Looking for suggestions on Next car

[Encephalitis]

So I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that due to various changes in circumstances, that I am going to have to sell my Porsche 911 997 that I purchased ~18months ago and get something a little more practical, although I have for the past year been singing from the roof tops about how practical it is.

A little about the car will be expected of daily
Commuting ~60 miles daily, mixture of inner city driving + dual carriageway. around ~10,000 per year total
Parking on a street, with infuriatingly tight/limited space

A little about what id like:
To spend <7.5k ideally - could stretch to 8k if the ideal car identified
Something that is a bit different to the crowd
<60,000 miles
Ideally under 6 years old
Not too pricey to run
Something that is fun to drive and i dont want to go from the power of the 911 to feeling I can never pull out of a junction!
A coupe/hatchback

I know a lot of people will likely say "Keep the porsche" and in an ideal world I would, but that isnt really an option. However i am in no huge rush to do the exchange so can wait for a good deal etc

Ive been doing some browsing and some options ive considered:

Honda CRZ - I love the concept of this car, a sporty hybrid. Its semi efficient, and semi quick. I think it looks great. All reports say great stearing/handling. But it seems pricey for what is actually is and insurance quotes are surprisingly high (im guessing because most people mod them?)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Peugeot 208 GTI - From all reports its speedy and nice to drive. Good equipment inside as standard. Reasonable economy. Similar insurance quotes to the CRZ but seems to warrant it due to its speed
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Volvo S60 - left field I know, very different to the coupe body style i prefer, but Its a lot of car for the money! Good economy, and good insurance quotes too
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

BMW 3 Series - Id have to go older to get one in price range, and pricey running/service costs. Looks amazing inside and out.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Id love any tips/guidance. Other suggestions, or comments on those suggested!


Thanks!

[MrGTI6]

The 208 GTI is good value and a great all-rounder.

Some people don't get on with the driving position in these, but personally I think they are fine. Try one to make sure you're happy with it, and if you are then that's definitely the one to go for in my opinion!

[EeeTea]

Seriously, my BBR tweaked Mazda 3 is perfect for what you describe. TBH I'll be sad to see it go - it's been replaced with a BMW 520d - better suited to the 300-400 mile journeys I have to make in a day now.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...


Nor, am I just saying that, it is a stonkingly good car in its class, (no not a porsche, but cheap to run, comfortable, well equipped and this one has not been ragged, and been seriously loved. 168HP at the wheels, (200 BHP?) 50+ to the gallon petrol.

Edited by EeeTea on Thursday 1st March 19:14

[Encephalitis]

I actually went for a test drive in a mazda previously and was majorly impressed with their interior etc etc, so that is a serious contender! Thanks - ill peruse your advert now

I actually live around the corner from a Peugeot garage so I will try arrange a test drive after all this snow departs us

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Clio RS200 in either standard or Silverstone edition version which come with the Recaros:

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

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

Non Cup Car

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

Cup Car

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

[Encephalitis]

So I went for a test drive of a 208 GTi today.... Big fan. Had a smile on my face the entire time!

[culpz]

Fiesta ST? Megane 250/265? Mini Cooper S?