Company car replacement

[acme]

The imminent loss of my company car means I'm going to have to buy my first daily for a few years. This presents me with an opportunity to buy something more fun, I'm tired of dull cars for a daily.

I was on the look out for an Integra Type R for fun, which led me to the next best thing in my eyes an EP3 Civic Type R, but the more I think about it the more it's an old car, and I've become use to mod cons and relative comfort.

For a while a good friend's been looking for a replacement for his car and I've often suggested a Fiesta ST, MK7. So this is what I'm now thinking of.

A hot hatch seems to fit the bill, I don't have kids, need some practicality, have some great B roads on my door, but do need sensible running costs, and I do want a manual petrol. In essence a MK7 Golf GTI would be perfect, but it's too expensive (budget circa 9k) and I've run a Golf for the past 4 years, time for something different.

The Fiesta ST seems the only car which is universally praised, what am I missing?

Cheers in advance for contributions.

[ZX10R NIN]

The ST is a cracking choice but they hold there money well there are some other worthy options for your budget:

208 GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Giulietta Cloverleaf

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Kia Pro Cee'd GT Tech these are a decent steer but I'd say warm hatch rather than but they're worth a look.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.6T Clio RS200

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Type R GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Fiesta Mountune ST-3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[acme]

Many thanks for your suggestions, appreciated.

You’re not wrong about ST’s keeping their money, considering how cheap they were new they’re well over 50 percent four years on.

Test drove one today, came away impressed, not necessarily as I expected. Mid range is very good, nice noise, very stiff suspension being the main downside. Didn’t even mind the interior after years in German stuff.

[ZX10R NIN]

If the ST is to stiff for you try the 208 which is a little softer as is the Alfa, so if you can find one near you try to test drive I'd say do so.

[acme]

Many thanks for your suggestions, appreciated.

You’re not wrong about ST’s keeping their money, considering how cheap they were new they’re well over 50 percent four years on.

Test drove one today, came away impressed, not necessarily as I expected. Mid range is very good, nice noise, very stiff suspension being the main downside. Didn’t even mind the interior after years in German stuff.

[acme]

If anyone else has any suggestions input would be appreciated.

Seems like the Fiesta has it at the moment.

Cheers