mk7 Fiesta ST vs. Renaultsport Clio EDC vs. Polo GTI
Discussion
I've finally managed to sort my wife out with a nearly new family-friendly car that she likes, which means that I can go with something a bit smaller and more fun for myself (had a mk7 Golf for the last 6 years). I still need 4 seats, as I need to pick up my kids (13 and 11) from school on occasion and I commute 300 miles per week, so it needs to be somewhat comfortable/economical.
The one that I've had my eye on for a while is a mk7 Fiesta ST in Spirit Blue. I just think that Ford nailed this one in the looks department and they appear to be fairly tough and reliable. My childhood "real-world hero" car was the Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 and this feels like the modern equivalent, although I have yet to drive one. Bad points are that they get stolen and insurance is likely to be high and some say they can be a little firm in terms of ride.
Having said that, we have owned both a Fiesta 1.25 and a Clio 0.9 TCe in the past and in truth, I found the Clio a bit more fun to drive, so I was wondering if an RS Clio EDC might be a good alternative? Shame about the auto in a way but the extra doors are useful, they're quite good-looking cars (especially in Liquid Yellow) and as my commute is a mix of urban, B-roads and dual carriageway, maybe it would be a bit more comfortable/refined/a better all-rounder? Is that a "dry clutch" twin clutch gearbox in the Clio and if so, can they be problematic?
Which brings me to the Polo GTI. I wouldn't say that my mk7 Golf has been a fun car but it has been fantastically easy to live with and very reliable. The current Polo is bigger than the Fiesta/Clio and almost negates the Golf GTI really, as it's big enough and the mk8 Golf seems like a bit of a backwards step over the mk7, which makes the Polo more appealing, especially as it shares the Golf GTI's engine. It's a smart-looking little car with no SEAT/Skoda equivalent, so an interesting leftfield choice but is it a bit less fun than the Fiesta/Clio?
I'm pretty sure that you can get a decent Fiesta ST/RS Clio for around 10k, the Polo is probably a little more but would be a slightly newer car. Which one of these three "pocket rockets" would you go for?
The one that I've had my eye on for a while is a mk7 Fiesta ST in Spirit Blue. I just think that Ford nailed this one in the looks department and they appear to be fairly tough and reliable. My childhood "real-world hero" car was the Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 and this feels like the modern equivalent, although I have yet to drive one. Bad points are that they get stolen and insurance is likely to be high and some say they can be a little firm in terms of ride.
Having said that, we have owned both a Fiesta 1.25 and a Clio 0.9 TCe in the past and in truth, I found the Clio a bit more fun to drive, so I was wondering if an RS Clio EDC might be a good alternative? Shame about the auto in a way but the extra doors are useful, they're quite good-looking cars (especially in Liquid Yellow) and as my commute is a mix of urban, B-roads and dual carriageway, maybe it would be a bit more comfortable/refined/a better all-rounder? Is that a "dry clutch" twin clutch gearbox in the Clio and if so, can they be problematic?
Which brings me to the Polo GTI. I wouldn't say that my mk7 Golf has been a fun car but it has been fantastically easy to live with and very reliable. The current Polo is bigger than the Fiesta/Clio and almost negates the Golf GTI really, as it's big enough and the mk8 Golf seems like a bit of a backwards step over the mk7, which makes the Polo more appealing, especially as it shares the Golf GTI's engine. It's a smart-looking little car with no SEAT/Skoda equivalent, so an interesting leftfield choice but is it a bit less fun than the Fiesta/Clio?
I'm pretty sure that you can get a decent Fiesta ST/RS Clio for around 10k, the Polo is probably a little more but would be a slightly newer car. Which one of these three "pocket rockets" would you go for?
white_goodman said:
Having said that, we have owned both a Fiesta 1.25 and a Clio 0.9 TCe in the past and in truth, I found the Clio a bit more fun to drive, so I was wondering if an RS Clio EDC might be a good alternative? Shame about the auto in a way but the extra doors are useful, they're quite good-looking cars (especially in Liquid Yellow) and as my commute is a mix of urban, B-roads and dual carriageway, maybe it would be a bit more comfortable/refined/a better all-rounder? Is that a "dry clutch" twin clutch gearbox in the Clio and if so, can they be problematic?
Why "shame about the auto". It's a good transmission, made by Getrag. For the urban part of your regular commute, it's probably a good thing to have. I think Renault were just a bit early to the automatic-only hot hatch trend.I've looked at these Clios before, but never been brave enough to buy one. I think they stopped making them in 2016, so the youngest ones out there are ten years old now.
A lot of them have had a hard life, and the mollycoddled low mileage ones are all pretty expensive...
spreadsheet monkey said:
Why "shame about the auto". It's a good transmission, made by Getrag. For the urban part of your regular commute, it's probably a good thing to have. I think Renault were just a bit early to the automatic-only hot hatch trend.
I've looked at these Clios before, but never been brave enough to buy one. I think they stopped making them in 2016, so the youngest ones out there are ten years old now.
A lot of them have had a hard life, and the mollycoddled low mileage ones are all pretty expensive...
Just that an auto is just a bit less interactive/fun possibly but maybe the 4th gen Clio RS customer was more mature than the average Fiesta ST customer, so less likely to be thrashed? You're right that it would be easier to live with in traffic and wouldn't really matter on the DC though. Polo is also exclusively DSG I think?I've looked at these Clios before, but never been brave enough to buy one. I think they stopped making them in 2016, so the youngest ones out there are ten years old now.
A lot of them have had a hard life, and the mollycoddled low mileage ones are all pretty expensive...
I think that the Clio RS ran until 2019 actually and gained 20bhp at some point but I'm not sure when. It's not immediately obvious in the ads which is a 200 and which is a 220.
I feel qualified to chime in on this, having owned all 3 examples! I bought a mk7 Fiesta ST brand new, a Clio 200 EDC brand new, and just over 3 years ago bought a 2020 Polo GTI Approved Used - I still have it, and am only just looking at changing.
In my opinion, the Fiesta is the most fun, the Polo is the most sensible and the Clio is a middle ground between the two. As much as I'm a Renaultsport fan boy, I do struggle to recommend it over the Fiesta as they're similar prices, both are just as likely to have ropey examples that have lived hard lives (but also plenty of enthusiast owned examples around too). The Clio is only really a shout over the Fiesta if you want something a bit different/an auto.
The Polo does get a rep for being boring, and whilst it is certainly less fun than the others, it does handle really well, has a punchy engine and slick DSG and is more than capable of being thrown around a country road. It's also the most grown up feeling and arguably the best all-rounder, proven by the point it's the car I've owned the longest out of the 3. It is also the most expensive, as you've noted.
In my opinion, the Fiesta is the most fun, the Polo is the most sensible and the Clio is a middle ground between the two. As much as I'm a Renaultsport fan boy, I do struggle to recommend it over the Fiesta as they're similar prices, both are just as likely to have ropey examples that have lived hard lives (but also plenty of enthusiast owned examples around too). The Clio is only really a shout over the Fiesta if you want something a bit different/an auto.
The Polo does get a rep for being boring, and whilst it is certainly less fun than the others, it does handle really well, has a punchy engine and slick DSG and is more than capable of being thrown around a country road. It's also the most grown up feeling and arguably the best all-rounder, proven by the point it's the car I've owned the longest out of the 3. It is also the most expensive, as you've noted.
I have a MK7 ST, which I have modified (mechanically) quite extensively.
But, out of the box they are fantastic, I had a BMW M135i I bought at a year old, my son had the ST bbut wanted an upgrade to a Golf R, but needed the 8k from the Fiesta, so I give him the money and said would sell the car.
I ended up driving it more than the BMW, I honestly at least felt I was going quicker, the confidence they give is fantastic, they get better the faster you go, where the BMW just fell apart over 6/10ths.
The BMW was a nice engine in a poor chassis, good daily but wasnt a hot hatch, felt more like a downsized barge with an auto box.
So, dropped the BMW off at WBAC and have had the Fiesta like five years.
They are a little bit bouncy as standard, not a car I would do 20k a year in lightly but neither is it really hard work, mine is a bit now but its ended up a track day/spare car as have a Jag XJ now as well.
But, I would struggle to sell it, great as standard, utterly manic when modified properly with 300 odd bhp, LSD, big brakes, coilovers etc, but, would say dont go mad if its a daily, maybe a remap.
Make sure they have good tyres on, they dont work properly on budgets, doesnt need to be PS5 but midrange or above, make sure its bushes and suspension are all serviceable and check the alignment is spot on. Get a good one, and it not a bad place to put a few quid, they are rock bottom now but folk will realise how good they were and when there were loads about cheap, wont be mega prices but I think if old XR2s can command 10k plus, these were ten times better.
Not driven the Polo, but its sort of a hot hatch for lads whose mums pull their face at a Ford, pretty rapid but sounds like they are a bit sensible.
But, out of the box they are fantastic, I had a BMW M135i I bought at a year old, my son had the ST bbut wanted an upgrade to a Golf R, but needed the 8k from the Fiesta, so I give him the money and said would sell the car.
I ended up driving it more than the BMW, I honestly at least felt I was going quicker, the confidence they give is fantastic, they get better the faster you go, where the BMW just fell apart over 6/10ths.
The BMW was a nice engine in a poor chassis, good daily but wasnt a hot hatch, felt more like a downsized barge with an auto box.
So, dropped the BMW off at WBAC and have had the Fiesta like five years.
They are a little bit bouncy as standard, not a car I would do 20k a year in lightly but neither is it really hard work, mine is a bit now but its ended up a track day/spare car as have a Jag XJ now as well.
But, I would struggle to sell it, great as standard, utterly manic when modified properly with 300 odd bhp, LSD, big brakes, coilovers etc, but, would say dont go mad if its a daily, maybe a remap.
Make sure they have good tyres on, they dont work properly on budgets, doesnt need to be PS5 but midrange or above, make sure its bushes and suspension are all serviceable and check the alignment is spot on. Get a good one, and it not a bad place to put a few quid, they are rock bottom now but folk will realise how good they were and when there were loads about cheap, wont be mega prices but I think if old XR2s can command 10k plus, these were ten times better.
Not driven the Polo, but its sort of a hot hatch for lads whose mums pull their face at a Ford, pretty rapid but sounds like they are a bit sensible.
The Fiesta is probably the one you want all-round. Common but popular for good reason. 5doors are rare so unsure if 3dr is a deal-breaker. You can get them very cheap now but finding decent unmolested examples without horrific mods is hard. Also, they get stolen for fun, so check insurance prices. One way round this is going for an ST1 without keyless entry/start, but these are also rare and bare bone spec (halogen lights, all fabric seets, basic stereo). I test drove one when they first came out and, has to be said, probably the most fun car I've ever driven.
Polo GTI, for me, just a bit meh and I'm a VAG fan. People think it's a mini Golf GTI but I disagree. Not one I'd really consider. If you do, make sure it's the 1.8 TSI onwards and not that 1.4 twin-charged engine with all the issues.
I really like the Clio since they came out and feel like they got some unfair treatment on their release. I was looking at them quite seriously before i got my M135 as a good used buy and did drive one. I'm more of a decent auto fan these days and it's a good strong box. Never seen many issues with them reported, but saying that not alot of people bought them. If rarity is a factor, then thats a plus point. 5dr only but the doors are quite cleverly hidden. It's a Nissan motor so that's also pretty strong. The 'box is no DSG but it's not bad and the paddles are great to use. I'd try one and see what you think.
Other rival options to consider; Fabia vRS, Ibiza Cupra, 208 GTI, Abarth, Mini Cooper S, Corsa VXR. I'd probably go with the Clio, but the issue I found was getting a good spec one in budget, so pre-facelift with the Lux pack, parking sensors/rear cam, leather seats (RS Monitor and LY paint nice to have also).
Polo GTI, for me, just a bit meh and I'm a VAG fan. People think it's a mini Golf GTI but I disagree. Not one I'd really consider. If you do, make sure it's the 1.8 TSI onwards and not that 1.4 twin-charged engine with all the issues.
I really like the Clio since they came out and feel like they got some unfair treatment on their release. I was looking at them quite seriously before i got my M135 as a good used buy and did drive one. I'm more of a decent auto fan these days and it's a good strong box. Never seen many issues with them reported, but saying that not alot of people bought them. If rarity is a factor, then thats a plus point. 5dr only but the doors are quite cleverly hidden. It's a Nissan motor so that's also pretty strong. The 'box is no DSG but it's not bad and the paddles are great to use. I'd try one and see what you think.
Other rival options to consider; Fabia vRS, Ibiza Cupra, 208 GTI, Abarth, Mini Cooper S, Corsa VXR. I'd probably go with the Clio, but the issue I found was getting a good spec one in budget, so pre-facelift with the Lux pack, parking sensors/rear cam, leather seats (RS Monitor and LY paint nice to have also).
My vote would definitely go for the mk7 st , I have one in spirit blue been absolutely fantastic, I’ve taken it to about 240bhp now and that seems about right for the road , feels proper quick in 3/4th gear , I’m still on standard suspension set up which for me is absolutely fine but is quite harsh at low speeds I don’t do massive miles so not a problem for me, could get tiresome perhaps on longer distances. Also a massive amount of tuning potential on this 4 pot which seems to take it fine , if that’s your thing.
Bought a 2015 Spirit Blue ST2 last summer with 110,000m on it. FSH, one owner car and it drives like it has half the mileage on it. My sister had a 3 door Polo GTI with the 1.8Turbo and I'd echo what others have said, solid car but nowhere as fun, eager, tactile, etc.
Insurance on mine is cheap - £198 for a fully comp 5000 miles a year policy. less than the wife's 2.0TDI Yeti. I also live in West Yorkshire but I am 58 so maybe that balances it out. Seeing the theft stories I went for an Laserline immobiliser for some peace of mind although my insurer didn't ask for one.
Insurance on mine is cheap - £198 for a fully comp 5000 miles a year policy. less than the wife's 2.0TDI Yeti. I also live in West Yorkshire but I am 58 so maybe that balances it out. Seeing the theft stories I went for an Laserline immobiliser for some peace of mind although my insurer didn't ask for one.
white_goodman said:
I've finally managed to sort my wife out with a nearly new family-friendly car that she likes, which means that I can go with something a bit smaller and more fun for myself (had a mk7 Golf for the last 6 years). I still need 4 seats, as I need to pick up my kids (13 and 11) from school on occasion and I commute 300 miles per week, so it needs to be somewhat comfortable/economical.
The one that I've had my eye on for a while is a mk7 Fiesta ST in Spirit Blue. I just think that Ford nailed this one in the looks department and they appear to be fairly tough and reliable. My childhood "real-world hero" car was the Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 and this feels like the modern equivalent, although I have yet to drive one. Bad points are that they get stolen and insurance is likely to be high and some say they can be a little firm in terms of ride.
Having said that, we have owned both a Fiesta 1.25 and a Clio 0.9 TCe in the past and in truth, I found the Clio a bit more fun to drive, so I was wondering if an RS Clio EDC might be a good alternative? Shame about the auto in a way but the extra doors are useful, they're quite good-looking cars (especially in Liquid Yellow) and as my commute is a mix of urban, B-roads and dual carriageway, maybe it would be a bit more comfortable/refined/a better all-rounder? Is that a "dry clutch" twin clutch gearbox in the Clio and if so, can they be problematic?
Which brings me to the Polo GTI. I wouldn't say that my mk7 Golf has been a fun car but it has been fantastically easy to live with and very reliable. The current Polo is bigger than the Fiesta/Clio and almost negates the Golf GTI really, as it's big enough and the mk8 Golf seems like a bit of a backwards step over the mk7, which makes the Polo more appealing, especially as it shares the Golf GTI's engine. It's a smart-looking little car with no SEAT/Skoda equivalent, so an interesting leftfield choice but is it a bit less fun than the Fiesta/Clio?
I'm pretty sure that you can get a decent Fiesta ST/RS Clio for around 10k, the Polo is probably a little more but would be a slightly newer car. Which one of these three "pocket rockets" would you go for?
The Clio is actually a very good car & a fun steer, the Fiesta & 208's are a bit sharper but all three are more fun than the Polo.The one that I've had my eye on for a while is a mk7 Fiesta ST in Spirit Blue. I just think that Ford nailed this one in the looks department and they appear to be fairly tough and reliable. My childhood "real-world hero" car was the Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 and this feels like the modern equivalent, although I have yet to drive one. Bad points are that they get stolen and insurance is likely to be high and some say they can be a little firm in terms of ride.
Having said that, we have owned both a Fiesta 1.25 and a Clio 0.9 TCe in the past and in truth, I found the Clio a bit more fun to drive, so I was wondering if an RS Clio EDC might be a good alternative? Shame about the auto in a way but the extra doors are useful, they're quite good-looking cars (especially in Liquid Yellow) and as my commute is a mix of urban, B-roads and dual carriageway, maybe it would be a bit more comfortable/refined/a better all-rounder? Is that a "dry clutch" twin clutch gearbox in the Clio and if so, can they be problematic?
Which brings me to the Polo GTI. I wouldn't say that my mk7 Golf has been a fun car but it has been fantastically easy to live with and very reliable. The current Polo is bigger than the Fiesta/Clio and almost negates the Golf GTI really, as it's big enough and the mk8 Golf seems like a bit of a backwards step over the mk7, which makes the Polo more appealing, especially as it shares the Golf GTI's engine. It's a smart-looking little car with no SEAT/Skoda equivalent, so an interesting leftfield choice but is it a bit less fun than the Fiesta/Clio?
I'm pretty sure that you can get a decent Fiesta ST/RS Clio for around 10k, the Polo is probably a little more but would be a slightly newer car. Which one of these three "pocket rockets" would you go for?
The Trophy model is the one to go for when it comes to the RS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601249...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602069...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602049...
The 208 GTI Prestige is a very good alternative to all of the three options you listed:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601139...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507294...
The Fiesta is a riot.
Now my actual pick at this price point would be the PS308 GTI, yes the brakes are a bit pricey when they need replacing BUT they're great aftermarket options at sensible money.
As for the rest of the car it's a peach of a drive:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602019...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602049...
Leftfield
Giulietta Cloverleaf:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602079...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 16th February 19:14
I had my 66 plate ST3 for 4 years and it was brilliant. 83k miles on it when I sold it and no real issues other than new rear bushes which is common. It was great fun, cheap to run and although I worried about theft it fortunately never happened to me. Main things to do are use a disklok, keep keys in a Faraday pouch and if you like relocate the OBD port (I never did this).
The ride is a bit bouncy and you'd have to see if it suits you for 300 miles a week. I didn't do many long journeys so it wasn't a problem.
208 Gti by PS was one of the main competitors.
The ride is a bit bouncy and you'd have to see if it suits you for 300 miles a week. I didn't do many long journeys so it wasn't a problem.
208 Gti by PS was one of the main competitors.
Burny16v said:
I feel qualified to chime in on this, having owned all 3 examples! I bought a mk7 Fiesta ST brand new, a Clio 200 EDC brand new, and just over 3 years ago bought a 2020 Polo GTI Approved Used - I still have it, and am only just looking at changing.
In my opinion, the Fiesta is the most fun, the Polo is the most sensible and the Clio is a middle ground between the two. As much as I'm a Renaultsport fan boy, I do struggle to recommend it over the Fiesta as they're similar prices, both are just as likely to have ropey examples that have lived hard lives (but also plenty of enthusiast owned examples around too). The Clio is only really a shout over the Fiesta if you want something a bit different/an auto.
The Polo does get a rep for being boring, and whilst it is certainly less fun than the others, it does handle really well, has a punchy engine and slick DSG and is more than capable of being thrown around a country road. It's also the most grown up feeling and arguably the best all-rounder, proven by the point it's the car I've owned the longest out of the 3. It is also the most expensive, as you've noted.
Thanks for that. What are you considering next? Hyundai i20N?In my opinion, the Fiesta is the most fun, the Polo is the most sensible and the Clio is a middle ground between the two. As much as I'm a Renaultsport fan boy, I do struggle to recommend it over the Fiesta as they're similar prices, both are just as likely to have ropey examples that have lived hard lives (but also plenty of enthusiast owned examples around too). The Clio is only really a shout over the Fiesta if you want something a bit different/an auto.
The Polo does get a rep for being boring, and whilst it is certainly less fun than the others, it does handle really well, has a punchy engine and slick DSG and is more than capable of being thrown around a country road. It's also the most grown up feeling and arguably the best all-rounder, proven by the point it's the car I've owned the longest out of the 3. It is also the most expensive, as you've noted.
Out of interest, of the 3, which was the most economical?
J4CKO said:
I have a MK7 ST, which I have modified (mechanically) quite extensively.
But, out of the box they are fantastic, I had a BMW M135i I bought at a year old, my son had the ST bbut wanted an upgrade to a Golf R, but needed the 8k from the Fiesta, so I give him the money and said would sell the car.
I ended up driving it more than the BMW, I honestly at least felt I was going quicker, the confidence they give is fantastic, they get better the faster you go, where the BMW just fell apart over 6/10ths.
The BMW was a nice engine in a poor chassis, good daily but wasnt a hot hatch, felt more like a downsized barge with an auto box.
So, dropped the BMW off at WBAC and have had the Fiesta like five years.
They are a little bit bouncy as standard, not a car I would do 20k a year in lightly but neither is it really hard work, mine is a bit now but its ended up a track day/spare car as have a Jag XJ now as well.
But, I would struggle to sell it, great as standard, utterly manic when modified properly with 300 odd bhp, LSD, big brakes, coilovers etc, but, would say dont go mad if its a daily, maybe a remap.
Make sure they have good tyres on, they dont work properly on budgets, doesnt need to be PS5 but midrange or above, make sure its bushes and suspension are all serviceable and check the alignment is spot on. Get a good one, and it not a bad place to put a few quid, they are rock bottom now but folk will realise how good they were and when there were loads about cheap, wont be mega prices but I think if old XR2s can command 10k plus, these were ten times better.
Not driven the Polo, but its sort of a hot hatch for lads whose mums pull their face at a Ford, pretty rapid but sounds like they are a bit sensible.
300bhp? That sounds like quite a weapon! I'd quite like to find one with the Mountune Stage 1 tune (215bhp or so)? M135i/M140i also appeals but it's going to be ropey for 10k and I get the sense it's more of a cruiser like you say.But, out of the box they are fantastic, I had a BMW M135i I bought at a year old, my son had the ST bbut wanted an upgrade to a Golf R, but needed the 8k from the Fiesta, so I give him the money and said would sell the car.
I ended up driving it more than the BMW, I honestly at least felt I was going quicker, the confidence they give is fantastic, they get better the faster you go, where the BMW just fell apart over 6/10ths.
The BMW was a nice engine in a poor chassis, good daily but wasnt a hot hatch, felt more like a downsized barge with an auto box.
So, dropped the BMW off at WBAC and have had the Fiesta like five years.
They are a little bit bouncy as standard, not a car I would do 20k a year in lightly but neither is it really hard work, mine is a bit now but its ended up a track day/spare car as have a Jag XJ now as well.
But, I would struggle to sell it, great as standard, utterly manic when modified properly with 300 odd bhp, LSD, big brakes, coilovers etc, but, would say dont go mad if its a daily, maybe a remap.
Make sure they have good tyres on, they dont work properly on budgets, doesnt need to be PS5 but midrange or above, make sure its bushes and suspension are all serviceable and check the alignment is spot on. Get a good one, and it not a bad place to put a few quid, they are rock bottom now but folk will realise how good they were and when there were loads about cheap, wont be mega prices but I think if old XR2s can command 10k plus, these were ten times better.
Not driven the Polo, but its sort of a hot hatch for lads whose mums pull their face at a Ford, pretty rapid but sounds like they are a bit sensible.
culpz said:
The Fiesta is probably the one you want all-round. Common but popular for good reason. 5doors are rare so unsure if 3dr is a deal-breaker. You can get them very cheap now but finding decent unmolested examples without horrific mods is hard. Also, they get stolen for fun, so check insurance prices. One way round this is going for an ST1 without keyless entry/start, but these are also rare and bare bone spec (halogen lights, all fabric seets, basic stereo). I test drove one when they first came out and, has to be said, probably the most fun car I've ever driven.
Polo GTI, for me, just a bit meh and I'm a VAG fan. People think it's a mini Golf GTI but I disagree. Not one I'd really consider. If you do, make sure it's the 1.8 TSI onwards and not that 1.4 twin-charged engine with all the issues.
I really like the Clio since they came out and feel like they got some unfair treatment on their release. I was looking at them quite seriously before i got my M135 as a good used buy and did drive one. I'm more of a decent auto fan these days and it's a good strong box. Never seen many issues with them reported, but saying that not alot of people bought them. If rarity is a factor, then thats a plus point. 5dr only but the doors are quite cleverly hidden. It's a Nissan motor so that's also pretty strong. The 'box is no DSG but it's not bad and the paddles are great to use. I'd try one and see what you think.
Other rival options to consider; Fabia vRS, Ibiza Cupra, 208 GTI, Abarth, Mini Cooper S, Corsa VXR. I'd probably go with the Clio, but the issue I found was getting a good spec one in budget, so pre-facelift with the Lux pack, parking sensors/rear cam, leather seats (RS Monitor and LY paint nice to have also).
3 doors on the Fiesta is not a deal-breaker on the ST at all (in fact I didn't realise that you could get 5 doors on the mk7) and IMHO the 3 door looks better.Polo GTI, for me, just a bit meh and I'm a VAG fan. People think it's a mini Golf GTI but I disagree. Not one I'd really consider. If you do, make sure it's the 1.8 TSI onwards and not that 1.4 twin-charged engine with all the issues.
I really like the Clio since they came out and feel like they got some unfair treatment on their release. I was looking at them quite seriously before i got my M135 as a good used buy and did drive one. I'm more of a decent auto fan these days and it's a good strong box. Never seen many issues with them reported, but saying that not alot of people bought them. If rarity is a factor, then thats a plus point. 5dr only but the doors are quite cleverly hidden. It's a Nissan motor so that's also pretty strong. The 'box is no DSG but it's not bad and the paddles are great to use. I'd try one and see what you think.
Other rival options to consider; Fabia vRS, Ibiza Cupra, 208 GTI, Abarth, Mini Cooper S, Corsa VXR. I'd probably go with the Clio, but the issue I found was getting a good spec one in budget, so pre-facelift with the Lux pack, parking sensors/rear cam, leather seats (RS Monitor and LY paint nice to have also).
I know that there have been other Polo GTIs but the one that I am thinking of is the current gen, which has the 2.0 TSI EA888 from the Golf GTI (albeit at a lower state of tune)? I think they look pretty smart and make the "gold standard" Golf GTI seem poor value/a bit superfluous.
I've had an R56 MINI and liked it but it has the same engine as the Peugeot and those engines have many reliability issues, so I would avoid. I'm not sure if Peugeot has made a decent petrol engines for about 20 years!
Edited by white_goodman on Monday 16th February 23:38
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