Another “Which hot hatch” thread.
Discussion
I’ve taken a job in mainland Europe recently, and think that I probably want to get a car out there.
I’ve an M3 and an R8 at home here, and after taking the R8 out a few weeks ago won’t make that mistake again, it was not much fun for what I used it for, so it’ll stay here in England, and will be joined next month by a Tesla Model S. I mention the current cars to give a bit of context to my question.
We’ve also got one of the more sporty Smart ForTwos at home, and I find myself using it more and more, so I fancy getting a little hot hatch to live at my new home.
The question, then, is which little hot hatch to go for. I’ll want three or four seats, would like it to be small, and want it to be a lot of fun for not much money. An Abarth 595 is top of the list at the moment but what else should I try? There are so many of the last few years to consider, and it’s a segment I’ve not paid attention to for quite a while.
I’ve an M3 and an R8 at home here, and after taking the R8 out a few weeks ago won’t make that mistake again, it was not much fun for what I used it for, so it’ll stay here in England, and will be joined next month by a Tesla Model S. I mention the current cars to give a bit of context to my question.
We’ve also got one of the more sporty Smart ForTwos at home, and I find myself using it more and more, so I fancy getting a little hot hatch to live at my new home.
The question, then, is which little hot hatch to go for. I’ll want three or four seats, would like it to be small, and want it to be a lot of fun for not much money. An Abarth 595 is top of the list at the moment but what else should I try? There are so many of the last few years to consider, and it’s a segment I’ve not paid attention to for quite a while.
ZX10R NIN said:
I'd say the Abarth is a good bet or if you don't mind something bigger then a Clio/Megane RS is the obvious answer.
A clip seems like a great idea but I managed to confuse myself on which are the good models. Autotrader’s choices don’t seem to list anything that matches the names in the reviews (180, for example.)
Tony-K said:
after taking the R8 out a few weeks ago won’t make that mistake again.
Yeah I hear R8's are rubbish. I'll take it off your hands if you like? 
Only kidding. Love the 595 idea, I've not had a spin in the 595 but have had a drive in a couple 500's and think they are fun beyond their size.
I had a 500 custom, the entry level abarth which later re branded to the 595.
Loved it !
Only sold when my 2nd kid came along
Great on fuel, fun to drive, surprisingly comfortable on long journeys and looked cool too
I did stick a fancy exhaust on mine too and it sounded epic, I'm approaching 40 so potentially an attempt to re live my youth.
My mate (how now owns an r8 incidentally) took it for a spin once and absolutely loved it because its easy enough to drive near its limits and you don't have to do 150 mph for it to feel fast
Loved it !
Only sold when my 2nd kid came along
Great on fuel, fun to drive, surprisingly comfortable on long journeys and looked cool too
I did stick a fancy exhaust on mine too and it sounded epic, I'm approaching 40 so potentially an attempt to re live my youth.
My mate (how now owns an r8 incidentally) took it for a spin once and absolutely loved it because its easy enough to drive near its limits and you don't have to do 150 mph for it to feel fast
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