Modern hot hatch with steering most like a 306 GTi6?

[Pommy]

What new/newish hot hatch has the nearest steering and handling like to a 306GTi6?

[Krikkit]

None, buy a GTi6!

Sorry, more appropriately what do you mean by "modern" ? Brand new available?

[ChrisH72]

308 Gti by PS?

All modern hot hatches will have electric steering so will always feel a bit less connected to the older stuff. They're a lot heavier too sadly.

The 308 is at least a bit lighter being a 1.6 and it's said to be very good to drive. Cheap too.

[trevalvole]

Not hatches, but the BMW 135i coupe and convertible had HPAS IIRC, though they are probably getting on a bit now.

Various Merc C63s had HPAS, as do Lotus Evoras.

Edited to add: plus the pre-LCI 130i (up to early '07 in the UK) had HPAS, as did the E9* 335i, though the early *35i models had the N54 engine, which has a bit of a reputation. After '07, IIRC all the other 1 and 3 series, except for the M models, had EPAS.

Edited by trevalvole on Tuesday 12th August 17:23

[ZX10R NIN]

PS 308 GTI 270, whilst it won't feel like a 306 GTI6 but it's a bloody good steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508055...

GTC VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505212...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506023...

[BenEK9]

trevalvole said:

Not hatches, but the BMW 135i coupe and convertible had HPAS IIRC, though they are probably getting on a bit now.

Various Merc C63s had HPAS, as do Lotus Evoras.

Edited to add: plus the pre-LCI 130i (up to early '07 in the UK) had HPAS, as did the E9* 335i, though the early *35i models had the N54 engine, which has a bit of a reputation. After '07, IIRC all the other 1 and 3 series, except for the M models, had EPAS.

Edited by trevalvole on Tuesday 12th August 17:23

Not quite, all e82 135i coupes and e9x 335i's / 335d's had hydraulic steering for all years

The only reputation the n54 has now, that's it is no longer a new engine with warranty claims for unhappy new car purchases, is that unopened, a stock engine can handle 650 whp.
Any other weaker points are bolted to the excellent engine, wastegate rattle. vac pipes, leaking valve covers and injectors, all easy fix's, & you don't need index 12 injectors!

Bit of a tangent as I dont think any of these bmw's are anything like a 306gti, you closest bet for that handling feeling is a mk7 fiesta st.

[Simon_GH]

ZX10R NIN said:

PS 308 GTI 270, whilst it won't feel like a 306 GTI6 but it's a bloody good steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508055...

GTC VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505212...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506023...

Would the PS 208 GTI be a viable option given the increase in car size over the last couple of decades?

[Pommy]

Krikkit said:

None, buy a GTi6!

Sorry, more appropriately what do you mean by "modern" ? Brand new available?

Say, 5 years or newer. Brand new seems almost non existent for really good steering feel affordable cars

[BenEK9]

Pommy said:

Krikkit said:

None, buy a GTi6!

Sorry, more appropriately what do you mean by "modern" ? Brand new available?

Say, 5 years or newer. Brand new seems almost non existent for really good steering feel affordable cars

go drive a mk8 fiesta st, ive had 5 zx 16v's and a xsara vts (its sister cars), never owned a 306 gti bit drove a few.
had many cars and many hot hatches (check my garage)

the only fwd thing with the same fluidity and a feeling of knowing exactly what the car is doing with a firm but compliant suspension has been the mk7 / 8 fiesta st.

that includes my clio 182 trophy and the ek9