Next Car Chat (Hot Hatch)

[BenTypeR02]

Morning Guys,

Probably a question asked 1million times but thought I'd still ask .

Looking to get into a newer hot hatch (currently drive a FN2 Type R and have had for 3 years but starting to get a bit tired being 15 years old now). Around the 25k ish mark. Will most likely PCP with around a 5k deposit plus my trade in (around 1.5k probs).

My shortlist is: Golf R (17-19plate), i30N (19-20plate), Focus RS(66-67plate), M240i (18-19plate). I'm 22 so it is a slight factor that the i30N is significantly cheaper to insure.

Just curious what you guys would go for in my situation? I like the refinement / interior of the R, the sound and look of the i30N (plus it'd be the newest car with a 5 year warranty plus all the spec as standard), the performance / attitude of the RS and the sound and prestige of the BMW.
As you can tell, basically don't really have a clue on which is best for me. I can't get on with the looks of a newer Type R so not really considering that.

(would I regret spending so much on a Hyundai?)

Just up for a bit of a discussion really, hopefully some of you guys have owned a few of the above?

Cheers!

[Juanco20]

Leon Cupra 300? Should be able to pick up a nice low mileage 20 plate

[PH User]

Do you need more than 2 seats? If not then I would be looking at a sportscar.

[ecsrobin]

For me it would be an i30N I was close to getting one of the Production Yaris wasn’t as good as what had been previewed. I think for the money the i30N is great (although prices seem to have been going up from the crazy deals 2-3 years ago)

The fact it’s cheaper to insure and still has a warranty needs to be considered although I believe it’s quite thirsty reading the owners groups (not sure on the competition).

[ecsrobin]

PH User said:

Do you need more than 2 seats? If not then I would be looking at a sportscar.

Titles says Hot Hatch.

[BenTypeR02]

Juanco20 said:

Leon Cupra 300? Should be able to pick up a nice low mileage 20 plate

I do like these but think if I were to go VAG I'd just get the Golf R - any big reasons to go Leon?

[BenTypeR02]

ecsrobin said:

For me it would be an i30N I was close to getting one of the Production Yaris wasn’t as good as what had been previewed. I think for the money the i30N is great (although prices seem to have been going up from the crazy deals 2-3 years ago)

The fact it’s cheaper to insure and still has a warranty needs to be considered although I believe it’s quite thirsty reading the owners groups (not sure on the competition).

Agree they do seem good value - and while thirsty they're still a bit better than my R!

[ChrisH72]

It'd be the i30N for me too. Never driven one but I think they look great and seem good value compared to other stuff. The badge wouldn't bother me.

Maybe consider the French alternatives too?

RS megane
308 Gti

[BenTypeR02]

ChrisH72 said:

It'd be the i30N for me too. Never driven one but I think they look great and seem good value compared to other stuff. The badge wouldn't bother me.

Maybe consider the French alternatives too?

RS megane
308 Gti

Drove the i30N very briefly yesterday, main take away is the interior feels more solid than it looks and the car is much louder in person! Bit of a concern over it not being a big sports car brand but I suppose with the manufacturer warranty it doesn't matter too much!

[CrippsCorner]

I do like the i30N but for me it would be the Golf R or 240i purely because they're available in 2/3 door... unless you specifically need 5 doors?

[BenTypeR02]

CrippsCorner said:

I do like the i30N but for me it would be the Golf R or 240i purely because they're available in 2/3 door... unless you specifically need 5 doors?

I do agree, it'd be 3dr if I was to go Golf R and obviously with the BMW - no need for 5 doors and would get a 3dr i30N if it existed. Not enough to put me off entirely though and I suppose I will have to grow up and have kids eventually!

[Legacywr]

5 door is the new 3 door

Most hatches look better in 5 door form now.

[plenty]

PH User said:

Do you need more than 2 seats? If not then I would be looking at a sportscar.

I don't need more than two seats, my budget is very flexible and I'd still prefer a hot hatch over most 'sports cars'.

[Dannbodge]

BenTypeR02 said:

I do like these but think if I were to go VAG I'd just get the Golf R - any big reasons to go Leon?

Cheaper
Faster
More economical
Much much more fun to drive (Golf R is Boring AF)
Better kit as standard
Better looking
Cheaper to insure
Less likely to get stolen.
Nicer seats (if you can get one with the buckets)

[PH User]

ecsrobin said:

PH User said:

Do you need more than 2 seats? If not then I would be looking at a sportscar.

Titles says Hot Hatch.

Yes I know.

[PH User]

plenty said:

PH User said:

Do you need more than 2 seats? If not then I would be looking at a sportscar.

I don't need more than two seats, my budget is very flexible and I'd still prefer a hot hatch over most sports cars.

I was asking the OP

[BenTypeR02]

PH User said:

I was asking the OP

Yep! would like to keep the 4/5 seats

[PH User]

BenTypeR02 said:

PH User said:

I was asking the OP

Yep! would like to keep the 4/5 seats

Fair enough, just thought you might not need the extra seats as you havent got kids yet.

[Frimley111R]

The BMW isn't really a hot hatch, more of a GT. The Golf R is great but perhaps a bit of an appliance rather than something you'd desire.

An Audi will be duller than a dull thing to drive.

I30N is an interesting option but rare and I'm not sure about residuals.

Megane RS is probably the best hot hatch, great looks, great brand name, etc

[PH User]

A Megane RS 275 can be had for a lot less than your budget and they are really great fun cars.