New Civic Type R alternatives

[CarreraLightweightRacing]

I'm looking at options to change the daily (currently a 2017 Octavia VRS estate). I really like everything about the new Civic Type R but just can't get over the looks. I'm looking for something in a similar price bracket, must have hatch/estate for practicality, manual preferred, but quick and interesting to drive are the main points (similar performance to the Type R).
I open this to the good people of PH for your thoughts

[Butter Face]

Megane RS
Golf R
Leon Cupra
Focus ST

There is quite a choice at the moment!

[Jamescrs]

Golf R seems the obvious choice in either hatch or estate if you want subtle looks

[Johnnytheboy]

Merc AMG A35, also available as estate?

[csampo]

I was in exactly the same position and just ordered a new ST after driving it. It's an everyday car and to me the Honda looks like it's trying too hard; the rear in particular is a mess. They may fix this somewhat with the facelift next year from the looks of some spy shots floating around.

The PH review of the ST seems to be the least favourable; Autocar have just published their 'Britain's best affordable driver's car 2019' grouptest where the ST came 3rd out of 9 (beaten by the Honda and MX5) - so it came out ahead of the Megane, i30N, Golf TCR, etc. On the road a number of the judges preferred it to the Honda; the Honda is more serious and ultimately quicker whereas the Ford a bit more playful in their view. I think the ST is a great package that won't raise any eyebrows looks wise and will be very easy to live with as an everyday car.

Also, given you'll get £4k off list without even trying and PCP is 2.9%, it will be cheaper than the Honda and Golf by a significant margin.

Edited by csampo on Monday 9th September 09:23