20k decent hot hatch or something else?

[horico]

I’m hoping the great PH minds might suggest something that I haven’t thought of already as a new car for the wife.

Is there anything out there that’s interesting or limited run across the run of the mill models that fits the below:

Auto
Hatch
5 doors (2 kids)
Petrol
Nippy (I’d like fast, wife happy with brisk)
Pan roof
£20-22.5k
<270 tax
red, blue or white preferred in that order

So far, we’ve considered the usual Golf R, M140i, A45 as well as Edition 40’s or RSQ3’s and the like. Mileage will be low as she works from home now so only up to 4k per year. I can’t help think it’s an opportunity for us to get something more interesting given the limited use. She doesn’t want an estate or really a saloon – I had suggested a 335i tourer as a possibility.

She's coming from a Skoda Scout after 2 x Golf R's. She's not opposed to another R but it would need to be a decent spec rather than an ex lease special to sway it.

Not much to go on I know....

[fflump]

I presume you have a second 'family' car for long journeys etc so estate-level rear leg room is not super important?

The A45 is a nice premium option, though I'd also check out the GLA45 which would have a slightly higher ride height, a bit like A3 vs Q3.

[Gareth1974]

fflump said:

I presume you have a second 'family' car for long journeys etc so estate-level rear leg room is not super important?

The A45 is a nice premium option, though I'd also check out the GLA45 which would have a slightly higher ride height, a bit like A3 vs Q3.

You beat me to it https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103059...

[ZX10R NIN]

horico said:

I’m hoping the great PH minds might suggest something that I haven’t thought of already as a new car for the wife.

Is there anything out there that’s interesting or limited run across the run of the mill models that fits the below:

Auto
Hatch
5 doors (2 kids)
Petrol
Nippy (I’d like fast, wife happy with brisk)
Pan roof
£20-22.5k
<270 tax
red, blue or white preferred in that order

So far, we’ve considered the usual Golf R, M140i, A45 as well as Edition 40’s or RSQ3’s and the like. Mileage will be low as she works from home now so only up to 4k per year. I can’t help think it’s an opportunity for us to get something more interesting given the limited use. She doesn’t want an estate or really a saloon – I had suggested a 335i tourer as a possibility.

She's coming from a Skoda Scout after 2 x Golf R's. She's not opposed to another R but it would need to be a decent spec rather than an ex lease special to sway it.

Not much to go on I know....

There are two cars that come to mind, if you want an interior which is on par with the A45 above & comes with the same engine as the A250 then the Infiniti Q30 Sport 210 they come with everything you listed & sensible running costs too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102139...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...

Also you'll save a fair bit compared to it's Mercedes cousin whilst still getting a 2018 model

308 GTI 270 great steer lots of power & a flippin good car

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102018...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102118...

Megane GT Nav 205

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103110...

[horico]

fflump said:

I presume you have a second 'family' car for long journeys etc so estate-level rear leg room is not super important?

The A45 is a nice premium option, though I'd also check out the GLA45 which would have a slightly higher ride height, a bit like A3 vs Q3.

Thanks both.

Mrs H quite likes the look of a GLA45 - I think it makes the shortlist. The kids are 3 and 6 so leg room isn't too vital at the moment although my daily is a VW T5.1 so we're covered for load lugging there if need be and it tows the Caravan.

ZX10R NIN said:

There are two cars that come to mind, if you want an interior which is on par with the A45 above & comes with the same engine as the A250 then the Infiniti Q30 Sport 210 they come with everything you listed & sensible running costs too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102139...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...

Also you'll save a fair bit compared to it's Mercedes cousin whilst still getting a 2018 model

308 GTI 270 great steer lots of power & a flippin good car

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102018...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102118...

Megane GT Nav 205

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103110...

Thanks

I'll have a look at the infiniti and pass one under her nose. I think the 308 would be a cracker but manuals are off the list unfortunately - while she'll drive the T5, an auto is a must for her car.

I was hoping to get something special on the drive a little under the radar while getting Mrs H's approval. At the moment, the A45 / GLA45, while not special, is a little bonkers at least.

[ZX10R NIN]

The A/GLA are the same car as the Infiniti Q30 they're the same car down to the boot release switch but the Infinit comes loaded with spec, but if you can get a A/GLA45 into the mix then go for it.

[Dolf Stoppard]

JCW Clubman, although you're not going to get into a sub 5 sec 306 hp model unless you can find a few extra quid. Yes, I know a lot of people don't like them, but I'd say if you want something different then they're well worth a drive.

[Itsallicanafford]

Some left feild choices which stretch the brief but give you that special appeal...

Honda e
BMW i3s

Or due to age of kids still low so should still fit in the back for a few years...

Audi TT

Or go bonkers with a classic

911 - 996 C4s
968

How about a 4 seater merc convertible?

[craig_m67]

Alfa Giulietta QV?

Pano roof, nippy, lotsa toys, great steer