Incognito Warm Hatch

[messy457]

Hello Everyone,

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Some back story.

I owned a Nissan Micra K11 SE+ 2002 as my first car, absolutely loved the thing. 80bhp 108Nm 870kg with some decent rubber I'd never be breaking the law but could have a decent amount of fun, and bulletproof!

I'm looking for that feeling again. Something around a 1000kg, 150bhp but not sporty looking preferably. I like understated as to not draw attention. I'm not after loads of power as generally focus on carrying speed through the corners so by the time I'm holding the pedal I'd be over.

I've heard good things about the VW UP GTI, Swift Sport and Abarth 595 but the looks aren't necessarily for me.

100% I can de-badge and get a "boring" colour but would be ideal if I could get a off the shelf package.

Budget is £4-6K

Thank you!

[C5_Steve]

Fabia vRS or Panda 100HP?

[jimmytheone]

Blademaster G?

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I think this falls into the stupid-high tax (£700+) unless an import:

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1765137

[ScoobyChris]

Two that come to mind are:

Mk5 Fiesta ST (~100kg overweight)
Renault Twingo 133 (~17bhp underpowered)

Chris

[messy457]

Fabia VRS could be promising.

That Blademaster is way to fast for my blood, I'll be speeding everywhere.

They don't have to be perfectly that weight or HP just ish.

Love the idea of the Twingo.

My partner has a Top Spec Standard Fiesta 2011 so want to get something different preferably.

[Portofino]

Mk 6 Fiesta Zetec S is a good fluid steer. But may be looks too sporty?

[guffhoover]

I've just bought a 2nd gen Suzuki Swift Sport -136hp, 1045kg. The gearbox and handling make it super fun and a joy to tear about in.

[66HFM]

Seat Ibiza FR, sister of the Fabia or their other sister the Audi A1.

[ChrisH72]

My wife used to have a hyundai i10 1.2 which was like that. 82bhp and an absolute laugh to chuck about.

I think you'll struggle to get 150bhp in a small car that doesn't look sporty. If anything, manufacturers went down the road of making cars look sporty that really weren't (Corsa). The closest you'll get in budget is the 2nd gen Swift Sport. I don't think they're too shouty, especially as a 5dr. But you might have more luck if you aim for a bit less poke. Something like this newer Swift booster jet maybe?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025070842...

110bhp and should be quite punchy with a turbo. Looks very anonymous and it's pretty light weight too.

[messy457]

I'm not fully against sporty just tastefully done. Loved the original RS Audis for this. A cheeky de-badge and you'd be none the wiser other than the people in the know.

Best thing I've seen so far is the Twingo I recon.

Still love to hear other people's ideas.

[ZX10R NIN]

Giulietta Cloverleaf:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408193...

Sportiva:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506063...

1.6T Focus Titanium X, great steer & a good sleeper:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508015...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508045...

Astra SRI Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505152...

Pulsar 180:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508015...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...

i30 T:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508065...

More sporty Kia cousin:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508075...

[Pebbles167]

I got it from a Z31S Suzuki Swift Sport. Great throaty induction roar, decent handling and fairly practical.

Not slow, but hardly fast. 125bhp and about 1000kg, revs to 7k RPM and feels fun.

Cost me £1500 I think.

[ChrisH72]

RS Twingo is great but they're quite rare these days. If you don't mind going a bit older you might have more luck with a Clio 172/182.

[samoht]

I know what you mean about the Micra.

Its from the same period, but the Daihatsu Sirion Rally 2 is similar weight with 110hp and 'unassuming' looks
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16...

I'd also look at the mk1 Yaris T-Sport, if not too 'racey'.

More recently there was the Honda Jazz 1.5 Sport with 130hp.


None are 'top line' hot hatches, but combine fairly low weight with a revvy engine and ordinary styling,

[POIDH]

Fabia 1.0tsi comes with 110bhp as standard and around 1080kg.
Buy it in bland colour, SE spec, National Trust sticker and add a tune for total anonymity....

[ChrisH72]

I always liked the Citroen C2 Vts.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025063040...

Not sure that it's a future classic but it'd be cheap fun.

[ScoobyChris]

ChrisH72 said:

RS Twingo is great but they're quite rare these days. If you don't mind going a bit older you might have more luck with a Clio 172/182.

Clio is a great shout! Just make sure cambelt has been done as it’s a big expense!

Chris

[Glosphil]

POIDH said:

Fabia 1.0tsi comes with 110bhp as standard and around 1080kg.
Buy it in bland colour, SE spec, National Trust sticker and add a tune for total anonymity....

Also has 148ftlb of torque from a little over 2000rpm. SEL spec is better.

[messy457]

Thanks everyone for the responses!

I'm not in a rush at all for a vehicle so happy for a rare car or good examples to come up.

Citroen C2 VTS
Renault Twingo 133
Suzuki Swift 2nd Gen

Seems to be the current list.

I do prefer small cars as realistically never need the space.

Anything else coming to mind?

Do any of the above have any underlining expensive issues?

[ChrisH72]

R56 Mini cooper maybe?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025080150...