Which hot hatch?
Discussion
Yipper said:
Shouldn't really let a bunch of ratboys stop you enjoying life. Just get GAP insurance, a stoplock and a motion-sensor outdoor light.
I know ... to be honest I'm more concerned someone taking the girlfriend's car when coming in for my keys, or damaging it.She's had it for 10 years, and loves it to bits. Would hate to think of someone taking it while they're nicking my keys.
Just don't want to attract attention for the sake of it if I'm honest. I've been a Renaultsport fanboy for about a decade (I'm 33) and had my first Clio 172 at 21, so as you can probably tell from the thread I've been leaning more that way!
I've not driven the Golf R, but suspect it's a bit of a weapon.
Liked the Cupra loads, especially how effortlessly it moved through the gears with the DSG.
But driving the Megane ... Whole other level of fun. The way the speed builds is far different to the VW group cars, the way it feels and grips ... Even at low speed I think it felt more rewarding. Just felt like something special, a feeling I didn't get from the Cupra. It was incredibly proficient, just lacks that edge that the Megane has.
It's something you can't put your finger on ... Everyone should have a go!
Liked the Cupra loads, especially how effortlessly it moved through the gears with the DSG.
But driving the Megane ... Whole other level of fun. The way the speed builds is far different to the VW group cars, the way it feels and grips ... Even at low speed I think it felt more rewarding. Just felt like something special, a feeling I didn't get from the Cupra. It was incredibly proficient, just lacks that edge that the Megane has.
It's something you can't put your finger on ... Everyone should have a go!
Well I've ended up doing something a bit ... errr ... different than expected.
No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get anyone at Evans Halshaw (where the Megane I wanted) to pay any interest at all in me wanting to make an offer on / buy the car.
Three calls over three days, each of which ending in being told a salesperson from the branch would call me ended up with me abandoning any hope of buying it. It's like they don't want your money.
Took a look sideways then ... After a few really s
tty commutes into work and looking at the state of the roads in Castle Brom and Small Heath, I decided the Megane, although amazing, just would be way too tiresome for the daily commute / death run.
Went back to looking at the Cupra, mainly due to the DSG, then something else came up ... And you guys are going to hate me for this.
I've put a deposit on an Octavia VRS 230.
Moon white, 65 plate, (registered end of Jan 16), DSG, 5.4k miles, ex Skoda demo car with almost every optional extra you can throw at it. It has literally everything bar a sunroof and dcc. And I ended up getting it for less than a 3 year old bog spec Cupra.
So sensible won out on this one - sorry.
Doesn't mean I can't get it remapped to 300bhp though!
Here's the ad - doesn't list half the spec though.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Pick it up on the 19th.
Flame suit on.
No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get anyone at Evans Halshaw (where the Megane I wanted) to pay any interest at all in me wanting to make an offer on / buy the car.
Three calls over three days, each of which ending in being told a salesperson from the branch would call me ended up with me abandoning any hope of buying it. It's like they don't want your money.
Took a look sideways then ... After a few really s
tty commutes into work and looking at the state of the roads in Castle Brom and Small Heath, I decided the Megane, although amazing, just would be way too tiresome for the daily commute / death run.Went back to looking at the Cupra, mainly due to the DSG, then something else came up ... And you guys are going to hate me for this.
I've put a deposit on an Octavia VRS 230.
Moon white, 65 plate, (registered end of Jan 16), DSG, 5.4k miles, ex Skoda demo car with almost every optional extra you can throw at it. It has literally everything bar a sunroof and dcc. And I ended up getting it for less than a 3 year old bog spec Cupra.
So sensible won out on this one - sorry.
Doesn't mean I can't get it remapped to 300bhp though!
Here's the ad - doesn't list half the spec though.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Pick it up on the 19th.
Flame suit on.
nunpuncher said:
That primer grey colour they come in is one of my favourite colours (that probably says a lot about me).
Same here. It's the only thing I'd change if I had a choice. Apart from that I can't find anything on the market that comes close.Has full heated (front and rear) leather, DSG, adaptive cruise, upgraded satnav, lane assist, heated front windscreen, auto lights / wipers, electrically adjustable memory seats, android / apple mirroring ... the list goes on. Oh, and two years warranty and european breakdown.
Yes, it's not going to be as involving as it's rivals, but I genuinely think it came along for a reason. For the reasons stated before I'd unfortunately taken the Megane off the list, and was struggling to get excited about the Leon. Just seemed a hell of a lot of money for a 3 year old car ... and there weren't many around in the spec I wanted. Then this showed up, and I couldn't let it go. It HAD to be the 230, wasn't even slightly interested in the standard model. Not sure why ...
A map will take it to 300bhp if I want to go down that route (and invalidate the warranty), but it ticks every box and taking into account the opportunities I realistically have to stretch the car's legs on the road this will most likely be all the car I'll ever need.
Really REALLY looking forward to picking it up.
Jonno02 said:
I'm a cupra man myself, but that Octavia is lovely!
Yep, I just couldn't argue at that price.This is the Megane I would have bought if anyone wanted to sell me a car during generally the worst month for used car sales :
http://www.evanshalshaw.com/search/vehicledetails/...
Obviously they felt they didn't need / want to sell it.
Didn't even pay the screen price for the VRS (not far off) and Lookers Skoda so far have been incredible. Absolutely top class customer service and I've only paid the deposit so far.
Evans Halshaw - learn some lessons you bunch of amateurs. Won't even bother looking at an ad in the future if its got their name on it.
BenLowden said:
If you've got a good deal on it though hopefully you won't lose too much when you realise the error of your ways and start looking for a Meg next year 
I'll have to stick with this for a few years I think! The 'normal' Octavia didn't appeal too much, and I most likely would've ended up with a bog spec. This being the 230 (and the stupidly high spec) just pushes it into special territory for me.
True, the Megane was far better to drive than anything else I tested, and every time I see once I'll probably wonder "what if ....", but I'm really happy with my choice. I have a feeling it will be a lot better to drive quickly than I and most people think, and will probably be more capable than my driving skills!
It's my first modern car for about 10 years and a real treat to myself for working hard and getting myself out of the
so I'm glad I've gone with something easy to live with ... with gorgeous alloys and seats at least! And it'll be 100% mine in 3 years time, none of this PCP / GFV stuff. Old Skool.
Ahbefive said:
Oh, I thought you wanted a hot hatch rather than a family 5door car.
Well, it's a hatchback with a 230bhp 2.0T engine, the same as a Golf GTi, which is also classed as a hot hatch.Yes, it may be less hardcore than my original choices, but it's still in essence a type of hot hatch.
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