Warm hatch options?

[MC Bodge]

Warm superminis, late 00's onwards:

Panda 100hp (quite rare?)
Swift Sport

Emphasis on fun to drive rather than massive speed.

Any other ideas?

[MC Bodge]

Thanks all for the suggestions

IntriguedUser said:

finding it a bit hard to decide what a warm hatch is.

I'm thinking of a fairly cheap (purchase,insurance, mpg, VED), small 4 seater that can fit children in the back, something that is light/nimble, handles well, has good feel/feedback and doesn't understeer off the road on every bend.
/
The ability to maintain momentum along narrow interesting roads is more of an interest than 0-60, 1/4 mile, top speed etc. (Say 90-100bhp in a small petrol car)

It would primarily be my wife's car, but would be used for our shorter journeys (without luggage) and be my choice (over the big, wide Mondeo estate) for the back roads and on the days that I drive to work.

Interesting that the Panda was regarded as "understeering".

Twingo interesting, but I have doubts about Renaults -that's the second mention of expensive brake problems I've heard about this week, plus the many electrical issues that friends and colleagues have suffered.

Fiesta Zetec/S rather than the ST?

ps. I could fit a rear ARB etc. to our current Fabia, but it is then a 'modified' car.

Edited by MC Bodge on Saturday 20th September 09:44

[MC Bodge]

Swift always gets good reports.

justanother5tar said:

I wouldn't bother with a ZS. ST isn't really that fast, certainly isn't a 'hot' hatch by any stretch of the imagination, is cheap enough to run (not much extra than my old 1.4) and is a hoot in the corners.

Also, it didn't even cost me that much to buy, early cars are very high on the smiles/£ scale now.

I doubt that the ST would pass 'the wife test'(especially with stripes!) or the VED/insurance/MPG test

a 2.0 150bhp Fiesta will certainly be faster than necessary. a 2.0TD Mk4 Mondeo Estate is fast enough for my needs (I also ride a motorbike -I'm not looking for a dragster performance from a car)

[MC Bodge]

The plan would be to fit Rainsport tyres and improve forward & reversing lighting (and maybe fit a set of extra driving lamps).

Something that is too hard-riding or lacking in ground clearance wouldn't be ideal.

1.4 litre non-turbo petrol or equivalent would be fine.

Edited by MC Bodge on Saturday 20th September 11:57

[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

[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.

[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.