Hot hatch runabout recommendations

[dern]

I had a Golf GTI around the same time and I suppose it was actually a better car than the FN2, but not as much fun and even boring really.

In fact a Golf might be what you're looking for?

I'd forgotten about golfs. I had a mk2 16v for a while and that was ok.

I've just been looking at mk5 golf gtis as they're the ones I've always liked the look of and they're definitely affordable. As is the the r32 which would be interesting.

[KungFooBob]

Check the tax on the R32, It might fall into the £500 bracket.

Edit: just checked auto trader, tax is £735!!!!

[ChrisW]

Check the tax on the R32, It might fall into the £500 bracket.

I thought about one recently - they're £735 pa!

[dern]

Check the tax on the R32, It might fall into the £500 bracket.

I thought about one recently - they're £735 pa!

Good shout, forgot about that. That’s irritating.

[Zimbo]

Fiesta ST with a remap? 220 ish bhp, I had a ride in one, it overtakes like my bike does! Otherwise remapped Mini Cooper S, 280bhp...

[Slenver]

Mk 7 Fiesta ST.

Stock is good enough with 197bhp, but the official, warrantied Mountune upgrade adds another 20 or so. Plenty secondhand will already have had the (very cheap) conversion.

The car's a little scalpel, but a fun one. Every empty roundabout becomes a 3-wheeled laugh with on-demand oversteer when you lift off.

Plus dirt cheap to run, reliable, plentiful parts etc. I'm always tempted to buy a Mk8, especially now they've stopped making them.

[dern]

Remaps and mods have a significant impact at this point. For example an abarth 500 standard is a little over 250 for me due to a lack of no claims and adding a map pushes that to 400. In isolation that’s fine but this a 4th car. I’ve also just found out that our new house will cost a grand or so to insure. Hooray!

[Slenver]

Remaps and mods have a significant impact at this point. For example an abarth 500 standard is a little over 250 for me due to a lack of no claims and adding a map pushes that to 400. In isolation that’s fine but this a 4th car. I’ve also just found out that our new house will cost a grand or so to insure. Hooray!

The Fiesta doesn't need the upgrade at all. I booked it when I bought mine, but the dealer never got back to me and I never bothered to chase it up.

That said, it's an official Ford part so I doubt it would have the same impact as an aftermarket mod.

But anyway... there are plenty of cars to consider but I'd definitely assume the ST would be the starting point as it was the de facto standard hot hatch for the years it was around.

[Slenver]

Probably be haters but great little roller-skates - Citroën DS3 1.6 THP 16V or DS3 Racing, if you can find one.
Also the Renault Megane RS or R26.

I'd tentatively agree with considering this.

I had the DS3 Sport diesel variant, so only 110bhp and, well, a diesel. Uninspiring engine, no revs, the usual stuff.

But... the thing handled unbelievably. No understeer under any circumstances, it would just settle into a graceful 4WD-style four-wheel drift in any conditions. Very enjoyable.

You didn't drive it like a 'real' hot hatch either, what with all the torque and no revs. So you'd just wind it up to 70 or 80 in 6th on a country lane and leave it there, just tickling the throttle when needed and relying on its great handling.

Not quite as much fun as the alternatives, but you could reach your destination with a big grin and 50-60mpg on the clocks. I saw 15mpg in my Fiesta once, but that was most definitely DLAC. Usually average low-mid 30s I think.

On the other hand, it's French, and so after precious few years mine started to melt into a gooey pile of Brie-like soft steel, and it needed 900 quid spending on the exhaust or something.