Five door hot hatch - £13.5k

[roadie]

I'm currently driving a BMW E92 335i and have previously had three door hot hatches in the form of a Renault RS Megane 265 Cup and a BMW E81 130i. Really a five door car is going to be more practical in the future so any suggestions in my budget for a car that has handling capabilities approaching the RS Megane, but retains everyday comfort and practicality would be useful.

I would err toward a manual car, but would not rule out an advanced DSG. A good sound system is also desirable. Heated seats and all around parking sensors are a necessity.

My ideas so far are VAG based cars like the Golf Mk7 GTI with the Performance pack, Golf Mk6 GTI Edition 35, Leon Cupra and the Audi S3. Any other ideas would be really appreciated!

Edited by roadie on Saturday 3rd August 11:39

[ChrisH72]

308 Gti seems decent value and have a good reputation for handling and driving dynamics.

This facelift is slightly over budget.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024041486...

The earlier cars can be had for a lot less.

[ZX10R NIN]

The 308 GTI is the standout pick at this price point:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407171...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406281...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407262...

CLA45:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407061...

A45:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407272...

leftfield but a very good steer is the Giulia Veloce:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307179...

[RichFN2]

When I was looking for a 18k hot hatch the 308 gti did appear quite a bargain, but after some digging I found out that the 270bhp version uses Alcon brakes which are very expensive. Then the calipers eventually corrode and need replacing (your not getting much change out of £3k for all the above)

Godspeed do offer a solution if you are really interested in getting one.

I did consider one of the last MK7.5 Golf gti pp but settled on a one of the last Leon Cupra's instead, despite the handsome looks of the Golf and it's great seats etc the Cupra won me over with more power and better kit as standard plus it flies under the radar more than the Golf.

[the-photographer]

RichFN2 said:

When I was looking for a 18k hot hatch the 308 gti did appear quite a bargain, but after some digging I found out that the 270bhp version uses Alcon brakes which are very expensive. Then the calipers eventually corrode and need replacing (your not getting much change out of £3k for all the above)

Godspeed do offer a solution if you are really interested in getting one.

I did consider one of the last MK7.5 Golf gti pp but settled on a one of the last Leon Cupra's instead, despite the handsome looks of the Golf and it's great seats etc the Cupra won me over with more power and better kit as standard plus it flies under the radar more than the Golf.

Good thread here if anyone if considering the high power 308

https://www.peugeotforums.com/threads/308-gti-rcz-...

[ZX10R NIN]

RichFN2 said:

When I was looking for a 18k hot hatch the 308 gti did appear quite a bargain, but after some digging I found out that the 270bhp version uses Alcon brakes which are very expensive. Then the calipers eventually corrode and need replacing (your not getting much change out of £3k for all the above)

Godspeed do offer a solution if you are really interested in getting one.

I did consider one of the last MK7.5 Golf gti pp but settled on a one of the last Leon Cupra's instead, despite the handsome looks of the Golf and it's great seats etc the Cupra won me over with more power and better kit as standard plus it flies under the radar more than the Golf.

The discs last between 40-60k & are around £800 (not expensive for the stopping power) to replace which isn't cheap but not expensive either & not every caliper seizes BUT OP I'd always suggest a refresh on the seals.

They'd still be my first pick.

[roadie]

Thanks for all the comments. I drove a 308 GTI back in 2017 before purchasing my Megane and made the below list of pros and cons. I would have to reaquaint myself with the car, but do agree it would be worth exploring further. I think I also need to carefully look at the Leon and possibly Golf. I believe a hatch is a much more practical shape than a saloon or coupe and would love to try an Alfa at some point. Maybe I will also look at the Guiletta?

Pros:

- very quick
- low tax
- lovely materials
- feels so solid
- lotsa tech

Cons:

- loooooong gear throw
- dark inside
- limited visibility
- poor rear space