15-20k 2016+ hatch/coupe?

[Shivvers]

Hi guys,

I'm 24 and have had a lovely A class (2013) for 6 years now. It's been great but a manual gearbox in the city is knackering my knee, and the engine leave a little to be desired in the power department.
Looked at the new A-class and between the exterior, dull drive and eye-watering price for a decent spec I'm not enamoured.

Looking for something that's worth upgrading to for something a little more fun and possibly more comfortable too? Like to think I'm still young so not looking at saloons or estates yet please

Petrol
Decent auto
Bit of poke!!
Nice interior - really liked my A-class' one so something of that level would be ideal
Not looking for any V8s, need some kind of fuel economy and insurability still haha

Things I have considered:

Mini Cooper S - test drove and loved the drive, but not a lot of car for quite a hefty price
A3 - thought it was dull to drive and due to be replaced? What about an S3?
A5 - great interior but upper end of budget
C/E class coupe - love them but no idea what the best engine choices are
4 series couple - No idea how good these are

Any specific recommendations from past experience on any of these, or any others I may have not thought of would be much appreciated!

[DaveH23]

M140i

I'm looking at these myself and seems to meet everything you have said.

[aka_kerrly]

I'd rather buy a Toyota GT86 than any of those cars on your list.
Its a fun, frugal proper little sports car that has a functional boot/back seats and loads of potential to modify it.

[ZX10R NIN]

From what I'm reading outright performance comes just behind spec with this in mind here are my picks:

If you want a very nice interior with a quick powertrain then my first pick is an Infiniti Q60 the fit & finish is a step above most listed here & you also get adaptive cruise & a very nice :

Q60 Sport S

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

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

Premium Tech

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

Or the hatcback with the same drivetrain:

Q30 Sport

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

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

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

E400 Coupe but it's a 65 plate.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Audi S5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

S3

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

4 Series wise I'd say a 430i M Sport with the Pro Nav:

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

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

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

[Shivvers]

Thanks guys for all your replies. The M140i looks lovely but my brother's just bought a 1 series and was considering having something different.

The GT86 looks like a lot of fun but I would like some usable back seats, and I personally found the interior a bit basic when I sat in one.

Thank you for the Infiniti suggestions! Had not considered them at all uptill now. Also those 4 series coupes look like great value.

Any other suggestions?

[DoubleD]

DaveH23 said:

M140i

I'm looking at these myself and seems to meet everything you have said.

Yep, that would have been my suggestion. He could even save a chunk of cash and get a M135i.

[Sochaux]

I’d look at the Seat Leon Cupra, you can pick up a tidy example close to the lower end of your budget.

Also basically an S3 underneath.

[Dolf Stoppard]

M235i / M240i?

[Jamescrs]

Golf GTI with DSG?