Hot Hatchbacks
Discussion
morrellski said:
I have 5k to spend on a hot hatch and that is about the only condition it does have to be a hot hatch.
I have a few in mind but was just wondering which hatch PHers would buy if they were in my position and why they would choose what they choose.
What postion? All you've said is you have £5k and must have a hatch. But don't say why or howany doors, what you will use it for, what you can afford running cost wise, how much performance, if you would prefer handling, fun or speed. I have a few in mind but was just wondering which hatch PHers would buy if they were in my position and why they would choose what they choose.
I'm quite a big supporter that hatches aren't the be all and end all. And that 90% of people who say they need one actually don't.
So my first suggestion would be a DC2 Integra Type R. It still as fast as almost all of the new high powered hatches. Looks good and is better to drive than almost anything else ever sold in a hatchback format. Is fairly reliable and cost affective to run, makes a good noise and is still rather select and rare.
Hate to say it, but it would have to be a Clio sport. Decent performance, enough to trouble the bigger boys (st, vxr etc). Plus on the twisties they are great, can really throw them around. I'd personally try and get the cup version.
Only downside is that they are really small and the interior is t exactly special, but you have to work out your priorities. Plus being n/a there is not a huge amount of cheap mods available if you were into that.
Only downside is that they are really small and the interior is t exactly special, but you have to work out your priorities. Plus being n/a there is not a huge amount of cheap mods available if you were into that.
Sorry should have put more detail in and a hatch is necessary as I need to carry variable load sizes and therefore need the extra load height and split folding seats that are gained in most hatches over a saloon or coupe. Also I am not a big fan of estates so that is why i have decided to go for a hatch.
The number of doors inst that much of an issue 3 or 5 are both acceptable. It will be my daily run around so needs to be relatively relaible but also need to be entertaining to drive. Performance wise the faster the better really however this must be more in terms of cross country pace rather than outright top speed. Was hoping for something sub 8 seconds to 60. Running costs are not a big issue as long asthey are not astonomical, the budget could possibly to streched to 6k if i felt that the extra money was truely worth it.
The number of doors inst that much of an issue 3 or 5 are both acceptable. It will be my daily run around so needs to be relatively relaible but also need to be entertaining to drive. Performance wise the faster the better really however this must be more in terms of cross country pace rather than outright top speed. Was hoping for something sub 8 seconds to 60. Running costs are not a big issue as long asthey are not astonomical, the budget could possibly to streched to 6k if i felt that the extra money was truely worth it.
A proper (EK9) Civic Type R can be had for that money.
More hatchback than the coupe-esque DC2 Integra, handles better but has slightly less torque. Still 185bhp from 1.6 litres and nearly 9k rpm!
Prices don't really dip below £5k as they are pretty rare, much better built than the Clio, and would be far more interesting to drive than the generic VAG platform cars.
If the rawness of the DC2 doesn't put you off, then I wouldn't even consider the EP3 CTR over one of these!
More hatchback than the coupe-esque DC2 Integra, handles better but has slightly less torque. Still 185bhp from 1.6 litres and nearly 9k rpm!
Prices don't really dip below £5k as they are pretty rare, much better built than the Clio, and would be far more interesting to drive than the generic VAG platform cars.
If the rawness of the DC2 doesn't put you off, then I wouldn't even consider the EP3 CTR over one of these!
Edited by Kozy on Thursday 29th April 08:43
morrellski said:
i did seriously consider the impreza but i think the insurance may be a little bit painful. are they worth taking the extra hit on the insurance premium?
Compared to what though? You haven't actually said what you are looking at.In terms of if it's worth it, well only you can answer that.
A classic shape Impreza weighs around 1200kg +- so very similar in weight to things like a modern Clio and lighter than an Astra or Focus.
Being AWD they will be more planted and have a more RWD bias, so will drive in a very different manner to a hatch and feel far more grown up.
They are also a more practical vehicle with more seating space and a better boot area, yet aren't massively bigger on the outside.
Performance wise, well the lowest powered is 208bhp, so they are more powerful than most hatches. Their off the line performance is truly striking, but its the AWD system that does this. However they will still be quick once rolling.
The JDM (imports) like the WRX have more power, 240-276hp depending on year and the WRX STI's even more powerful again and really rather rapid.
They will use more fuel though and expect mid to low 20's.
The new age cars (like the one pictured), weight more like 1400-1450kg. And with the same HP are slightly slower. Although taller gearing means the UK spec WRX might be more frugal and still quicker than many hot hatches.
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