Help me choose a mid sized hot hatch...?

[The Seer]

Ok, the budget is 6 K max. No more than 70 K on the clock and nothing older than 9 years.

The short list so far: Focus ST, Astra VXR and Mazda 3 MPS.

I've read a few reviews, Autocar and Evo etc. What do people think of the current contenders, foibles and pleasing points? Reliability is of definite importance as is potential engine tuning.

Your thoughts?

[Pebbles167]

Could possibly grab a BMW 130i for that. That's where my money would go.

I didn't like the Astra VXR. I never much cared for the styling and I felt the handling rather bland. Lots of room though.

Focus ST. Hard to fault it. It felt nimble and the power delivery was good. Felt every bit as quick as the Astra.

I've never driven the Mazda 3 MPS, although from what I've read its not as good to drive as the 6. Does it absolutely have to be a hatchback?

[The Seer]

Pebbles167 said:

Could possibly grab a BMW 130i for that. That's where my money would go.

I didn't like the Astra VXR. I never much cared for the styling and I felt the handling rather bland. Lots of room though.

Focus ST. Hard to fault it. It felt nimble and the power delivery was good. Felt every bit as quick as the Astra.

I've never driven the Mazda 3 MPS, although from what I've read its not as good to drive as the 6. Does it absolutely have to be a hatchback?

Hmmm, didn't know about the 130i. I don't know much about them at all but the power looks to be pretty pokey Never been too keen on the styling of the 1 series but I could probably get used to it. Ideally though I'd prefer FWD simply for the ease of chucking it about safely.

The Mazda is pleases since it offers the most power. Though I do wonder if the torque steer is unmanageable? Also cheaper slightly in the tuning dept. Still undecided though.

[DUMBO100]

Fn2 Type R, if you could stretch a £1000. I like mine,despite the rear suspension, it does have a superb engine and gear box and is surprisingly practical. No turbo but 9k rpm N/A is unique and full of character

[The Seer]

DUMBO100 said:

Fn2 Type R, if you could stretch a £1000. I like mine,despite the rear suspension, it does have a superb engine and gear box and is surprisingly practical. No turbo but 9k rpm N/A is unique and full of character

I used to have DC 2 Type R years back. I thoroughly enjoyed the car.

I'm sure it is full of character as you say, though I'm really looking for something turbo or super charged. It'll cost far to extract a bit more power, thanks anyway though

[talksthetorque]

Or you could have style and class.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/alfa-romeo/b...

[xr287]

I'm quite fancying a Megane R26 at the moment but £6k might be a little low for one.

After reviewing the classifieds I take that back, I think you could get one for < £6k if up to 70k miles is ok.

[The Seer]

talksthetorque said:

Or you could have style and class.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/alfa-romeo/b...

Certainly the best looking car so far not sure what they drive like though...or the reliability Wonderful styling though that's for sure!

[fozluvscars]

Tough call as all 3 have their merits - I have mk1 mps and it's a good car, but I'd have to admit that ST was first choice. You got more for your money with mps though, so that's what swung it for me....I don't regret decision.

[The Seer]

xr287 said:

I'm quite fancying a Megane R26 at the moment but £6k might be a little low for one.

After reviewing the classifieds I take that back, I think you could get one for < £6k if up to 70k miles is ok.

Indeed, the R 26 F1 was considered. Definitely a great handling car from what I know of it. But something that plagues older Renaults is reliability. I've had two so far, and I liked em both very much aside from the frequent trips to the local garage.