Best all rounder daily?

[L17RMG]

As title says, I’m looking at getting a new daily and struggling with options currently. Currently got a MK8 Fiesta ST which is brilliant, however would like an auto and a bit more space for potential children. Got a Focus RS for fun but still don’t want to end up with a boggo spec daily.

Budget of 30k, current options being MK7 Golf GTi/R, S3, i30N, maybe even S4 at a push? Just after some real world opinions and if I’m missing anything obvious!

Cheers

[Super Sonic]

Civic

[ChrisH72]

Are you just looking at new cars?

Something like a 340i touring would make a good all rounder but obviously it'd be used.

[AlexNJ89]

I would certainly go for a drive in one of these.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Ti

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111279...

[pb8g09]

F31 BMW 335d
Job done.

[Pete-mojsh]

I have a Leon Cupra ST to cover all the family mileage, it's done long trips, loaded up with stuff from IKEA, dump runs and on the rare occasions I can drive just for fun it's a different experience in Cupra mode. Although not the most engaging handling it does have a tonne of grip and getting from A to B as quickly as possible on UK roads it's a good option at that price point.

[L17RMG]

Super Sonic said:

Civic

Driven a few at work and not a fan personally!

ChrisH72 said:

Are you just looking at new cars?

Something like a 340i touring would make a good all rounder but obviously it'd be used.

Looking at new and used, 340i is ideal, will have a look! Cheers!

AlexNJ89 said:

I would certainly go for a drive in one of these.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Ti

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111279...

Also not a bad shout, thank you

pb8g09 said:

F31 BMW 335d
Job done.

Should've put in original post, looking at petrol only. Don't do a massive amount of miles, maybe 8-10k a year?

Pete-mojsh said:

I have a Leon Cupra ST to cover all the family mileage, it's done long trips, loaded up with stuff from IKEA, dump runs and on the rare occasions I can drive just for fun it's a different experience in Cupra mode. Although not the most engaging handling it does have a tonne of grip and getting from A to B as quickly as possible on UK roads it's a good option at that price point.

Have briefly looked at the Leon's. Similar price to the Golfs!

[Two Turning Two Burning]

AlexNJ89 said:

I would certainly go for a drive in one of these.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Ti

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111279...

YES!! I concur. I'd focus on getting as new as possible, no matter if base 200hp version as you can reprogram the ECU to get exactly the same power as the other versions and more if you want, up to over 320hp and 470Nm = Giulia's engines are exactly the same, only restricted electronically. Of course the Veloce Ti versions might have other features that differ, like limited slip diff, different suspension etc. But no need to necessarily pay a lot more for a 280hp version. But I'm not sure what the market situation is in the UK, and the equipment differences.

But yeah, I'd get as new as possible as Alfa has continuously improved that car over its lifecycle.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd take a good look at the Giulia Veloce Ti 280:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201201...

[AlexNJ89]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd take a good look at the Giulia Veloce Ti 280:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201201...

eyyy I got in before ZX10R NIN.

Proud day.

[georgeyboy12345]

Another vote for an Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110068...


Audi S4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111229...


BMW 440i GranCoupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109287...

BMW 340i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110158...


Jaguar XE S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111209...


Kia Stinger GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201141...


Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6 S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107265...


Mercedes C43 AMG
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201910183...


Peugeot 508 First Edition
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...


Volvo S60 T5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201191...


and a couple of bonus cars if you don't mind something a bit older

Lexus IS-F
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110118...

Porsche Panamera 4S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201201...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Thursday 3rd February 22:28

[stevekoz]

I'll throw in the 435d Gran Coupe. I bought that as my all rounder and have to say it fits the bill very well.

Must say real world mpg is mid 30's. Great and comfortable on a long run, averaging into high 40's mpg. It's distinctly rapid with the 8 speed zf box.

19"s are comfortable enough in comfort mode for our potholed roads.

Boot is large enough to stick a single seat armchair or a bike in with the seats down, so takes plenty of "stuff".

It's not perfect but there isn't an all rounder that isn't compromised somewhere. For me this would probably be in the handling when you are pushing on. It will more than adequately deal with a spirited drive, but it does feel a little under sprung given how quick the car is. But then, i doubt you'll be using the car for that kind of driving all the time, and if you do happen to have a spirited drive, then it handles it "ok". I just wouldn't say it was great in that area, but it is almost every other.

Obviously if you need the rear boot space of a touring then i would go for a touring but, if not, then its a definite contender.