best hot hatch for sub 5k

[callywally18]

Afternoon everyone

Looking at the hot hatch route today for my next car, with a budget of around 5k

But once bought I'd be sticking with it for a while, so that would be a factor to bare in mind

Would need to be fairly quick around the 6 to 7 second mark, while still returning around 30mpg with sensible driving if this is possible!

Had a quick look at the Renaultsport clios and meganes, but the interior puts me off

Civic type r too high on insurance

Mini cooper s seems a good shout at the moment


Any suggestions

Thanks

[HJMS123]

I'd recommend a 225 for your budget, slightly biased as I have a R26 megane but I don't think you'll get much better performance than a 225 cup in your budget.

You could also get a mint Clio Trophy or have a 1*2 Cup with lots of cash left over for mods and maintenance. They'll also do 30+mpg with ease.

A decent facelift EP3 should also fall into budget.

The MCS will not do 30mpg unless you drive with cotton wool shoes.

[LordHaveMurci]

Depends what you want & how you're going to use it I guess.

I have had my 172 Cup for 4-5yrs now as a 2nd car and can't see me parting with it any time soon, wouldn't want it as my only car though. I had a Mk5 Golf GTI for 9mths, fantastic all rounder but very boring, bought it over a Focus ST or Megane 225 mainly due to the image & refinement.

[DanielJames]

If it's a daily driver I'd be going for something Renault Sport.

If it's just a toy get a 98 Spec Integra Type R or Civic EK9.

[callywally18]

LordHaveMurci said:

Depends what you want & how you're going to use it I guess.

I have had my 172 Cup for 4-5yrs now as a 2nd car and can't see me parting with it any time soon, wouldn't want it as my only car though. I had a Mk5 Golf GTI for 9mths, fantastic all rounder but very boring, bought it over a Focus ST or Megane 225 mainly due to the image & refinement.

Would be a daily drive doing around fifty miles a day so not much and being 20 I'm not too bothered by it being low loud or noisy!

[LordHaveMurci]

callywally18 said:

Would be a daily drive doing around fifty miles a day so not much and being 20 I'm not too bothered by it being low loud or noisy!

Maybe a full fat 182 with cup packs would do, if you could live with the interior? Quick enough, look good (to me anyway), great fun to drive & can be very economical. Buy right & they can be reliable & cheap to run

[exceed]

Got a Renaultsport Megane 225 with some KTEC racing mods up for sale in the classifieds.

Would let you take it out for a ride, but you're quite far away!

[anonymous-user]

Mk5 Golf GTI
EP3
DC2 (if you can find one)
Leon Cupra

[tomsugden]

An Audi S3 ticks all those boxes. I miss my old Mk1.

[callywally18]

exceed said:

Got a Renaultsport Megane 225 with some KTEC racing mods up for sale in the classifieds.

Would let you take it out for a ride, but you're quite far away!

Have you got a link to the ad?

[HJMS123]

A Leon Cupra R 225 is also a very good shout, quite reliable and a decent one should fall into your budget.

[Catatafish]

There's a few Clio trophies around that price, but if they are too flaky, just get an immaculate normal 182. The interiors are half decent IMO, certainly not any worse than the VAG or jap equivalents.

[Speed_Demon]

Can pick up a 182 Trophy at that price. Absolute riot to drive, especially with a couple of handling mods. Plenty quick enough in a straight line, and will leave much more expensive machinery for dust on b-roads if you can drive.

[C.A.R.]

I'd have to say my money would go on a manual MK5 Golf GTI. Perhaps not them most exotic nor exciting, but it's a very accomplished car and they're actually really good to drive. I love the sound they make too. Not sure how confident I'd be in one with a DSG gearbox, hence the manual comment.

A Civic Type R is nice but it really needs to be thrashed to get the most from it, the Golf is 'quick' without the need to grab it by the scruff of the neck every time.

[Leins]

Don't forget the 325ti Compact for a RWD option. Actually, an early 130i should be looming into view of this budget shortly too I'd say

[LordHaveMurci]

C.A.R. said:

I'd have to say my money would go on a manual MK5 Golf GTI. Perhaps not them most exotic nor exciting, but it's a very accomplished car and they're actually really good to drive. I love the sound they make too. Not sure how confident I'd be in one with a DSG gearbox, hence the manual comment.

I wouldn't have thought you'd get a good one in budget? Plus, they are very boring, especially for a 20yr old, and yes I have owned one.

[va1o]

Another vote for the Mk5 GTI. They've dipped in prices very slightly recently so £5k gets an ok one at the moment. Brilliant all rounder.

[GTIAlex]

Get a 182...
I picked up a mint one this year for £1300 have loved every minute of it
48mpg on the motorway and easily 30, currently averaging about 33mpg around town.

They have got a massive following for a reason.

[Bonefish Blues]

Speed_Demon said:

Can pick up a 182 Trophy at that price. Absolute riot to drive, especially with a couple of handling mods. Plenty quick enough in a straight line, and will leave much more expensive machinery for dust on b-roads if you can drive.

[roystinho]

The answer to the question is a Clio Trophy