Which Hot Hatch for £12k???

[Mark300zx]

Main candidate for me has to be the S3, but have heard the renault sports are the best fun to drive, open to ideas?????

[folos]

Golf R32, V6 and a wonderful exhaust note!

Can get a superb MK5 or spend half of it on a mk4 and turbo/sc it!

[31mph]

Age etc?

[roystinho]

Requirements? If its just fun you can get a nearly new Clio 200 for that

[Leicesterdave]

Latest Polo GTI?

[wemorgan]

BMW 130

[Mark300zx]

Unfortunately age is not a barrier for me , BMW 1 series is not a contender as it makes me wince, polo is probably too small for me as I am just about to restore a house, golfish sort of size is perfect as it is in Central London and parking anything more than a Golf is restrictive!

[V8LM]

Toyota G86 that's knackered 'cause it's done 250 miles?

[wemorgan]

Volvo C30 T5

[Mark300zx]

I like the volvo, but I like tinkering with them to make them faster, I think they have the same engine as the focus ST??

[billzeebub]

Golf GTI or R32

[RobM77]

Regarding the Audi, I expect this conclusion would be echoed by other models in the range:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xwecTp91-o

I'd look at the BMW 130i initially because it's got its major masses spaced out well, but if you don't mind FWD then the Golf GTi is a superb car if you want something grown up or a hot Clio if you just want some fun (and have short legs and long arms). Choosing between those three cars would be hard, but you're bound to end up having fun regardless!

[Mark300zx]

Yeah have to agree BMWs are the best when it comes to an out of the box racer, but the easy tuning ability of the S3 can make it quicker than an M3, and maybe a few suspension mods???

[RobM77]

Mark300zx said:

Yeah have to agree BMWs are the best when it comes to an out of the box racer, but the easy tuning ability of the S3 can make it quicker than an M3, and maybe a few suspension mods???

Tuning options for Audis are immense, but the root of the problem would always remain, which is the front loaded weight distribution and haldex 4WD system, both of which lead to a very nose led stance. Nevertheless, people do love these cars otherwise Audi wouldn't make them, so if you want one, go for it.

[Mark300zx]

Have to agree the best solution is always the one that is manufactured at the beginning, and own an M3 at the moment, but wonder if a haldex controller and some ARBs may be a cure, maybe!!!!!

[DubZeus]

Mk1 Focus rs