Hot Hatch between £3-3500

[BecauseDervCar]

Hi, due to a change of circumstances I can finally ditch my mk2 Focus 1.8 TDCi and I'm looking to get into something a bit more fun. Running out of ideas and with a lack of knowledge of the car market at the minute what would you suggest? The boot has got to be able to accomodate a moderately sized pram so anything like a Mini Cooper S is straight out the door, I sort of hope to be able to find something capable of achieving 30mpg when required, so basically plenty of shove and fun on the budget, what would PH'ers reccomend?

[Buff Mchugelarge]

At that budget the hot hatch world is your oyster.
Well, nearly

I'd personally say Renault Clio 172/182, Honda Type R, 106 Gti(with change), Fiesta St

Someone will be along in a minute to suggest a large BMW, a TVR or a motorbike.

[Bezza1969]

A really, really nice Peugeot 306 Rallye would fit into the category, or mint GTI-6...Clio 182 or Civic Type R as the other chap said!

[BorkFactor]

Astra MK4 GSI?

[BecauseDervCar]

I'm rather tall and find the Clio claustrophobic and terribly plasticky, even when compared to my old 106 gti, nice suggestion with the 106 GTI, just a tad old now and theres the factor of "been there, done that", is there any hidden gems or under the radar pocket rockets on the market? I've noticed that just a tiny bit above my budget could land me a 207 gti thp 175. I do like the ep3's I had an opportunity to use a premier edition ep3 for a day and loved it, in all honesty they do seem well built and are a fun drive, just trying to see what else is there

[BecauseDervCar]

BorkFactor said:

Astra MK4 GSI?

I do like them, nice cars, but is 30mpg realistic by any terms? I've also considered a mk5 sri turbo 200 but there seems to be a fair bit of issues with them that can be costly to fix

[RevoEvo7]

Bit of a leftfield choice - BMW 325Ti Compact?

[bigdom]

Golf Gti

[sim72]

Early 9N3 Polo Gti's are starting to drop into that bracket. Easily tweakable to 190bhp+ and great fun. Boot is a decent size too.

[BecauseDervCar]

RevoEvo7 said:

Bit of a leftfield choice - BMW 325Ti Compact?

Always loved the brand, but is 30mpg really achievable? Also I think a remapped 320d provides the same sort of performance, correct me if im mistaken

[IntriguedUser]

Fiesta ST isn't really a hot hatch, more a warm hatch! Still a good suggestion though

[BecauseDervCar]

sim72 said:

Early 9N3 Polo Gti's are starting to drop into that bracket. Easily tweakable to 190bhp+ and great fun. Boot is a decent size too.

Thats a good shout, thank you

[BecauseDervCar]

IntriguedUser said:

Fiesta ST isn't really a hot hatch, more a warm hatch! Still a good suggestion though

I've owned a Zetec S few years back, the high seating position of anything ford is just utterly weird, and as you say yourself, its rather warm but not hot

[s m]

BecauseDervCar said:

Always loved the brand, but is 30mpg really achievable?

Yes, although it will depend on the driving and type of journey, as with all the other cars

[BecauseDervCar]

s m said:

BecauseDervCar said:

Always loved the brand, but is 30mpg really achievable?

Yes, although it will depend on the driving and type of journey, as with all the other cars

True words, just wouldnt wanna end up with a hot hatch and then try hypermiling the living hell out of it because it has a nasty drinking habit

[danp]

Alternatives to hot hatches, reasonable boot on each:

Corrado, Integra/Accord Type-R, BMW 330i/Ci, Celica.

[DanGPR]

Seat Leon CupraR?

225bhp, decent boot, 5 doors, looks fairly good?

[sim72]

DanGPR said:

Seat Leon CupraR?

225bhp, decent boot, 5 doors, looks fairly good?

Great car but you'll struggle to get 30mpg out of it.

[harrisp]

Very nearly into 197 kinda money.

[GWS33]

BecauseDervCar said:

I've noticed that just a tiny bit above my budget could land me a 207 gti thp 175.

From personal experience i would stay away from a 207 GTI. It shares the same engine as the mini cooper s of that age. Lots of issues with high pressure fuel pumps, clogged inlet valves and many other stupid problems. Great fun cars to drive and did surprise A lot of faster cars but not the most reliable, but the biggest problem seems to be diagnosing the issues. The bucket seats are unbelievably comfy. If it wasn't for engine issues i would have another in a heartbeat. Check out the 207 owners club forum. Helpful guys and will tell you what to look for.