Predicting the next batch of cars that will be future classics is a fun game to play, and sometimes, a tough one to come out on top with. Some are obvious at the time, like the ultra-limited Ford Mustang Cobra R or effortlessly cool fourth-generation Toyota Supra.Other, more mainstream options have gained a cult following, with values rising significantly, like the fifth-generation Honda Civic and pretty much every early generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.What about the models of today? As enthusiast cars seemingly become less common, and especially affordable, mainstream ones at that, it feels more obvious that those that have come over the last decade are destined to become future classics. These are the ones that are already heading towards that status. Mazdaspeed 3 - Turbocharged Terror 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 - front 3/4 angleThink of the great hot hatches of our time. The Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Honda Civic Type R, perhaps more recently the Toyota GR Corolla. These are now household names, renowned for packing incredible performance into compact, practical packages.One of the very best of the modern era is one you may not often think of, though. Introduced in 2007, the Mazdaspeed 3 was designed to compete with the Mk5 Golf GTI and with an emphasis on sheer horsepower.Utilizing the same 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found under the hood of the bigger Mazdaspeed 6 sedan, the 3 had a remarkable 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Not staggering figures today, but, in its time, that was 66 hp more than the most powerful Mk5 GTI and even 56 hp higher than the later Mk6 GTI.That was all sent to the front wheels, with power management aided by a limited-slip differential and a bespoke suspension setup. Further chassis stiffening compared to the regular 3 helped improve its handling even further, and adding to its enthusiast credentials was a six-speed manual transmission, with no auto option available.Production of the first-generation Mazdaspeed 3 came to an end in 2009, replaced by a second generation, which retained its powertrain but with more modern styling and technology.That model puts a cap on the less desirable first-generation models, which makes it easier to find an affordable future classic now. The average value for the hot hatch is currently around $7,000, and with that figure flatlining over the last year, suggesting prices have bottomed out. Honda Civic Si - Naturally Aspirated Perfection 2006-2008 Honda Civic Si Front 3/4With the North American market devoid of the Honda Civic Type R until 2017, the most exciting factory model legally available in the US was, for a long time, the Civic Si. These more performance-oriented models have always traded on offering a more engaging drive than the regular Civic, although without going the full way on performance.It made the Si the model of choice for American Civic enthusiasts, leading to them becoming common, eventually quite cheap, and often modified, for better or worse. As early generations have become rarer, though, prices have begun to rise.The sixth-generation models are the most desirable and are hitting stratospheric prices as a result. We’d look to the eighth generation as a sweet spot, available as a coupe or sedan, and equipped with a legendary VTEC system on its 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with an 8,000-rpm redline.Peak power of 197 hp and just 139 lb-ft of torque meant you really had to work it to extract the most from it, resulting in quite an exciting ride on the limit. As with every Si before it, it was only available with a manual, too, a six-speed in this case.With a budget of around $12,000, you can get yourself a well-kept original eight-generation Honda Civic Si. That’s considerably less than the more desirable sixth-gen, while offering much of what made that model great. Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S - Oversteer Galore 2014 Subaru BRZ front 3/4 blueIntroduced in 2012, the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S were designed from the ground up for enthusiasts while keeping affordability in mind. The result was a compact, lightweight rear-drive coupe with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four under the hood.Reception at launch was pretty mixed. Although it instantly became a driving enthusiast’s favorite owing to its playful chassis, communicative steering, and ability to initiate controlled slides easily, its modest power output left some aching for more. 197 hp and 151 lb-ft wasn't enormous on paper and, more of a real-world bugbear, suffered from a notable torque dip from 3000 to 5000rpm.However, time has been incredibly favorable to the affectionately named Toyobaru twins. The second-gen Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 arrived in 2022 as worthy successors. These early examples have become go-tos for enthusiasts looking for a pure driving experience at an affordable price.You can have an FR-S for around $10,000, and the CarBuzz Database shows the average 2013 BRZ Limited with a manual gearbox goes for about $14,000. Manual models are the most desirable, and especially so, special editions like the Yuzu Yellow FR-S Release Series 1.0.Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Overlooked When New2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe front, three-quarterBefore Genesis became its own brand, the name was used for the first rear-drive Hyundai performance car to go into production. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe was like nothing that had come before from the manufacturer on its 2009 market debut, with a 3.8-liter V6 headlining the lineup.Serving as a compelling rival to the Nissan 370Z, the Genesis Coupe gained favorable reviews for its strong torque delivery and muscle car-esque driving experience. It wasn’t an agile sports car, so much as a powerful cruiser.A second and final generation came for the 2013 model year, retaining both the V6 and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder options. The V6 had more power than its predecessor, now producing an impressive 348 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Combine that with a more refined chassis and improved technology, and it was all around a more desirable car than the one it replaced.With Hyundai now cementing itself in the enthusiast community with its N-badged models, we wouldn't be surprised to see interest in the Genesis Coupe rise in the coming years. Examples can be had for as low as $6,500, though the market averages higher at around $11,000, with nice ones going for around $16,000. Ford Focus ST - Ford Last Hot Hatch 2013_ford_focus_st_front1-1The Ford Focus ST ended production globally, marking the end of one of the greatest hot-hatch nameplates ever. Not that many tears were shed in the US, as the hatch left the market all the way back in 2018, as Ford pivoted towards its SUV and truck sales. A shame, as the short time the Focus ST was available, it was a sweet one.Introduced in 2013 and based on the third-generation Focus, the ST used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a healthy 252 hp and 270 lb ft. That was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, with an electronic limited-slip differential helping to manage its power. The combination was entertaining, praised for its playful handling, lift-off oversteer ability, and for being genuinely fun compared to the more mature VW Golf GTI.Updated in 2015 with a new design, the ST soldiered on but would find itself in the shadow of the mighty Ford Focus RS, a car that was destined to be a classic from the day it hit showrooms.The ST resonated with enthusiasts, though, with plenty of them sold. It means finding a good one is easy, with a market average of around $11,000 according to CarBuzz Marketplace. Values have remained stagnant over the last year, indicating interest isn’t waning. Infiniti G37 - A 370 In A Nice Suit 2008 Infiniti G37 CoupeWhile the Nissan 370Z is established among enthusiasts, the Infiniti G37 continues to lurk a little in the background. Twinned with the Nissan sports car, the G37 used the same core chassis and the same award-winning 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, and had an advantage over the 370Z by being available with all-wheel drive in its sedan version.Peak power was marginally less than the 370Z at 330 hp compared with 332 hp, and its torque converter automatic was retained from the G35 that came before it, rather than using the quicker-shifting dual-clutch available on the Z. That said, you could (and should) have it with a six-speed manual transmission. Produced from 2008 to 2013, the G37 marked the end of the naturally aspirated Infiniti sports car, which was replaced by the twin-turbo Q60.Values vary wildly depending on condition, with it possible to pick up a G37 for under $10,000 comfortably, and good examples averaging around $14,500.