£17-18k upgrade from a Polo Looking for a "Hidden Gem"

[nd123]

Hi all,

Looking to move on from my 2013 VW Polo. It’s been a bit of a "bad luck" car recently, so I’m looking for something more grown-up, automatic, and petrol-only. I'm a guy in my late 20s so I also want it to look good and be fun to drive.

The Brief:

Budget: £17k–£18k

Age: 2021 or newer (aiming for 5-7 years of ownership, so want to "future-proof" on tech).

Spec Essentials: Adaptive Cruise, decent Android Auto integration. It would be nice to have a comfortable drive (heated seats + steeering too)

The Feel: Needs to feel modern and somewhat premium. I want to avoid anything that feels "plasticky" or basic.

The "Standard" shortlist (and why I'm struggling with them):

Golf Mk8 / Audi A3: At this price point, I'm finding high-mileage examples or basic trims that lack simple things like a reversing camera.

BMW 1 Series: Maintenance and insurance premiums seem high for what you actually get.

Mazda 3: Lovely interior, but the infotainment and lack of a full digital cockpit feel a bit dated compared to the others.

Mercedes A-Class: Sat in a few and the interior felt surprisingly "creaky" and cheap in places.

Lexus CT200h: Just feels a bit clunky and ancient inside now.

The "Wildcard": The 2021+ DS 4 (1.6 PureTech) has caught my eye. On paper, it seems to offer a much higher quality interior and better tech for the money than a similarly priced Golf.

Any thoughts team?

[DaveyBoyWonder]

I'd personally be placing comfortable drive ahead of adaptive cruise!

Cars are mad expensive now but if you go a year older on the Golf search it opens up the last of the mk7.5s which (IMHO) look far nicer than the mk8 does anyway and gives you a bit more of a range to look at.

Loads of Minis around at that price?

[ZX10R NIN]

Forget the DS4 go for the DS9, they're very nice inside & have the same 1.6t h drivetrain:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509266...

Mazda3 GT Sport Tech:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511208...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511218...

Kia Ceed GT Line S:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511037...

Giulia Sprint:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511117...

[7184c]

XC40?

[ChrisH72]

Honda Civic

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025120984...

[POIDH]

Polestar 2 - extended range if you need it.

[h.cunningham]

Ford Focus MK4.5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510287...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511187...


These are not wetbelt-driven ecoboosts, these are chain-driven, so it is safe.


or VW group, slightly older but essentially a cheaper VW Golf 7.5 with the same bits but for a lower price usually with more tech


Seat Leon FR sport 2.0 tsi

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512058...


FR Black Edition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511117...

or Koren

Hyundai I30 N Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511218...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511288...

Edited by h.cunningham on Friday 2nd January 23:48

Edited by h.cunningham on Saturday 3rd January 09:52

Edited by h.cunningham on Saturday 3rd January 13:29

[M.F.D]

What is it about the 1 series that is higher maintenance than the equivalent Golf / A3? My dad just bought a brand new 120 and was told it's 2yr service intervals. His insurance was also buttons.

[plfrench]

Could EV work for you? If so, what about a Cupra Born?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025112080...

[Rob 131 Sport]

I’ve recently bought Mrs 131 Sport a 3 year old BMW 118i M Sport and it’s a reasonable car that I can’t see be fortunes to maintain. It will of course get annual servicing.

There are many within the BMW used network and prices are really competitive. I don’t think you could go far wrong with an Audi A3 or a Golf, although for me the BMW is favourite.