Fast, relatively practical cars for around 5K

[Atomicflange]

I've had my heart set on an EP3 Type R for some time now but now I've actually saved up the required funds for a decent one, I'm just not sure if I can stomach the fuel expense considering they only do around 28mpg if driven as economically as possible at all times, which would defeat the object of buying one in the first place. My question is, does anyone know of any plausible alternatives to this, similar price (around 5K) and performance etc but less thirsty? Any suggestions welcome and appreciated.

[Carl-H]

My suggestion was going to be an EP3. I've got one and love it! I once got 34mpg on a run to Barmouth which is just a roads really. That wasn't trying at all, still blasts of vtec.

Although my last tank I tried to improve it, managed 28 being fairly gentle. Having fun (often but not always) sees me at 26-27mpg. Average over 3500 miles is 27.9 mpg including some 25's when my rear brake was dragging. Worth every penny IMO.

[V8RX7]

From the title I was going to suggest an Impreza / Evo

But if you want power and fun with relatively sensible economy I'd suggest an E36 M3

Less power and more economy LPG it, or a Clio 182 becomes the obvious choice