Apologies....but a what car thread with caveats.......sorry!

[leemarkadams]

Hello all, firstly apologies for a 'what car' thread but am thinking of changing my E46 330D Sport (which I have owned for 2 years and now has 180K miled on the clock!) in the next 6 months for something else and here are my requirements:

1. Fun to drive as an everyday car and be suitable for the occasional track day blast.
2. Good MPG would be helpful, as do approx 12-15K per year.
3. Interesting to look at and drive (so no Vectra/Mondeos).
4. Budget between £12K and £18K (rules out a mapped 335D!) (obviously prefer to stay in the lower end as it would be an everyday car and rack up some miles), besides have a BEC MK Indy in the garage for when the mood is right.
5. Suitable for someone who is approaching 40, and the wife to drive!

Now I have been doing some research and was thinking of either an Audi S4 or a BMW E46 M3, as the SMG gearbox in the M3 appeals to me, but the MPG (24) is the only doubt I have, especially when I get 39MPG from my current daily driver.

Have also been considering getting a tuning box for the 330D to try and make it a bit more interesting to drive?

Thanks and once again apologies but PH is a very good source of info!

Lee

[leemarkadams]

Anyone?????

[missing the VR6]

Octavia VRS Diesel?

[evenflow]

A myriad of hot hatches would suit your criteria, from the more serious end (Clio 200, Megane Cup) through Abarth 500, Focus ST, up to and including something more grown up, such as the Golf GTi Edition 30.

[ex vtskid]

Alpina D3?

[Gun]

Something like this

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1566311.htm

Evo loved theirs.