Fun n/a runabout?

[anonymous-user]

is a second-hand Swift the only fun small naturally-aspirated hatch? Looking for a runabout as follows:

- naturally aspirated
- seats 2 kids in back
- manual
- proper handbrake
- hydraulic steering
- lightweight
- un-showy (will be parked overnight at unmanned train stations etc)

Essentially, a hatch equivalent of an MX5 or GT86, if such a thing exists.

Nothing much springs to mind; any suggestions? Ta

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 27th February 19:39

[Karlsruhe]

Hi,

I don't think you'll be able to get three kids in the back of a Swift?

[lee_erm]

FN2 Civic Type R. Really underrated in my opinion, you can pick a nice one up for under 4k too. Clio 197's are also great, the Civic looses out dynamically slightly but the Civic has a nicer engine and box.

Edited by lee_erm on Thursday 27th February 19:28

[Joelonghair]

FN2 Type R's only have 2 back seats.

[anonymous-user]

On reflection, would settle for 2 seats in back - good suggestions ta

[aaron_2000]

205 GTI, Saxo VTS, Clio 182/197, EP3 Type R

[Pistonheader101]

Integra dc2/dc5

[danp]

325ti? Not lightweight but ticks the rest of the boxes.

Have wondered what I’ll replace mine with and was thinking GT86, but not sure how much more fun that would be (unless supercharged!).

[VR99]

Focus ST170...not flash by any means but because it looks 'sporty' not sure if that would attract the wrong sorts ..failing that a standard MK1 focus is v chuckable in the corners!

[Karlsruhe]

Clio 172/182
Corolla T Sport
Alfa 147
Citroen C4 VTS
FN2 Civic
Golf V6 (bit lardy with nice sounding engine)

[MDL111]

Clio 200 - I love mine

[ZX10R NIN]

Civic Type R GT

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

Leftfield & a different kind of fun is the 3.2 A3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[Cambs_Stuart]

I bought a clio 172 for this exact reason. Cheap, really good fun to chuck about, capable of the occasional track day, can seat three in the back, as long as you're not going too far and 4 star NCAP.

[trickywoo]

Karlsruhe said:

Hi,

I don't think you'll be able to get three kids in the back of a Swift?

Depends how big they are obviously but there are three belts and two adults fit fine so three kids should be ok.

[M4cruiser]

Mazda 3 Sport, or even the older 323 Sport. Buy for almost nothing.
Not the best handling sporty hatches, but they have a certain charm and will go unnoticed in a car park.
Check rust first
Edit: To clarify to avoid the models since 2017, they have an automatic handbrake.

Edited by M4cruiser on Sunday 1st March 15:15

[ChrisH72]

I’d say there is plenty of choice if you are looking at older cars. Not so much if you’re wanting a newish one.

Mk6 fiesta st maybe?

If you have to leave it parked in dodgy places then probably best not to spend much.

[anonymous-user]

Excellent suggestions, ta all. You just can't get this kind of advice in What Car!

[RichFN2]

Another vote for the FN2, had mine for over 3 years now and find it a hoot to drive, extremely practical for its size thanks to the big boot and rear seats that fold flat, fast enough and very reliable.

Discreet enough for overnight carparks etc? i think so, never had unwanted attention with mine. I get the odd 'nice car' comment and a petrolhead will ask abit more but ultimately it's just a top of the range Civic as far as the general public are concerned and unlikely to be considered 'flash'

8Krpm never gets boring,neither does the fantastic gearbox. The firm ride does though