Discussion
Well if it was for a 2nd car, so I had something more focussed for fun in the weekends, then something more 'characterful' so Abarth 500, Ive got a thing for the little abarths.
But if it was for my only car, Renaultsport Megane 250 cup, although I think I would put some more dosh towards a Focus RS in the real world.
But if it was for my only car, Renaultsport Megane 250 cup, although I think I would put some more dosh towards a Focus RS in the real world.
15k is a generous budget for a 2nd hand hot hatch. Basically means you could buy anything, from more radical Renault Sport kit to competent all rounders from Ford or VAG or pristine classics from Peugeots golden years *and* have a good deal of money left. So not sure what you are after really. Any age or practicality requirements?
Overall best package for new stuff would be the current Fiesta ST IMO. Tad over budget perhaps, but great value for money and worth waiting / saving for. Personally, I'd get a shed and a 205 Rallye, GTI or MkI Golf GTI and spend the rest on fuel + upkeep. Or a 944 S2 or 951
if taking the "hatch" thing literally.
Overall best package for new stuff would be the current Fiesta ST IMO. Tad over budget perhaps, but great value for money and worth waiting / saving for. Personally, I'd get a shed and a 205 Rallye, GTI or MkI Golf GTI and spend the rest on fuel + upkeep. Or a 944 S2 or 951
if taking the "hatch" thing literally.It wasn't really a "recommend me a car" thread lol, I was more curious as to the most popular, well thought of in the current market. I appreciate many variables need to be taken into consideration, but I guess, from a personal perspective, performance, sound, looks, handling, which is the best thought of? Ideally, less than 6-7 years old.
LostProphet2911 said:
For me it would be a daily driver. I've currently got an 08 Focus ST, mapped, love it to bits. But will probably chop it in the next couple years. Not sure what to go with next. Been looking at Mk5 R32's, S3's.
If it was a daily, what about getting best of both worlds, as another has said 15k is a decent sum for a 2nd hand hatch, what about something cheapish but fun, 182 clio and then something more weekend toy ish, Elise or the like?Or if you don't need space 350z or the like would be my choice for an all-rounder instead of a hatch, but then I'm a lonely bachelor!
Hm, OK, taking those limitations into account, and purely subjectively:
1. Clio III RS 200
2. Swift Sport Mk2
3. Golf GTI Mk5
4. Fiesta ST Mk 5
5. VW Lupo GTI
Did not consider AWD or RWD stuff as that is IMO not fitting into the traditional "hot hatch" recipe. And I just can't stand the styling of recent Fords or the interior of the MK1 Focus.
1. Clio III RS 200
2. Swift Sport Mk2
3. Golf GTI Mk5
4. Fiesta ST Mk 5
5. VW Lupo GTI
Did not consider AWD or RWD stuff as that is IMO not fitting into the traditional "hot hatch" recipe. And I just can't stand the styling of recent Fords or the interior of the MK1 Focus.
Ok. The point of the question is this. I often use the Focus STOC site, and while I own a Focus ST myself, and love it to bits, I seem to find that all too many owners think it's the best car in the world, the fastest thing on four wheels. So I went on the R32 owners club, and they too, thought their cars were the be all and end all.
Basically I'm after unbiased opinion on what is the best, or most popular, all round hot hatch.
Ideal candidates Focus ST/RS, Fiesta ST, Golf GTi, R32/R, Astra VXR, Corsa VXR, Civic Type R, (EP3 and FN2), S3, Mazda 3 MPS, Cooper S, Megane R, Clio Cup, Leon Cupra, BMW 130i, DS3 racing, 208 GTi, etc.
Apologies if I've missed any
Basically I'm after unbiased opinion on what is the best, or most popular, all round hot hatch.
Ideal candidates Focus ST/RS, Fiesta ST, Golf GTi, R32/R, Astra VXR, Corsa VXR, Civic Type R, (EP3 and FN2), S3, Mazda 3 MPS, Cooper S, Megane R, Clio Cup, Leon Cupra, BMW 130i, DS3 racing, 208 GTi, etc.
Apologies if I've missed any

Edited by LostProphet2911 on Saturday 9th November 00:46
Kolbenkopp said:
Hm, OK, taking those limitations into account, and purely subjectively:
1. Clio III RS 200
2. Swift Sport Mk2
3. Golf GTI Mk5
4. Fiesta ST Mk 5
5. VW Lupo GTI
Did not consider AWD or RWD stuff as that is IMO not fitting into the traditional "hot hatch" recipe. And I just can't stand the styling of recent Fords or the interior of the MK1 Focus.
the thought of spending 15 k on any of your selections (although within the parameters of the question) fills me with abject horror.1. Clio III RS 200
2. Swift Sport Mk2
3. Golf GTI Mk5
4. Fiesta ST Mk 5
5. VW Lupo GTI
Did not consider AWD or RWD stuff as that is IMO not fitting into the traditional "hot hatch" recipe. And I just can't stand the styling of recent Fords or the interior of the MK1 Focus.
not withstanding the obvious answer is a focus st with all the bells and whistles....
GingerWizard said:
the thought of spending 15 k on any of your selections (although within the parameters of the question) fills me with abject horror.
not withstanding the obvious answer is a focus st with all the bells and whistles....
Apart from the Golf, in Edition 30 guise, I'd agree with this. A Swift?!not withstanding the obvious answer is a focus st with all the bells and whistles....
Really would depend on why.
All rounder - R32 or maybe S3?
Non-4 - R32, 130, ST
Extreme - R26R, original Civic R
Classic - Nicest 205 1.9, Golf GTI MkI, MKII 16v, or older (definition dependent)
Something compact for the money - 135 coop
etc
Overall, unless looking for extreme or doing moon miles, R32, I guess. Shame about certain things.
All rounder - R32 or maybe S3?
Non-4 - R32, 130, ST
Extreme - R26R, original Civic R
Classic - Nicest 205 1.9, Golf GTI MkI, MKII 16v, or older (definition dependent)
Something compact for the money - 135 coop
etc
Overall, unless looking for extreme or doing moon miles, R32, I guess. Shame about certain things.
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