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Sadly V6s are usually the most expensive models in the range, but what if your budget doesn’t stretch that far? Stuart Milne has rounded up six V6-engined warriors for less than £1,000.

Ford Mondeo ST24

The ST24 was the first hot Mondeo, and with a butch bodykit was a hit with fans of the British Touring Car Championship where the Mondeo (albeit in 2-litre) guise was very successful. Its creamy 2.5-litre V6 would propel the Mondy to 60mph in eight seconds and on to 139mph. And with saloon, hatchback and estate configurations, there was something for everyone.

Citroen Xantia V6

With a ride as relaxing as a long soak in the bath, the Xantia was always a quirky alternative to the likes of the Mondeo, Vectra and Peugeot 406. Its 'Hydractive' suspension meant the rear could be raised and lowered at the touch of a button. With the 3-litre V6 engine installed, the Xan was a bit of a screamer, hitting the 60mph marker in under nine seconds before running out of puff at 140mph.

Ford Sierra XR4x4

It might be the granddaddy of this list, but it’s a top tip for a future classic. Thousands of XR4x4s were built, but very few remain; victims of bad driving and worse modifications. But the 2.9-litre V6 – dubbed the Cologne – was a lusty lump, packing almost 150bhp. But unlike the rear wheel drive XR4, the 4x4 had – unsurprisingly – four wheel drive, so all that power could be easily harnessed for the road.

Mazda MX-3

The sportiest car here has the smallest engine. The 1.8-litre V6 in the Mazda MX-3 – a MX-5-sized coupe – produced impressive performance, despite its size. Thumping out 130bhp, the MX-3 could hit 60mph in 8.5 seconds, before maxing out at 126mph. It's reliable too; as most Mazdas are. And because it never really found favour with the UK's boy racers, there are plenty around which haven't been thrashed.

Mitsubishi Shogun

A proper V6 4x4 for less than £1,000? Early Shoguns might look a little long in the tooth these days, but Mitsubishis are tough cookies. Don’t expect much in the way of fuel economy though – the 3-litre 'Gun would struggle to hit 21mpg, which the 3.5-litre was sub-20mpg. But there's a seven seat long wheelbase version available, and they're rather good off road.

Vauxhall Omega

In the mid nineties, the Vauxhall Omega became the police's traffic patrol car of choice. They still use them today; thanks to a choice of pokey 2.5 and 3-litre V6s. Flat out, the Omega will nudge 150mph in its 3-litre guise, or 140 with the 2.5 – that's quick for a car costing less than a grand. Of course there bags of space in the boot and in the back – essential for carrying villains.

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