Economic hatchback under £12k - A3 1.4, 118i or Focus 1.0?

[Gordon_Roslin]

Hi all,

I am in the market for a fairly economical hatchback under £12k for my daughter. 50+ miles to the gallon, petrol, mileage isn't a huge issue but for this price I would be hoping no more than 5 years old and fewer than 50,000 miles. From my research so far I am leaning towards a Focus 1.0 Ecoboost 125 St-Line as due to the 'budget' perception of Ford, you get more toys with that and possibly even a younger plate and fewer miles compared to the more 'premium' alternatives in the same bracket, which to me would be the BMW 118i or the Audi A3 1.4.

Has anyone faced a similar choice and what did they plump for? Plus in this price bracket is there anything else I should be giving consideration to - Civic, Oktavia, Polo? I have to admit I have quite a long history of Fords compared to other brands so that is what is leaning me towards the Focus (plus good reviews) or something 'premium' but if there is a standout alternative from another brand that'd be great.

Thank you!

[ZX10R NIN]

The Ford is a very good car but rather than the 1.0T I'd be going for the bigger 1.5T engine it's the sweeter unit with the fuel difference being small enough not to be an issue, I wouldn't get to hung up on the 50mpg as most small turbo cars will just about get to that number when in cars of this size as you have to work them a bit harder.

The bigger engined cars will be very close in the real world.

My first pick would be the 1.5T Focus in Titanium X 180 form:


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Giulietta 170 QV Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.6T 308 GT 205

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Megane GT 220

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Astra Elite Nav 200

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.4T A3 S Line 150

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[JackReacher]

You'll be able to get a 2/3 year old Leon FR with the 1.4 ACT engine for that budget. 150bhp and over 50mpg on a run, switches to 2 cylinders on cruise. They are very well equipped and worth considering if you are looking at a focus. Had ours since new and it's been excellent, up to 85k miles without any major issues.

[Gordon_Roslin]

Thanks so much for your incredibly kind and considerate responses, wow what a great forum this is as its best!! Cheers guys you've given us a lot to think about

[Jcwjosh]

I was looking for a small hatchback for daily duties 2 years ago and went for a Polo 1.2 TSI Bluemotion.

You should be able to get a decent low mileage example well within budget, they are relatively nice and feel robust inside, the flat bottom steering wheel and LCD screen feel fresh and modern even 3 years later.

Tax is £20 a year, insurance is cheap, I get between 50-60 mpg. It steers quite well and although it is low powered around town it is nippy enough.

The only issue i have is that there are a lot of them on the road and i regularly lose the car in car parks or try to get into the wrong car !

[kieranblenk]

Jcwjosh said:

I was looking for a small hatchback for daily duties 2 years ago and went for a Polo 1.2 TSI Bluemotion.

You should be able to get a decent low mileage example well within budget, they are relatively nice and feel robust inside, the flat bottom steering wheel and LCD screen feel fresh and modern even 3 years later.

Tax is £20 a year, insurance is cheap, I get between 50-60 mpg. It steers quite well and although it is low powered around town it is nippy enough.

The only issue i have is that there are a lot of them on the road and i regularly lose the car in car parks or try to get into the wrong car !

I've got a Fabia Monte Carlo with the same engine in the current shape, one of the last of the 1.2 TSI cars before the 1.0 came in. A fantastic little car which has served me very well for 24k miles. Great tech, pan roof and sports trim/seats.