Warm hatch recommendations

[anonymous-user]

Morning all,

Just considering the above really, currently own a Mk7.5 Golf GTi manual which goes like stink but very rarely gets used and the upper levels of performance can't legally / safely be used in my opinion. Others may disagree and that's OK.

So the budget is £10K - £20K really, manual, 3 or 5 door I'm not that fussed. Definitely would like a hatch or similar, I've mostly owned hatches and like the practicality of them. Thinking outside the box is to be encouraged, there are only the two of that travel in it but no soft tops thanks.

Any ideas? I'm open to any make really except Mini, don't really fit in them that well. Owned an R56 and F56 so already tried that route. I did own a 53 reg 1.6 110 BHP Clio and it was a hoot and REALLY reliable. Not even a bulb went on it, however our eldest son got hold of it and driveshafts, clutch, gearbox and front tyres expired very quickly.

As usual I want it to do everything, A roads, B roads, Motorways.

Thanks in advance

[The Cardinal]

If you’re happy with VAG products, then the next level down engine is the 1.4/1.5 TFSI at c.150hp - and this can be found in things like Golf / Polo GT, A3 / A1 etc.

I’d be tempted to look for a 3-door version of one of the above in the 2014-17 age range.

Personally I’d keep the GTI long term, but if that works for you then go for it.

[Canon_Fodder]

Not really 'outside the box' OP, but these are nice enough and as an all rounder

Focus St-line 1.5T 150

Lots of cheaper / older ones out there to suit your preference

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111229...

Edited by Canon_Fodder on Tuesday 29th March 12:39

[ChrisH72]

Are you wanting something smaller than the Golf?

Pug 208 Gti by PS

Fiesta ST mk7 or mk8

I have a standard mk7 ST3 and find the performance just right for UK roads. It’s quick but not hugely so and you can safely rev it out in 2nd and even 3rd.

Neither of those would be much slower than your Golf though.

Downgrading a bit you could go for…

Swift sport boosterjet

Up gti

Abarth 595

All fairly warm with decent usable poke.

Or thinking outside the box maybe look at a coupe?

Audi TT mk3 1.8

GT86

2 series BMW

If there’s only two of you then these should offer enough practicality as you can fold the back seats for extra room.

[LankyFreak]

for a really lukewarm hatch, borderline cold, Micra 160SR. They are incredibly cheap for some reason...

[Truckosaurus]

ChrisH72 said:

....

Swift sport boosterjet

Up gti

Abarth 595

....

These would be top of my list.

Also Alfa Mito as an alternative to the Abarth.

Lastly, I enjoyed the time I spent with a Nismo RS Juke even though it doesn't quite live up to the sum of its parts (should be a better RS Clio with manual box, LSD and Recaros)

[anonymous-user]

ChrisH72 said:

Are you wanting something smaller than the Golf?

Pug 208 Gti by PS

Fiesta ST mk7 or mk8

I have a standard mk7 ST3 and find the performance just right for UK roads. It’s quick but not hugely so and you can safely rev it out in 2nd and even 3rd.

Neither of those would be much slower than your Golf though.

Downgrading a bit you could go for…

Swift sport boosterjet

Up gti

Abarth 595

All fairly warm with decent usable poke.

Or thinking outside the box maybe look at a coupe?

Audi TT mk3 1.8

GT86

2 series BMW

If there’s only two of you then these should offer enough practicality as you can fold the back seats for extra room.

This be the list.

[itcaptainslow]

LankyFreak said:

for a really lukewarm hatch, borderline cold, Micra 160SR. They are incredibly cheap for some reason...

And really rather brilliant-loved mine to bits.

[ZX10R NIN]

Kia ProCeed GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203243...

308 GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111269...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201091...

Astra GTC Limited Edition/SRI 200:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203073...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202182...

[georgeyboy12345]

Abarth Punto Evo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108045...


Abarth 500
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203053...


Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Multiair QV-Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202212...


Audi A3 1.8 TFSI Sportback S-Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110068...


Seat Leon 1.8 TSI FR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203033...


Seat Leon 1.4 EcoTSI FR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106244...


BMW 120i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203023...


DS3 1.6 THP Ultra Prestige
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203294...


Hyundai i30 1.6T GDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201291...


Volvo V40 T3 R-Design
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111089...

[CoolHands]

Those 308 look nice

[HappyMidget]

Outside the box, Vauxhall Adam S. Wife has one and it is a great little car to drive to offset my VXR8. 1.4 turbo, 150BHP https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?make=Vauxh...

[anonymous-user]

The Cardinal said:

If you’re happy with VAG products, then the next level down engine is the 1.4/1.5 TFSI at c.150hp - and this can be found in things like Golf / Polo GT, A3 / A1 etc.

I’d be tempted to look for a 3-door version of one of the above in the 2014-17 age range.

Personally I’d keep the GTI long term, but if that works for you then go for it.

Good points, I've had a couple of Blue GT Polos, very nippy cars.

[anonymous-user]

ChrisH72 said:

Are you wanting something smaller than the Golf?

Pug 208 Gti by PS

Fiesta ST mk7 or mk8

I have a standard mk7 ST3 and find the performance just right for UK roads. It’s quick but not hugely so and you can safely rev it out in 2nd and even 3rd.

Neither of those would be much slower than your Golf though.

Downgrading a bit you could go for…

Swift sport boosterjet

Up gti

Abarth 595

All fairly warm with decent usable poke.

Or thinking outside the box maybe look at a coupe?

Audi TT mk3 1.8

GT86

2 series BMW

If there’s only two of you then these should offer enough practicality as you can fold the back seats for extra room.

Not a fan of the Pug, the steering wheel is a bit odd.

The Mk 7 ST Fiesta, that's an option! Been reading some great things about those, particularly when you drop the wheel size to 16".

2 series BMW, 218i or 220i auto might be another contender.

[anonymous-user]

Truckosaurus said:

Lastly, I enjoyed the time I spent with a Nismo RS Juke even though it doesn't quite live up to the sum of its parts (should be a better RS Clio with manual box, LSD and Recaros)

Liked them until I tried to get in one and I found it a bit of a squeeze, long legs, particularly thigh bones so it's not comfortable. Also, mu lad used to sell them, he did the newer iteration release in Barcelona, doesn't have food things to say about them to be honest.

[anonymous-user]

[quote=ZX10R NIN]Kia ProCeed GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203243...

I have driven one of these, loved it! But, the dish bothered me a bit, found it gimmicky.

[anonymous-user]

georgeyboy12345 said:

BMW 120i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203023...

A silver one would work

[anonymous-user]

Thanks to all contributors, very different approaches which was great to read. I'm actively searching...