Hot Hatches

[Woppum]

Due to a v busy wk I still haven't gone through the figures of all the options yet. S works is the least expensive option and may be a good bet. problem is the office car park is full of them and I'm a bit fed up of looking at them! The audi won me over but not convinced of its worth to me.

[ian_m]

You talked about the clio - how about a Twingo 133? Maybe a bit weedy?

I have toyed with the idea of a Clio 197 quite a few times, not quite sure what put me off it in the end though!

[stooH]

It's a funny decision to have to make, you've got the beast to drive in the evenings and weekends so do you need something quick[ish] and fancy[ish] to drive during the day? you could have a Citroen Saxo with a "My other cars a 911 GT3 RS. No really." sticker in the back and save yourself a small fortune.

I'd almost be inclined to go for something that is accomplished but doesn't get the juices fully flowing just to appreciate the Porches in the evenings. Mk6 GTI? or even the practical option, the GTD...

[Paul]

Wopps... Seeing as you have had and enjoyed the R32 before, and second hand cars are still an option, have you considered getting another R32? , I am sure there must be some low mile, late spec motors out there.

[Woppum]

Hi Paul,

I have thought about that but the r was a monster on fuel, i cant be bothered with that again.

Drove a cooper s works today which was nice. have the rocco R to do this week and hopefully a gti if i can, then hopefully ready to buy!

[Maxyboy]

Hi Paul,

I have thought about that but the r was a monster on fuel, i cant be bothered with that again.

Drove a cooper s works today which was nice. have the rocco R to do this week and hopefully a gti if i can, then hopefully ready to buy!

Wopps,

I drove a caterham and had a ride in a 300bhp atom.

Forget about the boot and four seats, this is the route you should go down!!

Seriously, a gti or rocco r would both be greAt cars.

[Woppum]

Wopps,

I drove a caterham and had a ride in a 300bhp atom.

Forget about the boot and four seats, this is the route you should go down!!

Seriously, a gti or rocco r would both be greAt cars.

haha, dont think the caterham is quite what im looking for.

This year is a bit of an anomaly, I think ill do around 8000 miles in the rs without trying. After my French trip this month it will be on 6k!

Next year and thereafter i want to limit the miles to around 4-6k.

The car im talking about here is to do 8-12k a year i guess, so frugal, practical fun and a nice place to be are all important.

[OldSkoO1]

Nicer interior than the RS, then what about the Rocco R or even the 200hp jobby TFSI, whatever it is.

Or a wild card, what about an e92 335i on something like an 08 plate for the cheaper tax band. Thats about 20k / low 20's, should nudge around 30mpg on a run but has serious pace and a bigger boot than a hot hatch but seats 4 with the deep / wide seats in the rear.

Good access ISOFIX couplings if you need them too.

//couldn't resist

Even in my ripe young age i think this looks quite classy inside. Even though i still wouldn't have it, not yet anyway.

Auto Trader UK - BMW 3 SERIES 335I SE 2DR +FULL CREAM HEATED LEATHER+SAT NAV

And it's a manual! Great price... Been on for a while so i reckon a discount could be had. Safe to say, in 2 years 40k MUST be m-way miles so probably fairly unstressed.

Or if you don't care about the £400 tax band, than get an older 335i and save yourself a few K.

Edited June 6, 2010 by OldSkoO1

[NewNiceMrMe]

I'd have had the Focus RS as my choice of hot hatches. Not in that bloody awful Kermit green colour though. I think they look nice in black or white.

[Tipex]

Saw a Focus RS parked up in town today, it was there for a couple of hours, and I drove past it four or five times.

Every time I went past it, someone was taking a photo of it, or giving it a proper good look over.

No one, but no one, would be taking pictures of any VW parked in the same spot.

[NewNiceMrMe]

No one, but no one, would be taking pictures of any VW parked in the same spot.

To be honest, whilst the Focus RS would be my pick of the hot hatches, I'd never buy one for the very reason you mention above. I think there is a lot to be said for a VW attracting fewer eyes and potential for damage or worse.

[Woppum]

I think the rs looks pants but was prepared to forgive that for a fantastic drive. Problem was there was too much

to not like Sadly. Wanted to like it. Porsche made a 50% superhatch. A real shame.

[NewNiceMrMe]

Must admit I have only ever been a passenger in a Focus RS and that was for a very short drive indeed. I was suitably impressed with it's straight line speed and found the finish better than I anticipated, but it was the value for money and punch per pound that made me say I'd give it my vote.

[Woppum]

I agree the power is astonishing for a hatch, had them clinging to my backside at the ring and spa last wk end.

I am on a blkberry now but did put my thought to post somewhere on here. In summary:

- terrible quality interior. Zero leather and synthetic materials I wouldn't put in the lining of a shoe!

- a sat nav that's 20yrs out of date, sound system to match

- you sit in it like you do a people carrier.

- the clutch and gearbox are laughably light, vague and imprecise. Combine that with the materials the stick is made from and it feels very delicate. Should be hard and solid in this sort of car.

- the pedal layout makes it impossible to heel and toe. You would have to add plates to them etc

- styling is on the brash side. Even I feel a bit old for it.

That's said its rapid, has little torque steer (imho) and made a good noise which I'm sure could be improved upon. Really wanted to like this car, was already to buy it, it just couldn't satisfy me and I'd regret it!

[Woppum]

I agree the power is astonishing for a hatch, had them clinging to my backside at the ring and spa last wk end.

I am on a blkberry now but did put my thought to post somewhere on here. In summary:

- terrible quality interior. Zero leather and synthetic materials I wouldn't put in the lining of a shoe!

- a sat nav that's 20yrs out of date, sound system to match

- you sit in it like you do a people carrier.

- the clutch and gearbox are laughably light, vague and imprecise. Combine that with the materials the stick is made from and it feels very delicate. Should be hard and solid in this sort of car.

- the pedal layout makes it impossible to heel and toe. You would have to add plates to them etc

- styling is on the brash side. Even I feel a bit old for it.

That's said its rapid, has little torque steer (imho) and made a good noise which I'm sure could be improved upon. Really wanted to like this car, was already to buy it, it just couldn't satisfy me and I'd regret it!

[Torino101]

I know you seem to have already ruled it out but what was the issue with the 135? Seems to suit your requirements down to a tee.

Was it just a bit too staid?

[Arch]

I still believe you should try my FD2.

4 doors

1252kg

32mpg

£220 a year tax

Sub six seconds to 60 (EVO test)

Nicely spaced pedals

Solid and slick gearshift

You don't sit on it

Downsides I see for you -

No leather although alcantara on seats

Sound system/nav - that's easy to sort out aftermarket

Lack of torque - you're going to need to stir that gearbox a bit

Import only, lack of availability

Limited colour options - wrap it.

[max_b]

The car im talking about here is to do 8-12k a year i guess, so frugal, practical fun and a nice place to be are all important.

A re-mapped 335d m sport should more than easily fufill that critera, doesnt take you too far away from the BMW brand (after the csl) and also means you done have to keep thinking have you got the right hot hatch

30k should get you a low mileage late car, loaded with all toys

[Soulboy]

I am keeping my eye on this thread, rather than starting a new one - as I am looking to change soon as well.

I would prefer a hatch as it needs to live in the garage. Stuff is stored at the back so length is an issue

I dont fancy the whole robbery thing again - so it will be garaged every night and that rules out a 3 series.

Good to see the opinions on the RS. I was considering one of those, but its prob a bit too boy racer and nickable for me.

Wopps, the MiTo would be ok...........as long as you dont mind builders whistling at you. Defo thumbs down from me.

My 2 business partners had a Brera and a GT. The Brera was very heavy and looks incredibly ugly when you see it often.

We live on a hill and the 4wd on the S3 was invaluable this winter, as the g/f has got a 2.0 TT. So 4 wheel drive would be nice.

I really want a Golf R - but the nearly new price will have to get closer to £25k for at to seem worth the money.

I may go for another S3. But when will the new model be out?

I may consider an Impreza - any verdicts? I just wish they looked nicer!

Possibly a used Cayman?

Possibly a 1 series?

And I saw a Megane RS today and it really looked fantastic! Had not considered one before, but may do now.

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

Edited June 22, 2010 by Soulboy

[garcon magnifique]

A used Impreza STI with the Prodrive Pack (taking it to 330bhp) is practically unbeatable in terms of pure bang per buck. And I've found mine to be a great Jekyll and Hyde kind of car - content to cruise comfortably for long distances (and pull 30mpg), or be a full-on special stage rally weapon on a B-road blast (pulling significantly less than 30mpg... ).

However, it has a tiny boot, its looks are somewhat subjective, and cabin refinement still isn't on a par with the Europeans.

[Woppum]

I am keeping my eye on this thread, rather than starting a new one - as I am looking to change soon as well.

I would prefer a hatch as it needs to live in the garage. Stuff is stored at the back so length is an issue

I dont fancy the whole robbery thing again - so it will be garaged every night and that rules out a 3 series.

Good to see the opinions on the RS. I was considering one of those, but its prob a bit too boy racer and nickable for me.

Wopps, the MiTo would be ok...........as long as you dont mind builders whistling at you. Defo thumbs down from me.

My 2 business partners had a Brera and a GT. The Brera was very heavy and looks incredibly ugly when you see it often.

We live on a hill and the 4wd on the S3 was invaluable this winter, as the g/f has got a 2.0 TT. So 4 wheel drive would be nice.

I really want a Golf R - but the nearly new price will have to get closer to £25k for at to seem worth the money.

I may go for another S3. But when will the new model be out?

I may consider an Impreza - any verdicts? I just wish they looked nicer!

Possibly a used Cayman?

Possibly a 1 series?

And I saw a Megane RS today and it really looked fantastic! Had not considered one before, but may do now.

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

went for this mate. bloody good car and would recommend it:

http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/vw-scirocco/126992-new-smoke.html