Family Hot Hatch/Saloon Options

[bobski1]

Looking at upgrading the 3 door to something more family friendly. Have a big estate so doesn't need to be anything too large but still something which can take pram and weekly shop but can also be fun to drive and do some motorway miles.

Current shortlist I have (in no particular order) any others missed or any which are more hassle than they are worth?

audi a3 3.2
golf mk5 r32
golf mk5 gti edition 30
Audi A/S4 (B7)
Octavia VRS

Requirements:
- Petrol or diesel, estate is a diesel, would be nice for something which meets ULEZ
- 4/5 door
- Decent boot
- Nice performance but can cruise on motorway
- Budget around 5-10k

For an older car I do have a concern on E10 fuel but that comes from a lack of knowledge on if this would be an issue?

[M.F.D]

Out of interest, what 3dr are you going to upgrade from?

E87 130i would fit the bill too.

Or as you appear to like VAG stuff, Mk2 Leon Cupra which is basically the edition 30 golf underneath with the K04 turbski.

[ZX10R NIN]

Here's the alternates:

R36 Passat CC:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202152...

S60 T6 R Design:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202242...

Giulietta Cloverleaf:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...

Insignia VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110299...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201061...

[bobski1]

M.F.D said:

Out of interest, what 3dr are you going to upgrade from?

E87 130i would fit the bill too.

Or as you appear to like VAG stuff, Mk2 Leon Cupra which is basically the edition 30 golf underneath with the K04 turbski.

Already have a BMW so didn't really fancy another.

I did forget about the leon cupra, are all the 2lt cupra the same as the edition 30?


I do like the Giulietta Cloverleaf, something not that common, how are they for reliability these days?

[M.F.D]

bobski1 said:

Already have a BMW so didn't really fancy another.

I did forget about the leon cupra, are all the 2lt cupra the same as the edition 30?


I do like the Giulietta Cloverleaf, something not that common, how are they for reliability these days?

Yes, same 2.0 TFSI lump with K04 turbo. Normal Cupra and K1 models had 240bhp and the Cupra R had 265bhp, however all the same hardware.

[bobski1]

doesn't seem to be many Curpa K1 around, maybe the R is the one to go for

[Dannbodge]

I've got a GTi Edition 30 for sale

The R32 is not good on fuel, anywhere

VRS is the most family friendly

[georgeyboy12345]

Another vote for an Alfa Romeo Giulietta - here's a lovely TBi with FSH. Get the cambelt replaced at a specialist for around £400 and give it fresh, good quality oil every year (or 10,000 miles) and it'll be more reliable than any of the cars you have listed in your first post
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...


Ford Focus ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205105...


Mazda 3 MPS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203294...


Seat Leon 1.8 TSI FR - these will safely remap up to 240 bhp
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...


Saab 9-3 2.0T Aero - bottom of your budget and I have noticed decent examples of these are starting to get a bit thin on the ground
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204194...

[Boringvolvodriver]

As a previous Alfa Guiletta driver then that was my first thought as well.

[Killer2005]

How tall are you and do you need 2 rear seats? I'm 6'1 and in my Giulietta I need to have my drivers seat quite far back and there really isn't any usable seat behind me.

Doesn't really affect me as 99% of the time as it's me driving and the passengers are my wife and our labrador has use of the back seat.

[LightningBlue]

bobski1 said:

For an older car I do have a concern on E10 fuel but that comes from a lack of knowledge on if this would be an issue?

You can always use Shell V Power or equivalent which is E5, the cars you listed would probably prefer higher octane fuel anyway

[Mr Tidy]

LightningBlue said:

bobski1 said:

For an older car I do have a concern on E10 fuel but that comes from a lack of knowledge on if this would be an issue?

You can always use Shell V Power or equivalent which is E5, the cars you listed would probably prefer higher octane fuel anyway

Or better still use Esso Synergy Supreme that is 99RON and is E0 in most parts of the UK.