WANTED: Quick (not Hot) Hatch
Discussion
Hi all,
A bit of background; I have a Range Rover on account of needing a towcar for my race car (it's a Caterham but lives in a big hard bodied trailer). I also have a Suzuki Carry for dog transport and beekeeping duties. That leaves one space on the driveway for my wife's car.
She requires a mid size hatchback and drives like a saint. A few years ago I sold my bugeye Impreza WRX and we compromised on a BMW 123d as a car that was reasonable comfy (SE - so no M-Sport suspension) and reasonable quick (if not terribly exciting). It was pretty good.
In 2017 we sold it and I, in my capacity as her car procurement consultant, suggested that a Seat Leon Cupra 290 would be just what she needed. With the suspension in Normal and the engine in Cupra it's plenty quick and not too hard for the bumpy Norfolk B roads it tends to frequent.
But what next? Wife has to maintain a car under 5 years old to satisfy her employer so the Seat must go next year. Would be looking to buy something 2 to 3 (max) year old. Budget 20K -ish.
TBH, for the relatively few miles that I do in her car the equation is currently too far in the performance direction so I've been wondering what might be out there that's a bit more in the vein of the 123d, a comfy and quite refined hatch that's not slow, but petrol driven.
As an example I looked at the Merc A250 but they're like hens teeth. Kia Ceed GT looks quite a soft warm hatch so... maybe?
Other ideas chaps?
A bit of background; I have a Range Rover on account of needing a towcar for my race car (it's a Caterham but lives in a big hard bodied trailer). I also have a Suzuki Carry for dog transport and beekeeping duties. That leaves one space on the driveway for my wife's car.
She requires a mid size hatchback and drives like a saint. A few years ago I sold my bugeye Impreza WRX and we compromised on a BMW 123d as a car that was reasonable comfy (SE - so no M-Sport suspension) and reasonable quick (if not terribly exciting). It was pretty good.
In 2017 we sold it and I, in my capacity as her car procurement consultant, suggested that a Seat Leon Cupra 290 would be just what she needed. With the suspension in Normal and the engine in Cupra it's plenty quick and not too hard for the bumpy Norfolk B roads it tends to frequent.
But what next? Wife has to maintain a car under 5 years old to satisfy her employer so the Seat must go next year. Would be looking to buy something 2 to 3 (max) year old. Budget 20K -ish.
TBH, for the relatively few miles that I do in her car the equation is currently too far in the performance direction so I've been wondering what might be out there that's a bit more in the vein of the 123d, a comfy and quite refined hatch that's not slow, but petrol driven.
As an example I looked at the Merc A250 but they're like hens teeth. Kia Ceed GT looks quite a soft warm hatch so... maybe?
Other ideas chaps?
Suzuki swift sport ! I got the Mrs one (she’s seen it and liked the colour). I wasn’t that keen but it’s her car so thought why not .
It a brilliant car , averages 45mph , quick , comfortable , very well equipped and fun to drive.
The interior is a little low rent on the plastics , but it’s comfortable and functional, get a year old non hybrid one for not much money and enjoy.
It a brilliant car , averages 45mph , quick , comfortable , very well equipped and fun to drive.
The interior is a little low rent on the plastics , but it’s comfortable and functional, get a year old non hybrid one for not much money and enjoy.
I would’ve thought 20k would get you a pretty much brand new warm hatch?
Another 1 series maybe? Any with the 2.0 turbo would be warm enough.
I suppose it depends on your definition of warm/hot. What kind of bhp are we talking? And does it need to be small family or super mini sized?
What other priorities, luxury, equipment etc?
Another 1 series maybe? Any with the 2.0 turbo would be warm enough.
I suppose it depends on your definition of warm/hot. What kind of bhp are we talking? And does it need to be small family or super mini sized?
What other priorities, luxury, equipment etc?
Kia Ceed GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009203...
Q30 Sport in touch (this is an A250 with AWD)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008252...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006099...
T5 V40 R Design Nav Plus
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009143...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009254...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...
Megane GT Nav these are hard to find but you will find 2017/18 models easily in budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010054...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010054...
308 GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009284...
ChrisH72 said:
Sounds like Golf Gti would be the best balance?
I'd agree, but many thousands cheaper and newer for the money (and 50+bhp down) would be a Focus ST Line, which really are lovely to drive. 
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009214...
Edited by Dapster on Thursday 8th October 00:44
Thanks guys (making assumptions!),
matjk - new SSS not reckoned to be as charismatic as the old but definitely worth a look.
ChrisH72 - 2.0 1 series also a good call. I hate the look of the new ones but there are some 19 reg around with the old grill. A 125i would be great but few and far between. I'm a great RWD fan but it isn't the most practical thing out here. I er... reversed the 123d into tree after a 300 yard struggle to keep it on the road on a long stretch of frosted sugar beet slime (perhaps a peculiarly East Anglian issue?).
Golf GTi is indeed an obvious contender but the thing I hate most about the Cupra is the road noise that is transmitted into the rear of the cabin. It's apparently an inherent MQB platform issue so not keen on any of those.
I'm thinking around 200bhp (Swift would get some leeway as it's v light) and yes Leon size.
Wife's #1 feature; heated seats. I like heated steering wheel and cruise. Tinted glass good for keeping the sun and prying eyes off dogs. No interest in "connectivity", audio, ambient lighting, cup holders etc etc....
ZX10R NIN - nice to meet a fellow biker - I ride an Aprilia SVX550 - a brilliant country lane bike. Thanks for some v interesting options - I'm going off to do some serious research on them!
ST-Line - Hhhmm.. maybe. A bit cooler than I might have been planning but if it drives well and suits the wife it could happen.
A general query; before the Cupra I'd always considered FWD cars to be nasty understeery / wheelspinny things. My son had Cooper S which was the most frustrating car I've ever driven - just span up it's inside front wheel coming out of every corner.
The Cupra, with its fancy "diff" demonstrated that they aren't all like that. But many/most/all? of the cars we're discussing won't have that level of sophistication so I'd be interested in your opinions on how these candidates manage their traction?
Appreciate all the input. Happy to research any other left field options?
matjk - new SSS not reckoned to be as charismatic as the old but definitely worth a look.
ChrisH72 - 2.0 1 series also a good call. I hate the look of the new ones but there are some 19 reg around with the old grill. A 125i would be great but few and far between. I'm a great RWD fan but it isn't the most practical thing out here. I er... reversed the 123d into tree after a 300 yard struggle to keep it on the road on a long stretch of frosted sugar beet slime (perhaps a peculiarly East Anglian issue?).
Golf GTi is indeed an obvious contender but the thing I hate most about the Cupra is the road noise that is transmitted into the rear of the cabin. It's apparently an inherent MQB platform issue so not keen on any of those.
I'm thinking around 200bhp (Swift would get some leeway as it's v light) and yes Leon size.
Wife's #1 feature; heated seats. I like heated steering wheel and cruise. Tinted glass good for keeping the sun and prying eyes off dogs. No interest in "connectivity", audio, ambient lighting, cup holders etc etc....
ZX10R NIN - nice to meet a fellow biker - I ride an Aprilia SVX550 - a brilliant country lane bike. Thanks for some v interesting options - I'm going off to do some serious research on them!
ST-Line - Hhhmm.. maybe. A bit cooler than I might have been planning but if it drives well and suits the wife it could happen.
A general query; before the Cupra I'd always considered FWD cars to be nasty understeery / wheelspinny things. My son had Cooper S which was the most frustrating car I've ever driven - just span up it's inside front wheel coming out of every corner.
The Cupra, with its fancy "diff" demonstrated that they aren't all like that. But many/most/all? of the cars we're discussing won't have that level of sophistication so I'd be interested in your opinions on how these candidates manage their traction?
Appreciate all the input. Happy to research any other left field options?
Edited by elandri on Thursday 8th October 20:13
elandri said:
Thanks guys (making assumptions!),
matjk - new SSS not reckoned to be as charismatic as the old but definitely worth a look.
ChrisH72 - 2.0 1 series also a good call. I hate the look of the new ones but there are some 19 reg around with the old grill. A 125i would be great but few and far between. I'm a great RWD fan but it isn't the most practical thing out here. I er... reversed the 123d into tree after a 300 yard struggle to keep it on the road on a long stretch of frosted sugar beet slime (perhaps a peculiarly East Anglian issue?).
Golf GTi is indeed an obvious contender but the thing I hate most about the Cupra is the road noise that is transmitted into the rear of the cabin. It's apparently an inherent MQB platform issue so not keen on any of those.
I'm thinking around 200bhp (Swift would get some leeway as it's v light) and yes Leon size.
Wife's #1 feature; heated seats. I like heated steering wheel and cruise. Tinted glass good for keeping the sun and prying eyes off dogs. No interest in "connectivity", audio, ambient lighting, cup holders etc etc....
ZX10R NIN - nice to meet a fellow biker - I ride an Aprilia SVX550 - a brilliant country lane bike. Thanks for some v interesting options - I'm going off to do some serious research on them!
ST-Line - Hhhmm.. maybe. A bit cooler than I might have been planning but if it drives well and suits the wife it could happen.
A general query; before the Cupra I'd always considered FWD cars to be nasty understeery / wheelspinny things. My son had Cooper S which was the most frustrating car I've ever driven - just span up it's inside front wheel coming out of every corner.
The Cupra, with its fancy "diff" demonstrated that they aren't all like that. But many/most/all? of the cars we're discussing won't have that level of sophistication so I'd be interested in you opinions on how these candidates manage their traction?
Appreciate all the input. Happy to research any other left field options?
matjk - new SSS not reckoned to be as charismatic as the old but definitely worth a look.
ChrisH72 - 2.0 1 series also a good call. I hate the look of the new ones but there are some 19 reg around with the old grill. A 125i would be great but few and far between. I'm a great RWD fan but it isn't the most practical thing out here. I er... reversed the 123d into tree after a 300 yard struggle to keep it on the road on a long stretch of frosted sugar beet slime (perhaps a peculiarly East Anglian issue?).
Golf GTi is indeed an obvious contender but the thing I hate most about the Cupra is the road noise that is transmitted into the rear of the cabin. It's apparently an inherent MQB platform issue so not keen on any of those.
I'm thinking around 200bhp (Swift would get some leeway as it's v light) and yes Leon size.
Wife's #1 feature; heated seats. I like heated steering wheel and cruise. Tinted glass good for keeping the sun and prying eyes off dogs. No interest in "connectivity", audio, ambient lighting, cup holders etc etc....
ZX10R NIN - nice to meet a fellow biker - I ride an Aprilia SVX550 - a brilliant country lane bike. Thanks for some v interesting options - I'm going off to do some serious research on them!
ST-Line - Hhhmm.. maybe. A bit cooler than I might have been planning but if it drives well and suits the wife it could happen.
A general query; before the Cupra I'd always considered FWD cars to be nasty understeery / wheelspinny things. My son had Cooper S which was the most frustrating car I've ever driven - just span up it's inside front wheel coming out of every corner.
The Cupra, with its fancy "diff" demonstrated that they aren't all like that. But many/most/all? of the cars we're discussing won't have that level of sophistication so I'd be interested in you opinions on how these candidates manage their traction?
Appreciate all the input. Happy to research any other left field options?
Always good to meet a fellow biker the 550 is a blast around country lanes, I haven't had an Aprilia yet but the RSV Factory Mille is on the list.Traction won't be an issue on the warm hatches mentioned because in most cases they have -90bhp, of course if you act like an oaf then it's very possible.
In the case of the T5 V40 they use electronics to curb the enthusiasm.
I'd say traction will be fine if you're only looking at 200bhp.
I went from a rwd 3 series to a mk7 fiesta ST with 180bhp. Aside from a little torque steer which is actually a good bit of fun it grips and handles superbly. A much better car to chuck about that the heavy BMW.
Hot hatches are now 300bhp so there warm versions will have more than enough power whilst being a bit more forgiving ride.
I went from a rwd 3 series to a mk7 fiesta ST with 180bhp. Aside from a little torque steer which is actually a good bit of fun it grips and handles superbly. A much better car to chuck about that the heavy BMW.
Hot hatches are now 300bhp so there warm versions will have more than enough power whilst being a bit more forgiving ride.
Hi all,
I thought a quick update wouldn't go amiss....
Back at the tail end of last year wife announced that she'd actually like a new car and noted that her employer had a leasing scheme.
Now, she never ever let's me know anything about her car scheme - I can't imagine why? Anyway I set about understanding the inns and outs of Co. car taxation and, as you clued up people probably already know, if you go ICE you get caned whilst there's a quite incredible giveaway going on with electric.
So, it's looking like electric it will be. Strangely, I'm not feeling too upset. Almost every ICE car we might have considered has been ruined by having its engine replaced by a tiny ICE and hybrid arrangement with really poor performance compared with the same car of a year or two ago. Many quite ordinary electrics have pretty good acceleration and while they will be heavy they won't be as heavy as my Range Rover - and I still enjoy hustling that down the country lanes.
Maybe not all bad then. The challenge now is to er.. assist the good lady in making the right decision. She's adamant that she doesn't want anything that looks sporty as she's apparently fed up with "boy racers sitting on her bumper". That's not something I've ever noticed - I can't imagine why?
She'd be happy with a Zoe but I'm trying to move the conversation on to Tesla Model 3 / Mach-E territory.
Time will tell.
I'll let you what happens in a month or two!
I thought a quick update wouldn't go amiss....
Back at the tail end of last year wife announced that she'd actually like a new car and noted that her employer had a leasing scheme.
Now, she never ever let's me know anything about her car scheme - I can't imagine why? Anyway I set about understanding the inns and outs of Co. car taxation and, as you clued up people probably already know, if you go ICE you get caned whilst there's a quite incredible giveaway going on with electric.
So, it's looking like electric it will be. Strangely, I'm not feeling too upset. Almost every ICE car we might have considered has been ruined by having its engine replaced by a tiny ICE and hybrid arrangement with really poor performance compared with the same car of a year or two ago. Many quite ordinary electrics have pretty good acceleration and while they will be heavy they won't be as heavy as my Range Rover - and I still enjoy hustling that down the country lanes.
Maybe not all bad then. The challenge now is to er.. assist the good lady in making the right decision. She's adamant that she doesn't want anything that looks sporty as she's apparently fed up with "boy racers sitting on her bumper". That's not something I've ever noticed - I can't imagine why?
She'd be happy with a Zoe but I'm trying to move the conversation on to Tesla Model 3 / Mach-E territory.
Time will tell.
I'll let you what happens in a month or two!
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