Hot hatch advice please!
Discussion
Blanchimont said:
ETA: When telling people what car you drive, instead of an Audi S3, surely saying something like a Porsche Boxster or 350z will get more interest. And if it's a lady, how many do you know that would see it, see that it's been slammed and played with, and just walk away? Compared to a 350/Boxster where it may make the difference?
Hence, at 24, a 3.2 Busso is what he really needs...
Ali_T said:
Blanchimont said:
ETA: When telling people what car you drive, instead of an Audi S3, surely saying something like a Porsche Boxster or 350z will get more interest. And if it's a lady, how many do you know that would see it, see that it's been slammed and played with, and just walk away? Compared to a 350/Boxster where it may make the difference?
Hence, at 24, a 3.2 Busso is what he really needs...I think they put the Busso in the Brera didn't they?
Ali_T said:
Sadly not. The Brera and 159 got the modified GM V6. It's OK, but nowhere near as vocal or free revving. GT, 147 GTA, 156 GTA and GTV/Spider were the last cars to feature it.
Awh nuts! A Brera with the Busso would be perfect! The GM one doesn't sound as nice. I do like the V6 used in the Mk5 R32 too! But that's another story.
Bradley1500 said:
0-60 in four seconds makes for a very fast car. I would stop focusing on 0-60 times and focus on having fun instead.
If you’re set on a hot hatchback as someone else has already suggested a Civic Type R with suitable modifications and a K100 remap can be taken to around 240BHP while maintaining its Honda reliability. Modify it further by adding a set of decent tyres, lowering springs and a FRSU; and you’ve got an incredibly fun and fast little car. Try one out as they’re not the most refined cars so you may find for 25K P/A it becomes a little tiring.
For something more refined a Golf GTI MKV or Mazda 3 MPS is where I would be looking. The Golf out-of-the-box isn’t a particularly fast car but with suitable modifications they can be improved. The Mazda 3 MPS with just a remap would be pushing around 300BHP. And apart from the fuel economy I would be more than happy to cover 25K P/A in one as they’re amazingly refined with an array of toys inside.
If you’re now not fussed about it being a hatchback you’ve got a wealth of possibilities. Honda S2000, a kit car like a Locost or Caterham, Honda Integra Type R, Vauxhall VX220 or a Lotus Elise. Before looking at cars I would suggest getting a clear idea of what you actually want and not rushing into anything. Good luck and keep us update on what you get!
EP3 type R is way more refined than the Clio 182 I had was! I think for the original poster you should get over the image thing and go drive a 350Z, you will be amazed, and it comes closest to meeting your requirements (as a non-modified car) for the price, along with being very reliable. The CTR is EXTREMELY reliable, but you have to rev it to the moon to really get the performance out it.If you’re set on a hot hatchback as someone else has already suggested a Civic Type R with suitable modifications and a K100 remap can be taken to around 240BHP while maintaining its Honda reliability. Modify it further by adding a set of decent tyres, lowering springs and a FRSU; and you’ve got an incredibly fun and fast little car. Try one out as they’re not the most refined cars so you may find for 25K P/A it becomes a little tiring.
For something more refined a Golf GTI MKV or Mazda 3 MPS is where I would be looking. The Golf out-of-the-box isn’t a particularly fast car but with suitable modifications they can be improved. The Mazda 3 MPS with just a remap would be pushing around 300BHP. And apart from the fuel economy I would be more than happy to cover 25K P/A in one as they’re amazingly refined with an array of toys inside.
If you’re now not fussed about it being a hatchback you’ve got a wealth of possibilities. Honda S2000, a kit car like a Locost or Caterham, Honda Integra Type R, Vauxhall VX220 or a Lotus Elise. Before looking at cars I would suggest getting a clear idea of what you actually want and not rushing into anything. Good luck and keep us update on what you get!
purplenoise said:
ZX10R NIN said:
At 5K you should be able to get a decent Hot Hatch get rid of your 1.4 306 any of the hot hatches recommended so far will be better on fuel personally I'd look at a Focus ST or Megane with a Cup Chassis.
ST
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I'd say for the money the Megane fits your needs you can get a decent low mileage example for your budget the 1st one has had some K-Tec mods (Renault tuning specialists) the lower mileage meaning the 25k annual mileage won't be to much of an issue.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I'd still pick the other two above the Golf, also in your circumstances of 20-25K per year a Megane will have 30k less on the clock than the Golf.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Thanks for the links. I am going to test drive an ST and a 225 cup today. Id never considered the ST beforeST
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I'd say for the money the Megane fits your needs you can get a decent low mileage example for your budget the 1st one has had some K-Tec mods (Renault tuning specialists) the lower mileage meaning the 25k annual mileage won't be to much of an issue.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I'd still pick the other two above the Golf, also in your circumstances of 20-25K per year a Megane will have 30k less on the clock than the Golf.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
vtecyo said:
Ali_T said:
Hence, at 24, a 3.2 Busso is what he really needs...
What's theese? Thigh cheese?Meg 225 cup\r26 with 3-4k spent on it is very fast
Unfortunately theyre very unreliable and expensive to fix.
I have one.
Before that I had an impreza with 3-4k spent on it which was also very fast. It was not unreliable or expensive to fix.
The megane is better at corners and faster at higher speeds. The scooby would hit 60 in under 4 seconds
I like both
Unfortunately theyre very unreliable and expensive to fix.
I have one.
Before that I had an impreza with 3-4k spent on it which was also very fast. It was not unreliable or expensive to fix.
The megane is better at corners and faster at higher speeds. The scooby would hit 60 in under 4 seconds
I like both
0-60 is literally one of the worst ways to measure how good a hot hatch is!
If you want the best 0-60 then an Impreza or S3 is about your only option as they're 4wd and turbocharged. Nothing else will match them for that one measurement.
A FWD car will always be slower off the mark but 60-120mph things will even out more.
Out of all of the above options I have owned or driven:
Ep3, Fn2, 182, Cooper S, Meg 225, Focus ST, Astra Vxr.
Outright pace and modifying potential.....Astra VXR or Focus ST.
Astra quickest in standard form and the Focus is comfortably the quickest once fiddled with. But you know what? They're both boring!
Straight line speed is fun for about 2 weeks then it wears off and you need more power, then more, then more!
My best mate has just traded in his modified Astra VXR for an FN2 Type R because it is so much better in nearly every way. The sensation of speed is still there but it is actually fun and interesting to drive and you won't get bored after a few weeks.
Leave the traffic light GPS to your friend with his S3, safe in the knowledge you are in a much better handling, better looking, better equipped, more fun hot hatch
If you want the best 0-60 then an Impreza or S3 is about your only option as they're 4wd and turbocharged. Nothing else will match them for that one measurement.
A FWD car will always be slower off the mark but 60-120mph things will even out more.
Out of all of the above options I have owned or driven:
Ep3, Fn2, 182, Cooper S, Meg 225, Focus ST, Astra Vxr.
Outright pace and modifying potential.....Astra VXR or Focus ST.
Astra quickest in standard form and the Focus is comfortably the quickest once fiddled with. But you know what? They're both boring!
Straight line speed is fun for about 2 weeks then it wears off and you need more power, then more, then more!
My best mate has just traded in his modified Astra VXR for an FN2 Type R because it is so much better in nearly every way. The sensation of speed is still there but it is actually fun and interesting to drive and you won't get bored after a few weeks.
Leave the traffic light GPS to your friend with his S3, safe in the knowledge you are in a much better handling, better looking, better equipped, more fun hot hatch
billy939 said:
Outright pace and modifying potential.....Astra VXR or Focus ST.
Astra quickest in standard form and the Focus is comfortably the quickest once fiddled with. But you know what? They are both boring.
My best mate has just traded in his modified Astra VXR for an FN2 Type R because it is so much better in nearly every way. The sensation of speed is still there but it is actually fun and interesting to drive and you won't get bored after a few weeks.
Leave the traffic light GPS to your friend with his S3, safe in the knowledge you are in a much better handling, better looking, better equipped, more fun hot hatch
A couple of things. Performance stats and real life experience show the ST as standard is just the same as the VXR. Both of which are faster than an FN2.Astra quickest in standard form and the Focus is comfortably the quickest once fiddled with. But you know what? They are both boring.
My best mate has just traded in his modified Astra VXR for an FN2 Type R because it is so much better in nearly every way. The sensation of speed is still there but it is actually fun and interesting to drive and you won't get bored after a few weeks.
Leave the traffic light GPS to your friend with his S3, safe in the knowledge you are in a much better handling, better looking, better equipped, more fun hot hatch
In my experience the Focus is much more fun than the Civic. It has a very playful rear end, more torque, more comfortable, better noise and beats it happily in every area.
rb5er said:
billy939 said:
Outright pace and modifying potential.....Astra VXR or Focus ST.
Astra quickest in standard form and the Focus is comfortably the quickest once fiddled with. But you know what? They are both boring.
My best mate has just traded in his modified Astra VXR for an FN2 Type R because it is so much better in nearly every way. The sensation of speed is still there but it is actually fun and interesting to drive and you won't get bored after a few weeks.
Leave the traffic light GPS to your friend with his S3, safe in the knowledge you are in a much better handling, better looking, better equipped, more fun hot hatch
A couple of things. Performance stats and real life experience show the ST as standard is just the same as the VXR. Both of which are faster than an FN2.Astra quickest in standard form and the Focus is comfortably the quickest once fiddled with. But you know what? They are both boring.
My best mate has just traded in his modified Astra VXR for an FN2 Type R because it is so much better in nearly every way. The sensation of speed is still there but it is actually fun and interesting to drive and you won't get bored after a few weeks.
Leave the traffic light GPS to your friend with his S3, safe in the knowledge you are in a much better handling, better looking, better equipped, more fun hot hatch
In my experience the Focus is much more fun than the Civic. It has a very playful rear end, more torque, more comfortable, better noise and beats it happily in every area.
Did get spanked by one ST mind. Contacted the company who built it (had advertising on the side), turns out it was running over 600hp. But had somewhere in the region of £15,000 - 20,000 of mods on it.
rb5er said:
billy939 said:
Outright pace and modifying potential.....Astra VXR or Focus ST.
Astra quickest in standard form and the Focus is comfortably the quickest once fiddled with. But you know what? They are both boring.
My best mate has just traded in his modified Astra VXR for an FN2 Type R because it is so much better in nearly every way. The sensation of speed is still there but it is actually fun and interesting to drive and you won't get bored after a few weeks.
Leave the traffic light GPS to your friend with his S3, safe in the knowledge you are in a much better handling, better looking, better equipped, more fun hot hatch
A couple of things. Performance stats and real life experience show the ST as standard is just the same as the VXR. Both of which are faster than an FN2.Astra quickest in standard form and the Focus is comfortably the quickest once fiddled with. But you know what? They are both boring.
My best mate has just traded in his modified Astra VXR for an FN2 Type R because it is so much better in nearly every way. The sensation of speed is still there but it is actually fun and interesting to drive and you won't get bored after a few weeks.
Leave the traffic light GPS to your friend with his S3, safe in the knowledge you are in a much better handling, better looking, better equipped, more fun hot hatch
In my experience the Focus is much more fun than the Civic. It has a very playful rear end, more torque, more comfortable, better noise and beats it happily in every area.
Claim "Performance stats" all you want. I have driven all four of these cars, 2 of which I owned, extensively.
From rolling starts, standing starts, in the corners and with us all driving each others cars to see if it's the driver.
On a straight road and in standard form the Astra is the quickest, then shortly behind is the Civic, then the Focus. From a rolling start the Civic is behind in the same gear, use the gearbox and that changes. There is not much in it but that's how it is.
That grey focus had a MP260 upgrade and then it was far quicker but that's not comparing fairly.
Through the corners the Civic is leagues ahead. The Focus is wallowy and feels really uneasy when it has to change direction quickly. The Astra has shocking steering feel but actually handles okay if you aren't an oaf with the accelerator. The Civic has an amount of understeer but its predictable and you can get the back to move around much easier than the other two.
All 3 owners of these cars agree on this it's not just me. The focus owner admits the Civic is quicker over a windy road, but he prefers his focus as it has a lazier style to its power delivery, the torque is nice and he prefers the looks.
I disagree with you on nearly every point, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'd like to think after covering a lot of miles in each of the cars that my opinion is pretty valid
The thing for those three is that the Renault Megane R26 has them covered, I used to have a Focus as a track toy & will happily say it's not the sharpest hot hatch but will say it's on a par with most the engine is a peach especially if you get it breathing right(exhaust) the Astra is the straight line king but still corners okay,the Civic is sharper but the ST's torque will mean it'll be right there on a B road but the Megane will be ahead of the lot, remember this is the car that beats all hot hatches & 130-135i's when it comes to handling ride & driving.
OP test drive them & see what floats your boat.
OP test drive them & see what floats your boat.
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 1st August 09:08
billy939 said:
Claim "Performance stats" all you want. I have driven all four of these cars, 2 of which I owned, extensively.
From rolling starts, standing starts, in the corners and with us all driving each others cars to see if it's the driver.
On a straight road and in standard form the Astra is the quickest, then shortly behind is the Civic, then the Focus. From a rolling start the Civic is behind in the same gear, use the gearbox and that changes. There is not much in it but that's how it is.
That grey focus had a MP260 upgrade and then it was far quicker but that's not comparing fairly.
Through the corners the Civic is leagues ahead. The Focus is wallowy and feels really uneasy when it has to change direction quickly. The Astra has shocking steering feel but actually handles okay if you aren't an oaf with the accelerator. The Civic has an amount of understeer but its predictable and you can get the back to move around much easier than the other two.
All 3 owners of these cars agree on this it's not just me. The focus owner admits the Civic is quicker over a windy road, but he prefers his focus as it has a lazier style to its power delivery, the torque is nice and he prefers the looks.
I disagree with you on nearly every point, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'd like to think after covering a lot of miles in each of the cars that my opinion is pretty valid
Haha. In 2007 I bought myself a focus ST, a friend bought a VXR and another bought an FN2. All brand new.From rolling starts, standing starts, in the corners and with us all driving each others cars to see if it's the driver.
On a straight road and in standard form the Astra is the quickest, then shortly behind is the Civic, then the Focus. From a rolling start the Civic is behind in the same gear, use the gearbox and that changes. There is not much in it but that's how it is.
That grey focus had a MP260 upgrade and then it was far quicker but that's not comparing fairly.
Through the corners the Civic is leagues ahead. The Focus is wallowy and feels really uneasy when it has to change direction quickly. The Astra has shocking steering feel but actually handles okay if you aren't an oaf with the accelerator. The Civic has an amount of understeer but its predictable and you can get the back to move around much easier than the other two.
All 3 owners of these cars agree on this it's not just me. The focus owner admits the Civic is quicker over a windy road, but he prefers his focus as it has a lazier style to its power delivery, the torque is nice and he prefers the looks.
I disagree with you on nearly every point, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'd like to think after covering a lot of miles in each of the cars that my opinion is pretty valid
ST and VXR were virtually identical in pace as standard, the CTR kept up until 60mph and then it was quite obviously slower after that.
The CTR may have sharper steering but is much less fun with no playful ability like the ST does.
Our experiences mirrors ALL road tests in regards to performance and ability. If yours is different or your cars were not new then well lets just say your experience doesn't mirror anyone elses and leave it there.
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