Base model hatches good to drive

[CABC]

some hot hatches have entry-level siblings that are also fun to thrash around in. Which particularly good ones can you think of?
I came to this question while pondering over a cheap hot hatch to runaround in. it struck me that rather than buy a tired hot version just for local errands it would make sense to get a fresher, younger entry model. Panda 100hp will be cited. I think the base Swifts also steer well.

[Nickp82]

Agree on Swifts, Fiestas are good fun too.

[ChrisH72]

Budget?

Fiesta seems the obvious choice.

[Canon_Fodder]

Mini One

[Hitch]

I've been driving a Focus ecoboost as a stopgap since selling a Disco in September. It handles better the faster you go!

[sunnyb13]

Yaris maybe

[CABC]

ChrisH72 said:

Budget?

Fiesta seems the obvious choice.

I didn't mean it as a car buying question!

as it happens I will want one, but I'd then add
- 3k ish
- reliable
- reasonable ride

[_Rob]

Fiesta, Swift, Mini, and things based on similar platforms such as the DS3.

[blue_haddock]

The original ford KA was good to drive.

Most have now rusted away though!

[_Rob]

On that note... original Puma!