Fun, semi practical daily c.15-20k

[WakeFlakes]

Looking for a daily car thinking of around 15-20k.

I’ve got a couple of other fun cars, so doesn’t need to be bonkers. Just after something that won’t be dull to drive. I’ve got a dog (only a small/medium breed) so needs to be semi practical for the dog + a passenger, but not like a full on estate etc.

Up to around 5 years old, CarPlay, reasonable MPG (around 35+), not interested in a diesel.

Considerations at the moment:

Hyundai i20N: Seems like a lot of fun, but I’m coming up for 30 now and not sure I gel that well with the aesthetic.

Fiesta ST: as above, a little more subdued with the styling, but not a fan of the slapped on infotainment screen.

Polo GTi+: seems to be my favourite at the moment.

Trying to come up with some alternatives before going out and taking some out for a test drive. Have also been toying with the idea of p300 XE too but the lower running costs of the others appeal more.

[The_Doc]

Up GTi

-no CarPlay, but you mount your actual phone to the dash.
It will restore your faith in small fun cars.
You can rinse it anywhere and get 45mpg

Has a handbrake, has gears, is max fun.

I've daily-ed mine for 70,000miles

[WakeFlakes]

The_Doc said:

Up GTi

-no CarPlay, but you mount your actual phone to the dash.
It will restore your faith in small fun cars.
You can rinse it anywhere and get 45mpg

Has a handbrake, has gears, is max fun.

I've daily-ed mine for 70,000miles

You don’t find yourself wanting for a little bit more power wise? I daily drove an NA MX5 which should have had a similar power to be a little lacking at points.

I might give it a shout though, it’s a little bit smaller than I was thinking but they are a fair whack cheaper as well!

[Jimjimhim]

Latest BMW 135i is creeping into your budget,
or a Megane RS300
or Cupra Leon
or Hyundai i30

[WakeFlakes]

Jimjimhim said:

Latest BMW 135i is creeping into your budget,
or a Megane RS300
or Cupra Leon
or Hyundai i30

The m135i is an idea. They are at the top end though and I think only one is showing in budget that isn’t a repaired car.

The Megane and the CUPRA are still looking a little punchy price wise.

I like the I30N but not a fan of the slapped on infotainment screen. It’s not so bad in the i20N which is why it’s not on the list.

[CG2020UK]

FK8 Civic Type R

Fun and incredibly practical

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410245...

[WakeFlakes]

CG2020UK said:

FK8 Civic Type R

Fun and incredibly practical

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410245...

Had an FK8 before. I loved it while it was working but found it incredibly frustrating when it broke. Even though it was under warranty Honda were still disappointing with how they dealt with it. It seemed I was really unlucky with it, but not keen to get another.

[The_Doc]

WakeFlakes said:

You don’t find yourself wanting for a little bit more power wise? I daily drove an NA MX5 which should have had a similar power to be a little lacking at points.

I might give it a shout though, it’s a little bit smaller than I was thinking but they are a fair whack cheaper as well!

Had it remapped at 20k.
115 - - > 149
It spins its wheels now unless it's bone dry. More power would overwhelm it.

This isn't about monstrous power. It's about limits of grip and fun.
999 kg

[ChrisH72]

I'd go with the i20N. Reviews are great and although you'll need all of your budget for one I think residual values will be quite strong. The i30N has done well and the i20 will be a rare thing as they weren't produced for long. I'm not sure why being nearly 30 would bother you? I'm 52 and have just this year swapped my Fiesta ST3 for an mx5. I would've been happy with the i20N but felt like I needed a change from a hot hatch.

The Polo Gti is probably very easy to live with and also cheaper than the i20N. But it's auto only and from what I've read is not as much fun to drive if that matters.

The only other Supermini sized hot hatch to consider is the Mini. It'd be fine for one passenger and a dog as you just flip the back seats down. Actually there's also the Abarth 595, they're pretty cool.

Or go up a size. Gold Gti performance as a safe bet. 308Gti seems popular too.

[CG2020UK]

WakeFlakes said:

Had an FK8 before. I loved it while it was working but found it incredibly frustrating when it broke. Even though it was under warranty Honda were still disappointing with how they dealt with it. It seemed I was really unlucky with it, but not keen to get another.

Someone else was saying this exact same thing about the FL5 Type R so maybe not that unlucky!

Disappointing to hear from Honda.

[clarki]

I’m not much of a hot hatch fan but mrs clarki is. Had a few and the one that most impressed me was the Polo GTI. With the 2.0 engine and in plus trim it was great to drive, loads of midrange punch, great tech, the pan roof was a nice feature, 44mpg on a run, faultless in the 4 years and 20k miles and looked great in a grown up sort of way.



Only recently replaced with a JCW mini which is a bit quicker and grippier but has a terrible ride and is a bit small tbh.

[WakeFlakes]

ChrisH72 said:

I'd go with the i20N. Reviews are great and although you'll need all of your budget for one I think residual values will be quite strong. The i30N has done well and the i20 will be a rare thing as they weren't produced for long. I'm not sure why being nearly 30 would bother you? I'm 52 and have just this year swapped my Fiesta ST3 for an mx5. I would've been happy with the i20N but felt like I needed a change from a hot hatch.

The Polo Gti is probably very easy to live with and also cheaper than the i20N. But it's auto only and from what I've read is not as much fun to drive if that matters.

The only other Supermini sized hot hatch to consider is the Mini. It'd be fine for one passenger and a dog as you just flip the back seats down. Actually there's also the Abarth 595, they're pretty cool.

Or go up a size. Gold Gti performance as a safe bet. 308Gti seems popular too.

I guess it’s more about chavy perception of these cars, and the associated stereotype driver. I should probably care less about that!

I’ll take a look at the mini, looks like you can get a similar age JCW for the same price.

I looked at the Abarth as well but the servicing prices seemed quite high on them compared to the others!

[WakeFlakes]

clarki said:

I’m not much of a hot hatch fan but mrs clarki is. Had a few and the one that most impressed me was the Polo GTI. With the 2.0 engine and in plus trim it was great to drive, loads of midrange punch, great tech, the pan roof was a nice feature, 44mpg on a run, faultless in the 4 years and 20k miles and looked great in a grown up sort of way.

Only recently replaced with a JCW mini which is a bit quicker and grippier but has a terrible ride and is a bit small tbh.

That is interesting on the JCW swap. I think the Polo is winning for me at the moment, but it will be on the manual vs auto difference for me as I quite like having a manual but think I would quite like the auto for daily life

[ZX10R NIN]

308 GTI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412057...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412067...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411055...

Kia ProCeed GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410044...

Ceed GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412036...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412057...

i30N Fastback:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411286...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412097...

128Ti:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412157...

300 Trophy:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410295...

[nickfrog]

I agree that the ride on the JCW is a bit harsh but it's passable on 17s. I would test drive one before rumlijg them out. Mine is very economical if need be but really good fun otherwise. Turns in and changes direction well, compact so gives you better lines. Really strong engine and Brembo brakes. Super reliable and well within budget. I can even put my mountain bike in it so a passenger should be OK. 1,200 kgs DIN is good these days with a 2L.

[WakeFlakes]

ZX10R NIN said:

i30N Fastback:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411286...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412097...

Those fastbacks in that blue look really good!

[anonymous-user]

Jcw Clubman.

[ChevronB19]

WakeFlakes said:

The_Doc said:

Up GTi

-no CarPlay, but you mount your actual phone to the dash.
It will restore your faith in small fun cars.
You can rinse it anywhere and get 45mpg

Has a handbrake, has gears, is max fun.

I've daily-ed mine for 70,000miles

You don’t find yourself wanting for a little bit more power wise? I daily drove an NA MX5 which should have had a similar power to be a little lacking at points.

I might give it a shout though, it’s a little bit smaller than I was thinking but they are a fair whack cheaper as well!

I echo the-doc, Up GTi is like driving an overexcited puppy, and is (probably) one of the last ICE genuinely small hatches. Reminds me a lot of my old 205GTi’s.

Edited by ChevronB19 on Friday 27th December 10:28

[WakeFlakes]

ChevronB19 said:

I echo the-doc, Up GTi is like driving an overexcited puppy, and is (probably) one of the last ICE genuinely small hatches. Reminds me a lot of my old 205GTi’s.

Edited by ChevronB19 on Friday 27th December 10:28

Is that in standard guise or tuned?

I think my list has expanded a little. Polo GTi, Up Gti, JCW hatch, i30 & i20n, and the ST. Will need to set up some test drives in the new year!

[ChevronB19]

WakeFlakes said:

Is that in standard guise or tuned?

I think my list has expanded a little. Polo GTi, Up Gti, JCW hatch, i30 & i20n, and the ST. Will need to set up some test drives in the new year!

Mine is standard, but perfect for both town and Cumbrian b roads.