What fun, cheap (rwd?) hatch?

[MC Bodge]

I feel the need to re-jig the family fleet for more fun.

The Mondeo estate can stay for family-hauling duties, but the wife's Fabia could be up-graded. The Fabia is actually quite fun to drive, albeit a bit soft and the 1.2HTP is definitely lacking in acceleration.

An early 00's small-ish hatchback with good handling and a reasonable boot would be good. Power isn't too important, but I'd like something with rear wheel drive (as all of my cars have been FWD) so choices are limited -what are BMW compacts like to own?

Alternatively, I could just lower the Fabia and fit a rear arb....

[MC Bodge]

a 325ti would be good, but running costs maybe a bit high.

[MC Bodge]

Jayho said:

If you dont mind the age then a old volvo? Was it the 340 or something which could have an engine transplant from the 1.8 clio or something?

If I was after a project, then that would be superb, but I'm thinking about a user-friendly daily driver.

[MC Bodge]

clarkey328is said:

Rear wheel drive hatchbacks are few and far between, especially with a small budget. Have you considered an estate or saloon? In the case of the E36 "compact", it's the same size as the coupe...

Hatchbacks have a handy hatch. Saloon cars are much less useful to me.

Estate cars are great, but I'd want something fairly small.