenty of different variants to choose from, but honestly, we’d be happy with a V6, which offers a neat blend of grand tourer charm, but it's an on-road weapon as and when required. It’s fast, gorgeous and worth every penny. Oh, and it sounds epic.


"Jaguar discontinued the F-Type in 2024 and won't be directly replacing it, assuring its future classic status"

Phill Tromans, Contributor

Read our full Jaguar F-Type review

6. Volkswagen Golf R

Superlative fast hatch or estate

Volkswagen Golf R Left Side View
Volkswagen Golf R Driver's Seat

Pros

  • Unflappable handling

  • Vault solid build

  • Choice of body styles

Cons

  • Too subtle for some tastes

  • Estate is DSG-only

  • Late models have detuned engines for emissions

Volkswagen hated all the hype around fast Fords. After all, here was a company that created the hot-hatch but threw it all away by devaluing the hallowed GTI badge with some clunkers.

Luckily, someone at Wolfsburg had the pride (and the know-how) to come up with the Volkswagen Golf R, shoehorning a truly potent engine under the bonnet of their super popular family car. All it needed after that was a four-wheel drive system, and it was good to go.

With 300PS (later 310PS) and a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds, here is a car that is plenty fast enough – but also one that loves nothing more than a trip to the shops. Buy one, use it, and fall in love with it.

"As fun as the drift mode tech in the current Golf R is, we reckon it peaked with the previous-gen model"

Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor

Read our full Volkswagen Golf R 2014 review

7. Renault 5

One of the best electric superminis out there

Renault 5 Review: front three quarters
Renault 5 Review: interior and driving position

Pros

  • Fabulous styling

  • Well-judged ride and handling

  • Good value

Cons

  • Limited rear seat space

  • Awkward gear selector

  • We’re yet to try the cheaper 40kWh car

The original Renault 5 is already a much in-demand classic car, and rightly so, being one of the 1970s supermini pioneers. The latest electric-powered Renault 5 is equally trend-setting, and that means it has an assured future as a classic car.

Some might say the latest 5's style is too heavily derived from the original's, but the retro design strikes just the right balance between homage and modernity. If anything, it feels more like a continuation in looks and the interior is also laudably French with its chic appearance.

Classic car purists might bridle at an EV edging into this territory, but in years to come, we are sure this generation of Renault 5 will be welcome at any gathering. It's fun to drive and keenly priced, new to make it a car of the people, just as the model was back in the 1970s, and there's the sporty Alpine A290 model for those who want an updated take on the 5 GT Turbo.

"The Renault 5 is simultaneously one of the coolest and one of the cheapest EVs around"

Ivan Aistrop, Contributor

Read our full Renault 5 review

8. Alpine A110

Sports car perfection, with provisos

2021 Renault Alpine front-three quarter first drive
2021 Renault Alpine interior first drive

Pros

  • Brilliantly engaging, light and fun to drive

  • Surprisingly economical at a cruise

  • More interesting and different than the sports car norm

Cons

  • Earlier infotainment is rubbish and cabin is a touch low-rent

  • Lacks luggage space compared to key rivals

  • A thoroughbred sports car should have a manual gearbox option

Back in the day, the original Alpine A110 was a bit of a legend. It spent much of the 1960s hoofing around various rally stages and won the World Rally Championship. So it stands to reason that Alpine's reboot of this great looker should have a smooth passage to the land of classics.

Fast-forward 50 years and the A110 finds itself up against some pretty sharp competition like the Audi TT and Porsche Cayman. On the used market, you could argue the Alfa Romeo 4C is a strong (if much more uneven) alternative)

Luckily, the A110 hit the bullseye. Here was – and still is – one of the finest driver’s cars ever made. That alone makes it a future classic in our book, whether you're talking about the standard model or the spicy A110 R. 

"Yes, the S and R models are impressive, but arguably it's the simplest, base version of the A110 that's the sweetest"

Phil Hall, Contributor

Read our full Alpine A110 review

9. Audi TT RS Roadster

A stylish, well-executed roadster

Audi TT RS grey
Audi TT RS Roadster: interior view

Pros

  • Stylish exterior 

  • Fun to drive

  • Good value 

Cons

  • Pricey optional extras

  • No back seats 

  • Some rivals handle better

When it was new, the Audi TT RS cost more than £50k – a clear sign that it was aiming to attract drivers who might be thinking about a Porsche 718 Cayman or Boxster S. But surely Audi couldn’t hold a candle to the mighty Porsche? Well, no. But also, yes.

With 400PS, it’s more powerful than a Porsche with the exception of the truly mighty Boxster GTS. And while it doesn't have the 718's edge or that scalpel-sharp sense of agility, it's got plenty of drama and fun. Where it shines is when you take the roof off the Roadster version. Go for a model with the sports exhaust, and you'll get all the aural treats you could ever want short of a ludicrous V8.

The sound of its 2.5-litre five-cylinder is everything you’ll ever want from a sports car, and with the wind in your hair and that cylindrical music in your ears, you'll forget about the extra communicative steering you get in the Boxster.

"As well as being the last TT RS, this car was also one of the final Audi models to feature a five-cylinder engine"

Ivan Aistrop, Contributor

Read our full Audi TT Roadster review

10. Jaguar XJ

Luxury limo with a sporty feel

Jaguar XJ Review white
Jaguar XJ Review interior

Pros

  • Great to drive

  • Superb refinement

  • Pleasingly different to German rivals

Cons

  • Rear seats not as roomy as many rivals

  • Patchy cabin quality

  • A Jaguar XF offers almost as much for less money

While most of our picks as future classics have a sporting edge, the Jaguar XJ that arrived in 2010 majored on luxury, refinement, and a big dose of Jaguar's traditional wood and leather appeal.

With the British firm spearing off in an all-electric future direction now, luxury limos like the 2010 XJ hold considerable appeal. It was always a brilliant car to drive, giving a Maserati Quattroporte a bloody nose in supercharged XJR form. Yet the XJ can also waft with the best of them to cover huge distances with almost disdainful ease. It says "a trans-European road trip? Is that the best you've got?"

Diesel engines are the most common, and very refined they are too, but seek out the V8 petrol for the full Jaguar grace, space and pace experience. And you can have all of this from around £6000 for a minty one that's been properly looked after.

"The XJ was never quite as good as its German rivals, but it did outclass them in terms of style and charm"

Ivan Aistrop, Contributor

Read our Jaguar XJ full review

Technically, a classic car is one that gets free road tax because it’s 40 years old or qualifies for classic insurance. But it’s so much more than that. Just take the new Aston Martin Vantage – instant classic.

Future classics are cars that are relatively new but that have a strong following that should carry them through to classic status in a few decades.

Depends when you bought it. If you bought a car at the bottom of its depreciation cycle and then it got use in a film or TV and became a cult classics, chances are it’ll be worth a bit more for a few years. But be warned - the value of your classic can go up as well as down.

Find a Ford Focus RS for sale

5
Cars for sale
£23k - £36k
Price range
View all cars for sale

Find a BMW M2 for sale

26
Cars for sale
£29k - £64k
Price range

  • BMW M2M2 480 2dr Step Auto

    2024
    5,903 miles
    Petrol
    or £56,950

    £58,500

    £1,550 off
    £786 mo
    BD48RU

    *Representative example: Contract Length: 48 months, 47 Monthly Payments: £785.10, Customer Deposit: £8,542.00, Total Deposit: £8,542.50, Optional Final Payment: £29,362.50, Total Charge For Credit: £17,864.70, Total Amount Payable: £74,814.70, Representative APR: 11.90%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 11.92%, Excess Mileage Charge: 6.00ppm, Mileage Per Annum: 10,000

  • BMW M2M2 Competition 2dr DCT

    2021
    25,112 miles
    Petrol

    £37,495

    £578 mo
    BN274BT

    *Representative example: Contract Length: 48 months, 47 Monthly Payments: £577.47, Customer Deposit: £5,624.00, Total Deposit: £5,624.25, Optional Final Payment: £16,859.00, Total Charge For Credit: £12,129.34, Total Amount Payable: £49,624.34, Representative APR: 12.90%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 12.18%, Excess Mileage Charge: 14.40ppm, Mileage Per Annum: 10,000

  • BMW M2M2 2dr DCT

    2018
    35,173 miles
    Petrol

    £29,458

    £673 mo
    NR50JH

    *Representative example: Contract Length: 48 months, 47 Monthly Payments: £672.79, Customer Deposit: £4,418.00, Total Deposit: £4,418.70, Total Charge For Credit: £7,255.62, Total Amount Payable: £36,713.62, Representative APR: 13.90%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 13.90%

  • BMW M2M2 480 2dr Step Auto

    2025
    983 miles
    Petrol

    £58,495

    £809 mo
    GU266FZ

    *Representative example: Contract Length: 48 months, 47 Monthly Payments: £808.82, Customer Deposit: £8,774.00, Total Deposit: £8,774.25, Optional Final Payment: £29,972.04, Total Charge For Credit: £18,265.83, Total Amount Payable: £76,760.83, Representative APR: 11.90%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 11.90%, Excess Mileage Charge: 15.46ppm, Mileage Per Annum: 10,000

  • BMW M2M2 2dr DCT

    2025
    5,032 miles
    Petrol

    £62,995

    £909 mo
    GU146TL

    *Representative example: Contract Length: 48 months, 47 Monthly Payments: £908.15, Customer Deposit: £9,449.00, Total Deposit: £9,449.25, Optional Final Payment: £30,076.16, Total Charge For Credit: £19,213.46, Total Amount Payable: £82,208.46, Representative APR: 11.90%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 11.90%, Excess Mileage Charge: 15.21ppm, Mileage Per Annum: 10,000

  • BMW M2M2 480 2dr Step Auto

    2025
    2,599 miles
    Petrol

    £63,993

    £936 mo
    MK410GL

    *Representative example: Contract Length: 48 months, 47 Monthly Payments: £935.53, Customer Deposit: £9,598.00, Total Deposit: £9,598.95, Optional Final Payment: £29,781.53, Total Charge For Credit: £19,357.39, Total Amount Payable: £83,350.39, Representative APR: 11.90%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 11.90%, Excess Mileage Charge: 15.46ppm, Mileage Per Annum: 10,000

  • BMW M2M2 480 2dr Step Auto

    2025
    1,500 miles
    Petrol

    £62,995

    £911 mo
    BN273UA

    *Representative example: Contract Length: 48 months, 47 Monthly Payments: £910.91, Customer Deposit: £9,449.00, Total Deposit: £9,449.25, Optional Final Payment: £29,912.47, Total Charge For Credit: £19,179.49, Total Amount Payable: £82,174.49, Representative APR: 11.90%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 11.90%, Excess Mileage Charge: 15.46ppm, Mileage Per Annum: 10,000

  • BMW M2M2 480 2dr Step Auto

    2025
    10 miles
    Petrol

    £62,995

    £910 mo
    NR50JH

    *Representative example: Contract Length: 48 months, 47 Monthly Payments: £909.90, Customer Deposit: £9,449.00, Total Deposit: £9,449.25, Optional Final Payment: £29,972.04, Total Charge For Credit: £19,191.59, Total Amount Payable: £82,186.59, Representative APR: 11.90%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 11.90%, Excess Mileage Charge: 15.46ppm, Mileage Per Annum: 10,000

View all cars for sale

Find a Jaguar F-Type for sale

23
Cars for sale
£29k - £62k
Price range
View all cars for sale

Find a Volkswagen Golf R for sale

115
Cars for sale
£21k - £49k
Price range
View all cars for sale

Find a Renault 5 for sale

36
Cars for sale
£23k - £30k
Price range
View all cars for sale

Find an Alpine A110 for sale

2
Cars for sale
£47k - £70k
Price range
View all cars for sale

Find an Audi TT Roadster for sale

16
Cars for sale
£26k - £53k
Price range
View all cars for sale

Find a Jaguar XJ for sale

4
Cars for sale
£10k - £39k
Price range
View all cars for sale

Car deals

Whether you're looking for a great PCP deal or looking for a car on 0% finance, we've got the car deal for you

Best car deals
0 APR car deals
Best PCP car deals
Best EV PCP car deals
Zero Deposit Car Deals
Car deals from just £149 a month
Nearly new car deals
NHS Staff & Armed Forces deals
Car deal of the week
Audi car deals
Cupra car deals
SEAT car deals
Skoda car deals

More hot hatch guides

Whether you're looking for advice on what fun car to buy or looking to find your next hot hatch, we've got the answer

Best hot hatches
Best Fast Estate Cars
Cheap Fast Cars
Cheap Hot Hatches
Future Classic Cars
Best Rear-Wheel Drive Cars
Fun To Drive Cars
Best Sports Cars
Best Cars
New Cars 2025
Used Cars For Sale

More best sports car guides

Whether you're looking for advice on what sports car to buy or looking to find your next supercar, we've got the answer

Best Sports Cars
Best Supercars
Best Coupe Cars
Cheap Supercars
Fastest Cars In The World
Best Real-Wheel Drive Cars
Future Classic Cars
Best Track Day Cars
Fun To Drive Cars
Best V8 Cars
Best Cars
New Cars 2024
Used Cars For Sale