What car. Cheap hatch downgrade from e92 330i

[AndyLB]

Hi.

I’ve had an e92 330i for the past 18 months. My favourite things about it are the comfort, level of trim and the ability to pick up its skirts when needed.

Also as it’s an N52 engine, the lack of any inherent issues like the N53 has and also the lack of twin turbos that the 335i has.

Now looking to downgrade because due to a change in job I’m commuting through Manchester City centre and the big old girl isn’t cut out for clunking over potholes every day (runflats don’t help). Also quite expensive to run, averaging 16mpg with £27 p/m tax.

I want to go smaller, I’d like to save £1000 a year on tax, petrol and insurance, whilst still having an interesting hot hatch, preferably with good spec (I.e. leather, cruise, climate) Budget 5k

My thoughts are:
Suzuki Ignis sport 1.5 (cheap option)
Twingo 133 Gordini
Corsa VXR
VW High up! (Ok not hot, not even warm, but 80s retro)

Any suggestions from the wise PH community?

Edited by AndyLB on Saturday 3rd February 08:41

[Cdaulby]

Cooper s jcw?

[LasseV]

Alfa Rome MiTo 155hp T-jet

Or that Suzuki....

[Mr2Mike]

You could get a good Swift Sport for that budget. Cruise and climate, but never seen one with leather so dont know if it was ever an option.

[ZX10R NIN]

Alfa Mito Cloverleaf 170bhp (so it'll be nippy) Leather & they're a decent car but seem light insurance wise.

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

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 3rd February 14:09

[Nickp82]

Mr2Mike said:

You could get a good Swift Sport for that budget. Cruise and climate, but never seen one with leather so dont know if it was ever an option.

This would be my choice for sure, ideally a later mark 2 car (61 plate onward) as they ride really well and have much better kit plus a 6 speed box.