Downgrading an M2 to a Hot Hatch

[DJacko94]

Preview
First post here, as title explains I've just sold my OG M2 as I'm looking to move house and need the cash. Previous to the M2 I've only ever driven hatchbacks, including a Mk2 Focus ST and a quite heavily modified 400bhp Mk7 Golf R.

Budget is around 8/9k, any saving under that is appreciated. Exhaust/Engine note is super important to me, flaps were coded open on my M2, that thing set car alarms off on cold start and is the thing I miss the most, the power was nice but unusable 95% of the time on our roads.

I've made a shortlist that's ended up more like a longlist. Watching and reading reviews is getting tiresome so before I begin my journey test driving I'm trying to narrow it down a little further, but all of the below have at least some appeal to me currently. All have at least one concern, whether it be reliability in the Mini's case, or the fact they're on every other street corner like the Type R or Fiesta. I love the idea of the Megane but the exhaust note is putting me off and they're on the upper limit of my budget so would mean no exhaust mods for the time being. The list;

R56 Mini Cooper S/JCW
FN2 Civic Type R
Megane RS 250/265
Fiesta ST
Golf R32

Have no kids but do have a dog, short commute to work so mpg isn't a factor, must be manual, fairly easily tunable.

[swanny71]

Obvious omission from your list is an M135i - might be a bit leggy but doable within your budget.

[popeyewhite]

I know you've done the Golf R thing but how about a Cupra?

If I absolutely had to choose from your list I'd go Megane. They handle well enough but are flawed IMO.

[DJacko94]

swanny71 said:

Obvious omission from your list is an M135i - might be a bit leggy but doable within your budget.

Yeah was on my list for a little while, like you say though they're top end of the budget so would be looking at a 100k+ mileage example most likely. Great cars though and same engine as the M2 I believe!

[croyde]

Abarth 500 with 180bhp.

Only mention it as I'm thinking of getting one.

[DJacko94]

popeyewhite said:

I know you've done the Golf R thing but how about a Cupra?

If I absolutely had to choose from your list I'd go Megane. They handle well enough but are flawed IMO.

Which Cupra? I like the idea of the Megane a lot and probably the rarest on my list, read nothing but good things too.

[DJacko94]

croyde said:

Abarth 500 with 180bhp.

Only mention it as I'm thinking of getting one.

My list is supposed to be narrowing down not growing Mrs would be happy with this choice though as she'll be on the insurance. She fancies the Mini, unsurprisingly.

[popeyewhite]

DJacko94 said:

Which Cupra? I like the idea of the Megane a lot and probably the rarest on my list, read nothing but good things too.

Cupra R

Not many (if any) worthwhile mods to do on a Megane IIRC.

[ZX10R NIN]

DJacko94 said:

Preview
First post here, as title explains I've just sold my OG M2 as I'm looking to move house and need the cash. Previous to the M2 I've only ever driven hatchbacks, including a Mk2 Focus ST and a quite heavily modified 400bhp Mk7 Golf R.

Budget is around 8/9k, any saving under that is appreciated. Exhaust/Engine note is super important to me, flaps were coded open on my M2, that thing set car alarms off on cold start and is the thing I miss the most, the power was nice but unusable 95% of the time on our roads.

I've made a shortlist that's ended up more like a longlist. Watching and reading reviews is getting tiresome so before I begin my journey test driving I'm trying to narrow it down a little further, but all of the below have at least some appeal to me currently. All have at least one concern, whether it be reliability in the Mini's case, or the fact they're on every other street corner like the Type R or Fiesta. I love the idea of the Megane but the exhaust note is putting me off and they're on the upper limit of my budget so would mean no exhaust mods for the time being. The list;

R56 Mini Cooper S/JCW
FN2 Civic Type R
Megane RS 250/265
Fiesta ST
Golf R32

Have no kids but do have a dog, short commute to work so mpg isn't a factor, must be manual, fairly easily tunable.

The Megane is the pick but getting an RS250 with the all important Cup/Cup Chassis is the harder (especially with the recaro's) bit.

The R32 is the pick if you want an engine note then the R32 is pick.

There's one car that's a smidge behind the RS Megane's going 10/10ths & that's the GTC VXR, it's a better daily than the Megane & imo a nicer place to be too.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311204...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311093...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310062...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401095...

Out of the smaller hot hatches the PS 208 GTI is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401145...

[RoVoFob]

DJacko94 said:

swanny71 said:

Obvious omission from your list is an M135i - might be a bit leggy but doable within your budget.

Yeah was on my list for a little while, like you say though they're top end of the budget so would be looking at a 100k+ mileage example most likely. Great cars though and same engine as the M2 I believe!

I’d suggest going back another generation to a 130i. You’ll have your pick of the best ones for around £7,500, though good ones start at around £5,000. It’s also lighter, more analogue and more balanced in terms of power and chassis than the M135i, which you might value.

You said engine/exhaust note was very important to you. Can’t imagine that any of the four-pots you listed would give you the same feeling the R32 and 130i would.

Edited by RoVoFob on Sunday 28th January 12:35

[Belle427]

Not many 4 pots will sound good.
Megane/VXR probably best bang for buck really.
R32 if you can live with the running costs.
5 pot Focus ST sounds great with a nice exhaust.

[paradigital]

As above, if engine and exhaust note are of importance, then not getting a 4-cyl is key IMO. Even a 3 or 5-cyl would be an improvement, but I find that the 3.2 VR6 to be one of the most sonorous engines you can get this side of something exotic.

It’s the reason I still have my Mk1 TT V6, massively nicer sound than my 440i.

[Chucky-egg]

250 but it must have the cup chassis. The VXR isn’t on the same level at all with regards to out-and-out ability. Exhaust wise just get the back or middle box cut out as most people do.

[georgeyboy12345]

What about a BMW 130i? Well under budget. Sound good.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401185...

[ZX10R NIN]

Chucky-egg said:

250 but it must have the cup chassis. The VXR isn’t on the same level at all with regards to out-and-out ability. Exhaust wise just get the back or middle box cut out as most people do.

Have to disagree having driven them back to back on more than a few occasions & the VXR is imo the car that comes closest BUT the Megane is better in feedback & the chassis is more composed.

Then when you're not on it the switchable shocks make it the better daily but both are cracking.

[CG2020UK]

Current M2 owner and even in comfort with valves closed I’m setting car alarms off. I’ve never heard another stock car anywhere near the M2 so might be worth looking for a car with an exhaust already on it.

Use to run a Peugeot 208 GTI alongside my M2 and would give it a shout. Try and get a 208 GTI 30th edition or by Peugeot Sport car would really hit the spot and worth a look. Nice wee growl to the engine but can drone at fast motorway speed.

Megane RS is a cracking car. I’ve drove a few stage 3 cars with the exhaust done and sound great. Expect a bit of maintenance and you’ll be fine.

GTC VXR has a nice growl standard and is a serious tool if you can see past the Vauxhall badge.

Focus ST is a nice car and looks the part. Dynamically not as good but brilliant to live with.

Probably pick from these 3
https://youtu.be/PErKLbB4NW4?si=BUWkgC4PlG_nBU_r

[swanny71]

RoVoFob said:

DJacko94 said:

swanny71 said:

Obvious omission from your list is an M135i - might be a bit leggy but doable within your budget.

Yeah was on my list for a little while, like you say though they're top end of the budget so would be looking at a 100k+ mileage example most likely. Great cars though and same engine as the M2 I believe!

I’d suggest going back another generation to a 130i. You’ll have your pick of the best ones for around £7,500, though good ones start at around £5,000. It’s also lighter, more analogue and more balanced in terms of power and chassis than the M135i, which you might value.

You said engine/exhaust note was very important to you. Can’t imagine that any of the four-pots you listed would give you the same feeling the R32 and 130i would.

Edited by RoVoFob on Sunday 28th January 12:35

Massive fan of the 130i and still miss my old one (favourite of all the cars I’ve owned).

[RichFN2]

The engine in the FN2 does sound nice for a 4 cylinder especially near the redline, the gearbox is also fantastic and I love the fact you have to know the car to get 200bhp rather than just an instant turbo whoosh with an autobox doing all the work.

My concern would be that it just feels too slow for you coming from an M2.

[the-norseman]

popeyewhite said:

Cupra R

8-9k might just about get you in a semi decent MK2 LCR

[braddo]

Do you need back seats?

If not, you should be looking at sports cars (e.g. Boxster, Z4, SLK, tuned MX5 etc). Zipcar/rentals for when you need more space occasionally.