It wasn’t very long ago when 200 horsepower was exclusive only to high performance cars. The race homologated E30 BMW M3 for example, had just 200 PS from a 2.3-litre S14 four-cylinder engine. That was enough to make it one of the fastest sedans of the ‘80s and ex-F1 driver Jean Alesi said it was the best handling road car.

Today, we have seven-seater MPVs and pick-up trucks that produce 200 horsepower, never mind sports cars. Of course, cars have also gotten a lot more complicated and a lot heavier too, so not all of that power is translated into straight line speed.

So if you are interested in buying the most horsepower for the least amount of money, here’s a list of cars that you should consider – 200 or more horsepower for under RM 200,000.

And since metric horsepower (PS) gives a slightly higher value than imperial horsepower (hp), we will use the metric PS unit.

Some models on the list are obvious candidates, the Volkswagen Passat for example, but there are a couple of interlopers that surprised even us.

Kia Grand Carnival

Here’s the surprise of the day. The Kia Grand Carnival is an 8-seater MPV and comes with power sliding doors for easy access into its wide door opening. It has the widest shoulder room for any MPV so there's no concern about fitting three child seats abreast.

The Kia Grand Carnival runs on diesel and is priced at RM 189,888. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to a Toyota Vellfire (RM 362,000). It’s not as plush, but close enough.

The 2.2-litre direct injected turbo diesel pushes out 200 PS and 440 Nm to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. With those figures, you need not be concerned about whether it can carry eight adults and still maintain a decent level of comfort and pace.

For comparison, Toyota Vellfire’s 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine makes just 180 PS and 235 Nm.

Ford Ranger WildTrak and Ranger Raptor

Another diesel, but this is even better. At just RM 144,888 for 213 PS and 500 Nm, the Ford Ranger WildTrak, is the cheapest vehicle on this list.

It’s the most stylish lifestyle pick-up truck on sale today. Highlights include an interior that’s better looking than many SUVs and a punchy sound system that’s probably one of the best for vehicles below RM 150,000.

The more expensive Ford Ranger Raptor also uses the same engine, but is priced at RM 199,888.

The extra money buys you rally-bred suspension and the Raptor’s signature styling, but loses out on driving aids like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist, all of which are available in the Ranger WildTrak.

Read our review of the Ford Ranger WildTrak here.

Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo

Priced at RM 181,770 and with 230 PS, the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo is not only well below our ceiling price, but it’s also the most powerful car on this list. What more do you want?

The Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo is essentially a CX-5 MPS in all but name. Although Mazda no longer uses the MPS nameplate, the 2.5-litre turbocharged CX-5 certainly meets the expectations for an MPS-badged Mazda.

With 230 PS and 420 Nm plus all-weather all-wheel drive traction, the CX-5 Turbo will stick to a Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 like a hornet behind a rhino. As a bonus, the Mazda has a nicer interior too.

Read our review of the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo here.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI

This is an obvious candidate so we placed it last. At just RM 195,390, the top of the range Volkswagen Passat Highline dips just slightly below our qualifying price, but the 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged engine makes 220 PS and 350 Nm, same as the Golf GTI.

In terms of character, the Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI is essentially a GTI sedan.

It looks sedate enough to be used as a business sedan but packs a lot of power underneath the calm looking demeanor. It’s brilliant to drive and has an uncannily comfortable ride despite the sporting character.

It unfortunate that the marque is still dogged by legacy issues regarding its reliability, many of it no longer relevant to current models.

If you are still interested in one, better buy one soon because Volkswagen is phasing out this model to make way for a new facelift model. The cheaper Passat 1.8 TSI is already sold out.

The remaining units of the more powerful Passat 2.0 TSI are now offered with a 5-year free maintenance and low 1.88 percent interest rate.

Considering the current state of our Ringgit’s value and the government’s winding down of EEV incentives, it’s quite certain that the new Passat 2.0 TSI will see an increase in price and will most probably breach past the RM 200,000 psychological barrier.

So there you have it, five models that makes at least 200 PS for under RM 200,000. Two pick-up trucks, one MPV, one SUV, and one sedan.