Hot hatch for 15k

[Tmrtom]

Slowly starting to think about replacing my aging and rusting VW Golf mk5 Gti. I’ve had two and they’ve been great, but obviously they’re an old car now and it’s starting to need to a fair bit doing to it.

I’m a die hard hot hatch fan so not interested in coupes and saloons, and it needs to be 5 door C segment size as it is used for family purposes as well as a bit of fun.

Obvious answer would be a mk7 Gti but for my budget of approx 15k they’re a bit older and leggier than I’d prefer - still in the running but want to hear thoughts about other models.

A quick search has thrown up the following Golf alternatives:

Ford Focus St3 mk3.5 - seem to review well overall but never had a Ford - not overly sold on looks but would test drive if worth it?

Peugeot 308 Gti - looks nice and my wife owned a standard one a few years back so know I could cope with the small wheel, but not sure on long term reliability of the Pug 1.6 and heard horrors about the price of brakes. On the plus side, mpg and tax look good and it’s supposed to handle really well.

Civic Type R Fk2 - I’ve had an Fn2 in the past and liked it, but the fk2 seems leggy at my budget, presumably due to rarity, and I seem to remember mixed reviews.

Ideally want 2017 or newer and sub 50k as I’ll be keeping it a fairly long time (probably 5+ years)

Any thoughts on the 4 options above? Any other models worth looking at? I’ve always wanted a RS Megane but obviously the 5 door latest shape is way out of budget.

[a311]

M140i?


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405049...

I've had a couple of Leon's. At one point we had a Leon and an Octavia vRS. The Leon was the slightly more fun drive by the Skoda hugely more practical.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403097...

[CG2020UK]

I’ve owned a Mk7 GTI. Loved it and would have another. Absolutely brilliant car that just does everything really well.

Of all the hot hatches the Peugeot 308 GTI is my favourite. Sharp to drive, great suspension to daily and just a really nice cabin with brilliant seats. Brakes are pricey and they have issues unfortunately on what is otherwise a cracking car.

Alternative would be a Seat Leon Cupra. Brilliant car with the Golf R engine and LSD as standard unlike the Golf. Not as refined as the Golf and interior not as nice but still brilliant.

Astra GTC VXR is another cracker and should get great savings vs car in your list. Really underestimated car. Missing rear doors but might be worth it to save a few £k.

Megane RS MK3 is sublime however they do get niggles quite frequently unfortunately. Missing your back seats but might be worth trying to make it work.

The Focus ST Mk3 is a good car however against the competition it does struggle if you aren’t a huge Ford fan. A Golf GTI is quicker, better to drive, nicer place to be and more practical with a higher mpg and more interior room. I think they just have a bit too much understeer but in tangerine scream they look brilliant! I’m a fan but maybe weakest on the list.

Civic FK2 is lovely. Gets a bad rep for how stiff it is. I drive an M2 so probably safe to say I’m not that fussy with comfort but I found it find especially the faster you went and I’d recommend a test drive. In my opinion the most special on your list.

Also worth a look at is a BMW M135i/140i. More mini muscle car than hot hatch but decent steer and great at 8/10ths. Suspect suspension means it’s wallowy at the back. No where near as practical as the Golf/Cupra but quick in a straight line and has a lovely 3L. Think very much M-lite not M car and you won’t be disappointed. Easily the worst imagine of any car on the road at the moment as well.

Edited by CG2020UK on Friday 17th May 09:52

[Tmrtom]

Thanks for the insights. I’m really not a BMW man and not keen on the 140i - to me a hot hatch should definitely handle well and be fun, and I don’t think that car nails the brief (nor perhaps was it meant to).

Good to know about the Peugeot being a favourite but confirms me price fears re brakes - I’ll keep weighing that up.

Might discount the Ford then as it sounds ok rather than great compared to the others.

I’ll look to compare the mk7 gti, Leon Cupra, Peugeot and Civic then.

[Jimjimhim]

What about a Renault Megane GT? Auto only though so not sure if that's an issue, but you can easily get 1 within budget.

[culpz]

Another vote for the Cupra 280/290. Absolutely loved mine. FWD Golf R for GTI money.

[Jimjimhim]

I saw a YouTube video about a warranty wise report and the Seat came out really badly for reliability and repair costs.

[pb8g09]

If you can compromise slightly on the year, can you not get a decent mileage Golf R or S3 in that price range now?

[Jamescrs]

Renault Megane Sport for me or as an alternative a Hyundai I30N but may not fit in the budget

[culpz]

Jimjimhim said:

I saw a YouTube video about a warranty wise report and the Seat came out really badly for reliability and repair costs.

Just usual VAG stuff, so won't just be Seat. They don't tear to wear high miles very well as they age. But, OP is looking at something fairly new. They have well-documented common issues and most of them don't cost anymore than the equivalent would so on another marque.

[Ankh87]

Alfa Romeo Giulietta maybe?
Something that isn't that common.