Economical fun petrol cars around £7k? 1.4 turbo line-up

[leepox]

Going to have to get of my current diesel cruiser due to living within the ULEZ area when it extends next year. So I'm looking for a petrol that's economical and can give some fun.

Just had a test drive with a 1.4L (150BHP) ACT 2014 Leon FR, and although it goes, I feel it can do with a remap. It's within a stretch of my budget at £8k.

So I jumped in a 1.5L 2017 Honda Civic (180 BHP), and the combination of VTEC and the turbo makes this car seriously lively. Although this particular engine has the infamous oil dilution issue that is well documented online. Also it is almost twice the price as the Leon (£14,000 for a high miler)

I have driven the Alfa 1,4TB 2014 with 170BHP before, and although I liked it, I don't really want to get another Alfa after all the issues I have with previous ownerships. Plus it just did not ergonomically feel good for me for some reason... maybe the dash is too high and the absence of a footrest?

The only other alternative I have yet to test are the 1.4L 150BHP 2015 Astra, but not so sure if they will handle or as reliable as the Leon.... and the 1.5L 150BHP 2014 Ford Focus Ztec S.

So in summary:
1.4 2014 150BHP Seat Leon FR
1.4 2014 150BHP Ford Focus Zetec S
1.4 2015 150BHP Vauxhall Astra SRi

[ZX10R NIN]

The Ford is the best steer with the Astra just behind & the Leon third in terms of reliability they're pretty much even so it'll just come down to which one you like best:

Or go for the 1.6T GTC 200/180 models:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007311...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008303...

[leepox]

The GTC are actually on the top of that list if only it had 5 doors (the missus strictly specified it needs back doors for the kids). It just looks so damn good!

I guess I'll see which one I can get a good deal out from.

On a sidenote I just realised that early Focus STs are around the 8k mark.... just found an ST2 2013 for 8.5k. Doesn't fit the econobox specification though sadly.!

Edited by leepox on Thursday 3rd September 23:46

[ZX10R NIN]

It's economical when you compare it to a C63 failing you not being able to pass the ST then there's this Zetec S:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007020...

[leepox]

Just saw that Zetec S as well, that is a really good price! I might go and see it tomorrow.

Also got distracted and saw this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008022...

I recon I will need to publish a new dictionary with my own definition of "economical" and show it to the missus.

[ZX10R NIN]

leepox said:

Just saw that Zetec S as well, that is a really good price! I might go and see it tomorrow.

Also got distracted and saw this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008022...

I recon I will need to publish a new dictionary with my own definition of "economical" and show it to the missus.

It'll still do 35mpg that's economical.

[ChrisH72]

Wasn't the earlier Focus Zetec s 1.6 180bhp? With the same engine as in the fiesta ST (which I have).

Or maybe the Kia Ceed GT? That has 4 doors and around 200bhp.

[ZX10R NIN]

It was 180 but that model was discontinued.

I don't think you can get the Kia GT's for the OP's budget.

[ChrisH72]

From the OP comments I'd say that budget is a bit flexible?

I seriously though about a Proceed GT before buying my fiesta ST. Mainly because my other half has had two Hyundai's which have both been faultless. There were a few Proceeds for 7-8k but it seems not much doing on AT at the moment in terms of the 5dt Ceed. I'm sure they do come up though.

[ChrisH72]

Volvo V40 T3?

Okay, I know they're about 9k but then you did drive a £14k Honda!

[leepox]

The Honda was just there when they serviced my current Accord, and the salesman was like, we're offering two year 0% APR. So I took the pleasure, almost bought it then and there.