Fun daily commuter

[jamieStocky]

So have been rolling in 1.4 tsi golfs for the past 5 years (creature of habit me ??) due to stupid long commutes (50-70 miles). Now finally down to 14 miles a day so feel now is the time to actually get something with some poke and have a smile on my face on the way to work!

Being in golfs for so long, a mk6 GTI was top of the list, but looking for alternatives?? Debating Focus ST, Audi S3? Budget of around 12K, and needing 4/5 doors Anything out of the ordinary earns brownie points!!

All opinions welcomed!

Edited by jamieStocky on Monday 21st October 16:51

[Pistonheader101]

Bmw 320d

[pb8g09]

S1?

[jamieStocky]

Pistonheader101 said:

Bmw 320d

For 14 miles a day seems a real waste?

[4941cc]

So rather than a small-engined hatchback, a slightly less smaller-engined hatchback? Bizarre.

V10 M5.

Edited by 4941cc on Tuesday 22 October 17:17

[jamieStocky]

pb8g09 said:

S1?

Always worried with my height about them 😂 may need to sit in some!

[pb8g09]

jamieStocky said:

Always worried with my height about them ?? may need to sit in some!

Nah don’t worry about that. They’re not for everyone (I sold mine after 4 months) but fits your brief and starting to come down to some interesting prices

[Mr Tidy]

Pistonheader101 said:

Bmw 320d

No, BMW 335i would be much more fun!

And Fun is what the OP is looking for.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're looking for a hot hatch then go for the best drivers one & get a Megane RS with the Cup Chassis would be my (hopefully with the Recaros) pick.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[KaoGeorge]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you're looking for a hot hatch then go for the best drivers one & get a Megane RS with the Cup Chassis would be my (hopefully with the Recaros) pick.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I second this. I have one of these and it is all the fun you will ever need on public roads.

[Chanel is the boy]

330d as a fun daily commuter... power and torque combo!

[RCD24]

Currently running an 8P S3 that's around your budget, not had it long but I will say that the feedback from the wheel is not the greatest, the fuel economy thus far hasn't been great either at around 24mpg, though in fairness it will see 30mpg on a longer motorway run. For a short commute like yours I would think that something like the Megane would be more fun to drive (though I haven't tried one).

[Dave Hedgehog]

C63 wagon, MPG wont matter on such a short run

and LOL out diesel suggestions for a fun car, so funny lol

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[cerb4.5lee]

Mr Tidy said:

Pistonheader101 said:

Bmw 320d

No, BMW 335i would be much more fun!

And Fun is what the OP is looking for.

No 3 series will be much fun for me. They are built to cruise at high speed with lots of sound deadening to separate you from the driving experience.

A lovely comfortable cruiser for sure but not a fun car.

[cerb4.5lee]

KaoGeorge said:

ZX10R NIN said:

If you're looking for a hot hatch then go for the best drivers one & get a Megane RS with the Cup Chassis would be my (hopefully with the Recaros) pick.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I second this. I have one of these and it is all the fun you will ever need on public roads.

Something like this is what I'd go for too in the OP's situation.

[jontbone]

As some of the lads have said, with a budget of £12k it would be difficult to better a Megane RS for fun short commutes (especially if there’s a few roundabouts en route), the Cup version a must IMO.

The fly in the ointment, you’ve specified 4/5 doors, £12k will get you the previous gen which was 3dr only.

All things considered, the Golf GTi is a better all rounder adding refinement and practicality over the Megane RS, but it won’t be as fun, so I guess it depends on your priorities. Perhaps a Focus ST would be a good compromise?

[irocfan]

Mini of some flavour?

Edited by irocfan on Wednesday 23 October 15:50

[4941cc]

996?

[irocfan]

4941cc said:

996?

op wanted 4/5 doors

[ZX10R NIN]

I forgot about the non three door rule, in that case these are where I'd be looking:

Mountune Focus ST

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda3 MPS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Giulietta Cloverleaf

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi S3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...