Which AWD hatchback - £7K budget.

[VladD]

Are there any decent alternatives to a Golf R32? Don't want an Audi and the hatchback Scooby isn't much of a looker.

[VladD]

Need a hatch for the dog, but don't want an estate.

[VladD]

I pretty much think the Golf is the answer, but I wasn't sure if there was something obscure that I'd missed. I don't want to go 4x4 unless it does a good job of feeling like a "normal" car.

[VladD]

doogz said:

Pulsar GTi-R.

Is the only other 4x4 hatchback I can think of, other than the ones you've listed, and a Panda, that you're likely to get for £7k.

Old Subaru Justy?

I thought about a Pulsar, but doubt I can find a clean one. Panda and Justy are a bit basic.

I did wonder if I could get a non-integrale Delta AWD, but I think the budget would be a big issue there, and I'm not sure if they did them in RHD.

[VladD]

cptsideways said:

Mazda 3 MPS would be my choice

They are just FWD aren't they?

[VladD]

VeegasS4 said:

Mitsubishi done a lancer hatchback awd in Ralliart form, only came with a 6 speed auto but was well thought off by owners and had a cavernous boot.

About 245bhp if I remember rightfully.

Good shout, but the ones in the classifieds are out of budget.

[VladD]

J8 SVG said:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C495144

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...

You need more money or need change your views on Audis, Subarus, estates or 4x4ness

The FIAT was a good find, but again somewhat lacking in creature comforts. You get lots of toys with a R32.

[VladD]

FLYING PIG said:

The mk5 golf came in a 4 motion option for 2.0 petrol & Derv.

I'll have a look and see if there's anything in budget. I think the Mk4 is a better looking car than the Mk5 though.

[VladD]

HonestIago said:

Not a looker?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

Admittedly not exactly beautiful but certainly purposeful looking and not ugly. For all round ability at that price point it defecates on any VAG offering. Can't think of anything else

I love those, but it's definitely more estate than hatchback.

[VladD]

AndrewEH1 said:

An A3 quattro (or maybe even an S3) would fit the bill nicely if you get over the thought of owning an Audi (It's not that bad honest!)

There are always lots on sale for well within your budget.

Edit: Also, apparently the boot space in R32s are a little comprised due to the running gear. Might be worth considering if you have a larger dog.

Edited by AndrewEH1 on Tuesday 19th August 15:22

The dog is a golden retriever, so maybe I need to look in the back of an R32 then. He used to get in the back of a BMW 3 series compact, but it was a touch on the small side.

[VladD]

xRIEx said:

Any good? Might be a bit short of space, how big is your dog?

Good shout. I know someone who's got one, so I'll have a look and see if the boot is dog compatible. It's a bit coupe like, so the height to get in might be an issue, but definitely worth a look.

[VladD]

idibbers said:

Stretch the budget a bit? http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C452622

Very tempting if it was RHD.

[VladD]

hora said:

No offence but <7k Audi/VW 4wd cars are dull to drive.

I will give you my suggestion tomorrow... just incase you buy it before me

And the answer is.....?

[VladD]

The Saab 9-3 and 159 are great cars, but too big. The Audi S2 is a great car, I nearly bought one many years ago, but a bit long in the tooth now and of course it's an Audi and so the veto kicks in.

[VladD]

Poopipe said:

Hawkeye or blobeye subaru wagon? If you dont like the newer shape hatch

I mean none of them are beautiful but you live with it cos rally car - i'd have a bugeye myself for the full ugly.

Theyre not big cars - im assuming youre after a hatch cos you want something smaller than an a4/3series.

I'm after a hatch, because they are generally a shorter wheelbase than a full on estate, but we need to get the dog in, so booted cars are out. We want AWD because we live down a country lane and want to be able to get out in the winter, because the lane does not get gritted. We don't want to go as far as a 4X4 though. If it snows that hard we'll just stay at home.

I like Scooby's though, so I may make an exception for an Impreza estate if I can't find any thing else. I used to have a Type-R, so have a lot of affection for the brand.

[VladD]

So with the AWD in the Golf, it's FWD until there is a loss of traction and then it can send power to the rear. With the Subaru it's constant AWD with a default percentage split, but which alters with a loss of traction.

[VladD]

HonestIago said:

VladD said:

I'm after a hatch, because they are generally a shorter wheelbase than a full on estate, but we need to get the dog in, so booted cars are out. We want AWD because we live down a country lane and want to be able to get out in the winter, because the lane does not get gritted. We don't want to go as far as a 4X4 though. If it snows that hard we'll just stay at home.

I like Scooby's though, so I may make an exception for an Impreza estate if I can't find any thing else. I used to have a Type-R, so have a lot of affection for the brand.

Just buy a good set of winter tyres for a FWD car then. Would open up your options considerably and, probably, save you money.

That would be the sensible option, I just don't really want a FWD car.

[VladD]

HonestIago said:

VladD said:

HonestIago said:

VladD said:

I'm after a hatch, because they are generally a shorter wheelbase than a full on estate, but we need to get the dog in, so booted cars are out. We want AWD because we live down a country lane and want to be able to get out in the winter, because the lane does not get gritted. We don't want to go as far as a 4X4 though. If it snows that hard we'll just stay at home.

I like Scooby's though, so I may make an exception for an Impreza estate if I can't find any thing else. I used to have a Type-R, so have a lot of affection for the brand.

Just buy a good set of winter tyres for a FWD car then. Would open up your options considerably and, probably, save you money.

That would be the sensible option, I just don't really want a FWD car.

Get a 130i with winter tyres then!

I already have a RWD car that could be put on winter tyres, so that becomes a bit redundant. Would rather stick with looking at AWD options.

[VladD]

telecat said:

I don't think they are down in your price range yet but the Mitsubushi ASX has All wheel Drive.

The AWD versions only have a diesel engine, so that's a no go. It's a bit 4X4 looking too.

[VladD]

Had a look at an Impreza hatch and the boot is just too small. Fine on depth and width, but just not enough height. I suspect the Golf will have the same problem, as mentioned above. I think an Impreza estate may be the next port of call.