Best hot hatch or fast car for daily commute

[JohnsMCS]

I’m a big fan of hot hatches but haven’t had one in a while so I’m getting the itch.

The problem is my commute is 320 miles per week, so fuel consumption would ideally be above 30 for this journey (mostly DC) and also it needs to be comfortable enough not to drive me mad with NVH levels (probably rules out my favourite(due to reputation of reliability) FN2 type R

Budget is up to 8k, preferably closer to 6 with a slush fund...

Any thoughts? Petrols preffered but diesel considered

[Matt600]

Megane RS MKIII? Should be able to get a 250/265 for that?

[Blanchimont]

Megane RS is a good shout, but it is quite a jarring ride, and will be pretty much a tank of fuel a week. I only ever managed early 30's out of mine, around 33ish at normal cruising speeds.

For that, I would suggest something like either a 123D, or a 330D.

[CX53]

Focus ST?

[Zarco]

Can you get a M135i for that much yet?

[Jamescrs]

I'd say a MK2 Focus ST but not the most economical of cars, you may nudge 30mpg on a run on a good day. Realistically I'd say more like 25

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say a Megane RS you'll see early 30's the ride isn't bone jarring it's firm, with a budget of 8k I'd say would have to compromise somewhere.

If you want a swift car then I'd say take a look at the CLK320cdi Sport:add a map & you'll be at 290bhp 550lb/ft with high 40's mpg wise & they're a decent steer to, I couldn't fault mine.

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

[Chestrockwell]

Some sort of Leon FR/Cupra, maybe a GTI/GTD, could get a tidy MK5 for 6ish and pocket the rest.

[Swervin_Mervin]

130i

[Gordon_Roslin]

Focus RS MKII.

[Mr Tidy]

Swervin_Mervin said:

130i

+1

[DukeDickson]

Not sure many of the suggested options so far are going to stay within the 6-8k budget, especially the 130i, M135i & MkII Focus RS. Heavy life, moody & miley and all sorts of wrong come to mind. 130 would be the only vague possibility, but would be well into six figures, I suspect. Which may be fine, may not.

MkII ST can be a possible if driven correctly. You can probably get a good one for the budget and if driven appropriately, 27 in winter and nigh on 30 in summer is possible, as is high 30's on a boring run. Good for longevity too, if you keep an eye on a couple of things

Not a Frenchie fan personally, but there's options there, as there are with Honda and maybe a healthy MkV GTI of some persuasion.

[arj7]

I did a similar amount of miles and had a Golf GTD, was excellent for fuel, I had heated leather seats and it was a nice place to be.
If you mapped it would be faster than a GTI

[AMV]

125D ?

[romeodelta]

500 Abarth.

In budget and will do that MPG.

Suspension is pretty hard, but should be fine for DC use.

[skypeller]

I’ve owned 3 focus st’s mk2’s
One was a mountune....

The 130i I had was a much better car in almost every way ! And similarly priced just have slightly higher miles for same budget

[CX53]

Are Kia Pro Ceed GT’s in budget?

[Obee72]

Another vote for the 130i...

[Swervin_Mervin]

DukeDickson said:

Not sure many of the suggested options so far are going to stay within the 6-8k budget, especially the 130i, M135i & MkII Focus RS. Heavy life, moody & miley and all sorts of wrong come to mind. 130 would be the only vague possibility, but would be well into six figures, I suspect. Which may be fine, may not.

Rubbish. 130i should be in budget and should wear tur miles well. My n52 330i is on 115k amd is 13yrs old this year and still wears the miles well and runs well. I'm sure there'll be some 130s put there at well under 100k miles

[JJ55]

Left field choice maybe a Suzuki swift sport. Less power than others mentioned above but a lot of fun. Plus Jap reliability & good mpg. Can also pick up a 3 yr old low mile example for that money.