Warm hatch options?

[MC Bodge]

sheepman said:

another vote for the st150.

Changed jobs this week which has meant a 60 mile commute and I've averaged just over 40mpg (computer reads 42.1) and thats with a k&n and pipercross catback system.

I'm very pleased with it, by no means is it fast but it handles great and has plenty of power for overtakes.

Better than I had expected. Hmm

[ScoobyChris]

deadmau5 said:

I had a Panda 100hp. I sold my Clio 197 F1 for it to save funds. It was fun for a bit but the novelty wore off and I sold it after 9 months.

When I first bought it I was really taken with it and had a great time. In the end it became clear that it was pretty lacking; it understeers a lot which was really frustrating. The chassis is okay but it couldn't really cope with much more power. Compare that to my 172 Ph1 which feels like it could cope with another 100bhp. I know that's a funny thing to say but it gives you an idea of advanced the chassis is in comparison.

I would like to try a Swift Sport. I would certainly try one if I was going back into the warm hatch market.

Interesting you say that. I had mine for a smidge over 3 years and felt the only thing it really needed was more power (some of the modders were putting turbos kits on IIRC). Not fast or grown up, but at 100bhp/tonne certainly in the warm category, sounded great with a rev-happy engine and always brought a smile to my face and the devil on my shoulder me when driving it. Economy was a bit disappointing at low to mid 30's (pretty much A and B roads) and front tyres lasted a little over 10k. Never found it understeering, but maybe we have different driving styles.

I looked at the Suzuki Swift and the Micra 160SR at the time and thought the Panda was the best of the bunch.

However, that was 7 years ago and I'm sure things have moved on and it may be disappointing to drive compared to today's competition...

Chris

[justanother5tar]

sheepman said:

...and pipercross catback system.

how loud is that? Looking for an exhaust for mine, swaying towards non-res milltek atm...

[justanother5tar]

MC Bodge said:

Better than I had expected. Hmm

And on the other end of the scale... I do a relatively short commute, around 5 miles of town/urban driving and average about 36 mpg when I'm pootling. (Cold car, stop/start traffic)

[MC Bodge]

ScoobyChris said:

I looked at the Suzuki Swift and the Micra 160SR at the time and thought the Panda was the best of the bunch.

However, that was 7 years ago and I'm sure things have moved on and it may be disappointing to drive compared to today's competition...

Thanks and very Useful.

7 years old would be fine for my needs.

[Colonial]

Citroen ds3 dsport?

[sheepman]

justanother5tar said:

And on the other end of the scale... I do a relatively short commute, around 5 miles of town/urban driving and average about 36 mpg when I'm pootling. (Cold car, stop/start traffic)

my commute is mainly NSL and motorways and it drones. Pressing on it sounds great but even driving normally its still quite loud.

I'd recommend looking at the milltek or Mountune option, they seem much more civilised.

[LuS1fer]

For those with a more limited requirement for power and a need for 4 doors, the Suzuki Swift also came in a 115hp GLX form:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/suzuki/swift-...

I bought a Fiesta ST. The engine lacks character and it desperately needs a 6th gear and if you buy decent tyres (few do), they're not cheap.
Returns 32mpg though and the insurance is reasonably cheap.

[justanother5tar]

sheepman said:

I'd recommend looking at the milltek or Mountune option, they seem much more civilised.

I'll get a non-res milltek then, ta!

[justanother5tar]

LuS1fer said:

I bought a Fiesta ST. The engine lacks character and it desperately needs a 6th gear and if you buy decent tyres (few do), they're not cheap.
Returns 32mpg though and the insurance is reasonably cheap.

Never needed a 6th tbh. Sat at 70 is about 3200 rpm which isn't too bad for a car of its class, it's not a rep-mobile after all.
Mines on Parada Spec 2's, 85 a corner isn't too bad to me, T1R's for my old fiesta on 15's were 70!

[MC Bodge]

LuS1fer said:

For those with a more limited requirement for power and a need for 4 doors, the Suzuki Swift also came in a 115hp GLX form:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/suzuki/swift-...

Ah yes, good call. 5 doors would be needed.

I'd be fitting Rainsports or similar, not ditchfinders.

[blprice1]

Axionknight said:

My girlfriend had a Swift Sport, excellent little car, it handled well and was great fun to cane, it was also decent on jungle juice, reliable and generally reasonable to run, cost wise.

Thumbs up from me for the Swift!

I had one and now my partner has it, I'd confirm all of the above. I found it a laugh to throw around, a nice bit of lift-off oversteer when desired but she finds it easy to drive and easy to park etc.