What car? (11k, sporty, tuneable)

[tyranical]

Looking at getting a new car, I have got approximately 11,000.

Car must not be too big (nothing bigger than A3/Golf size) as I don't need it, I do however need at least 2 seats and a decent boot for the dog (No enclosed boots like Z4's etc.)

Car must be 2006+

Car must be tuneable without pissing money up the wall (so turbocharged)

Car must be faster than my current car (a SEAT Ibiza tuned to 215bhp/260lb/ft torque)

Must not be absolutely appalling on fuel (no Focus ST Content)

Options im currently considering are:

mk2 Mini Cooper S (R56)
mk5 Golf GTI
mk2 SEAT Leon Cupra

Suggestions? Opinions? Experiences?

Oh and just FYI, no BMW's, MX-5's, Lotus Elise or other such typical Pistonhead suggestions, they don't fit my criteria.

[Haighermeister]

Megan 230 R26.

Don't get what you mean on fuel though? Surely yours, as with all your suggestions, are never going to be super economical anyway....

[Lets Torque]

Do you like a Vauxhall Astra VXR?

I don't know about MPG though.

[tyranical]

Haighermeister said:

Megan 230 R26.

Don't get what you mean on fuel though? Surely yours, as with all your suggestions, are never going to be super economical anyway....

There is economy and economy, even driven pretty hard my car still gets around 27mpg (this is acceptable to me). Focus ST's if driven in the same way get about 20. (as proven by my mate)

[Nige_GTI]

Leon Cupra R?

Golf GTi?

Not much else unless you want to sacrafice fuel, in which case a new shape WRX would be ideal?

[homerjay]

as bad as an ST will be on fuel, it wont be a massive difference to anything else youve mentioned.

i had an 06 a few years back. dreamscience remap. loved it.

i think got 23mpg a/b mostly road driving. in fact its the only car ive had in 10 years that actually got more than the official urban figures.

that was coming from an scooby sti type uk ppp.

i also tested a cupra, which which i found VERY dull to drive in comparison.

at this money is the best option imo.

Edited by homerjay on Friday 15th July 16:10

[otolith]

I should think just about any recent turbocharged hot hatch will be absolutely fine for you. Any of those you listed should do. Add the Renault, maybe the Mazda 3 MPS. Drive them and see what you like, they're all ordinary family cars so it isn't as if they're going to be difficult to live with or especially unreliable or scary to run.

[5charlie46]

Considered a Smart Brabus Forfour? very very tunable mitsubishi 1.5T, lovely interior, out handle most things. Very underratted and def worth a look (if you can get over owning a smart)

[Ecurie Ecosse]

I know you said no BMWs, and it may be slightly over budget starting at around £12k, but the 123d definitely meets your criteria.

I really enjoy mine and it is fantastic to drive. The 2 turbo arrangement means no lag, and no sudden drop off at the top end either.

A remap and a couple of other simple mods takes them to around, IIRC, 280bhp and 390lb/ft.

Great economy too. Mine averages 40mpg overall, no matter how hard it is driven.

[zabba]

can you get an edition 30 golf for 11k? remap to 300bhp just like the leon cupra.

Other options, Mazda 3 Mps or 130i?

[homerjay]

Can't help thinking a 123d at 12k will be a bit ropey.

Great suggestion though, if you can get your head round the derv idea.

Truly remarkable engine.

[rossw46]

Mazda 3 MPS.

[danneth]

rossw46 said:

Mazda 3 MPS.

this

[kambites]

I'm surprised no-one has suggested an Impreza estate yet?

[Xavier259]

danneth said:

rossw46 said:

Mazda 3 MPS.

this

Another vote here

[traffman]

I would plump for a Focus st aswell , having driven a standard one its lovely, full of kit and more grown up than our civic type r.

Failing that then the Megane r26 is a nice choice as someone else mentioned , i just cant get my heed round that rump.

[hornetrider]

tyranical said:

...and a decent boot for the dog (No enclosed boots like Z4's etc.)



Options im currently considering are:

mk2 Mini Cooper S (R56)

Erm...? A dog in a Mini boot?

[aka_kerrly]

hornetrider said:

tyranical said:

...and a decent boot for the dog (No enclosed boots like Z4's etc.)



Options im currently considering are:

mk2 Mini Cooper S (R56)

Erm...? A dog in a Mini boot?

Poodle?

Seriously, id consider a Leon Cupra R, read some reviews an tests, its often rated as better than a golf GTI an is only fractionally slower than a S3 which has 40hp an 4x4.

[tyranical]

you can get a dog in a mini boot no problem for the kind of short journeys I can do down to the river, or she can go on the back seats (with a cover on obviously) i'm not too fussed.

My mum has a mini one and the dog goes in the boot of hers all the time (its a springer spaniel FYI, not a poodle)