Jack of all trades - is it a hot hatch?

[OMITN]

Or once bitten, twice shy?

I'm lacking in imagination here!

Currently our cars are a 2018 Mazda CX-5 and a 2007 Peugeot 307 hatch. So far, so unexciting.

The previous two cars were a Cooper S convertible (replaced by the Mazda for more commuting comfort) and a Leon Cupra, which was stolen from the driveway. The 307 "replaced" this as an emergency station car and it has stayed for nearly 4 years performing all sorts of roles.

We tend to share our cars (don't really do a his and hers) and use the best car for the job. With flexible working, having one nice car and one shed works well - the shed is the local run-around and the Mazda does longer journeys and family travel. An SUV is handy, if unexciting.

I've now got a slight change in circumstances: I need to do a 250 mile round trip on the M6 through Birmingham pretty regularly. I also need to spend a lot more time with my parents: my 74 yo father has just been diagnosed with cancer for the second time and things don't look good. That journey is all cross country through north and west Wales.

So I need a jack of all trades that does both distance (and inevitable stop/start motorway traffic) and also cross country pace/overtaking the dawdlers. We'll keep the Mazda and Peugeot, so this car need not be super practical. But I'm stuck on a hot hatch being the best option (in spite of the last one having been stolen - hence once bitten, twice shy).

Budget - £25k

Hit me with your better ideas - thank you!

[A500leroy]

208 gti.

[Xcore]

M140i auto

[the-norseman]

Did you enjoy the Cupra? if so get another one.

[Pica-Pica]

Surely a 335d in saloon or estate form?
Or a 340i if preferred.

[descentia]

Mercedes A250, the hybrid is in your price range too

[valiant]

Golf R estate, surely?

[OMITN]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone. Some interesting choices.

Though I live in a village with basically zero crime (except the time my car was stolen!) I'm wary of anything which may be something of a thief magnet. I doubt lightning will strike twice, but....

[stevekoz]

Based on your requirements.

I know the journey from Midlands to SW Wales as my elderly parents lived there for 14 years and I had to drive over during COVID for obvs reasons at a drop of the hat in Feb. As they lived very rural, it was fine taking my hot hatch but it wasn't what i'd call comfortable and its just not as capable on those journeys as something AWD is - albeit not as fun, but that wasn't the purpose of that visit and as such. Weather did and as I imagine, will come into it for you as well.

As much as anyone will tell you that FWD and RWD is just as capable in poor UK weather it isn't really the case. I enjoy driving my v8 m3 all your round, but its not as composed in winter and you go that bit slower and surer in those months. And when you need to just get there, if you have an AWD and RWD car on the drive. At night. Cold. Wet. I know i'd take the keys to an AWD first as i know its going to be that bit easier in the circumstances that may come up. Just my opinion.

Given you may need to do that journey late, in bad weather etc. Multiple times. I would recommend something AWD. It isn't as fun or as eager as rwd/fwd. But for your brief that doesn't seem to be what you need.

If you liked the Leon then you could stick with that and get the ST version (estate) - slightly less nickable than the Leon Cupra Hatch - and adds the versatility of AWD using the same drivetrain as the Golf R.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305036...


Or the Golf R is equally as good. Arguably to some it looks better than the Cupra. I prefer the Cupra as its that bit rarer. But I still prefer both in Wagon form to their hatchback alternatives

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304216...

And again, less nickable being an estate.

I also would say estate as you may need to pack heavy at some point to go and stay with your dad so an estate is just that bit more versatile and comfortable in those situations where you need to quickly get up and go and take lots with you.

Another good steer and again even rarer is the 4wd Octavia VRS in Diesel, so with the miles you may be doing it would make sense with fuel perhaps?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303145...

If you fancy something more clinical and comfortable and a great mile munching car then its hard to look past the Audi A6 Avant Quattro. Torque you wouldn't believe and fits the criteria of being able to pass with ease in any circumstance. Loads of room and comfortably in budget, if not slightly older, but still prefer this shape -

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304035...

You could also go for a comparative 530d Xdrive Msport -

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303105...

Again, perfect for all occasions you've listed.

Hope those few ideas help. Good luck with your father.

[sunnyb13]

golf R estate, 340i touring, c43 estate, S4 avant etc etc

[OMITN]

Thanks very much all. Just what I was hoping for - some alternative perspectives.

AWD is a great shout - summer through Wales is beautiful. On a good day it’s the best driving roads one can hope for. In the dark and wet comfort and sure footedness is much more in order.

There’s plenty to look into now - including whether I can contemplate diesel..!

[georgeyboy12345]

Given the long distances you will be covering (and associated stop-start traffic) maybe a Euro 6 diesel auto "hot/warm" hatch will make the most sense?

BMW 125d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212202...


Ford Focus ST TDCI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304246...


VW Golf GTD
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304286...

for 10 grand less and just a year older, essentially the same car in the form of a Seat Leon FR 2.0 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303014...

If you want a bit more space, then there's the Skoda Octavia vRS, again, same car underneath
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302204...

or if you want AWD, then there's the Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (again, same car underneath)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304166...


Volvo V40 D4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303315...


Mercedes A220d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303285...

[anonymous-user]

why not just save money and stick with what you have?

MAzda fine for longer journeys

[bearman68]

Hell, I'd have a decent Saab 9-3 Aero, and spend 23k on coke and hookers. No depreciation, goes like the clappers, good on the motorway and on bendy roads, and has comfy seats. Look after it, and will be an appreciating asset, and no way a thief magnet.

(Actually I'd put 23k in an ISA, with as big an interest rate as I could find, but everyone like to dream).

[jimmytheone]

Legacy?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205045...
For some reason i cant find one over £15k on AT

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say take a good look at the 272 A4 3.0tdi a nice amount of go with a decent levels of NVH & comfort:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303275...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304246...

V60 Polestar:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301263...

A bit leftfield but 2.0T Insignia GSI is well worth a look:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303245...

430d GC M Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304116...

335d Shadow Edition:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303195...

XF 300:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303014...

[mcg_]

If you're keeping the Mazda and Peugeot I really can't see the point in getting any of the above, although meeting your suggested requirements.

The Mazda will be fine for those journeys, why not spend the money on fun weekend car?

I've got a golf r and it's really not a car to get excited about driving after a short while (or is that just because I've one 50000 in it now, not sure). The Caterham I've just bought though to go with it, now that's a laugh

Edited by mcg_ on Wednesday 3rd May 21:26

[OMITN]

lord trumpton said:

why not just save money and stick with what you have?

MAzda fine for longer journeys

Sorry, I wasn’t clear in my OP.

If I’m off to various places I don’t want to leave Mrs OMITN with the old Peugeot for commuting herself and weekend distances (our daughter is a a dancer and has piles of stuff to cart about to weekend competitions).

Frankly, I can afford more than my budget, but everyone has a line to draw somewhere. If the worst headlines with my father I can see cash being diverted to help my mother.

[OMITN]

mcg_ said:

If you're keeping the Mazda and Peugeot I really can't see the point in getting any of the above, although meeting your suggested requirements.

The Mazda will be fine for those journeys, why not spend the money on fun weekend car?

I've got a golf r and it's really not a car to get excited about driving after a short while. The Caterham I've just bought though to go with it, now that's a laugh

Good point. The Mazda meets the motorway requirements (though it’s gutless and a manual, but it’s all paid for and like all Japanese cars is well made and well appointed). But it’s no use for “making progress” across country, which is what the journeys to Wales are/will be.

A weekend type of car would be fine - and I did contemplate the likes of an Audi TTS - just need to strike a balance right now (hence my OP defaulting to hot hatch…).

Edited by OMITN on Wednesday 3rd May 22:15

[mcg_]

TTS good shout, but RS even better!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304206...