£10k All Rounder

[R2Detour]

Hey everyone

I m in the position of having to downgrade from my focus RS to a new but cheaper car.

The focus Is a great daily (ride aside) it s fun. Goes well. Handles great. Fits a family. When you need it can do motorway or long trips saved you have fun when you get there because it s not too big.

Ideally I need something similar for £10k instead of the £30k the focus cost.

I don t want diesel. Not for me.
I don t mind mpg as long as 20mins plus average
I would like some element of speed - I know it won t be RS fast but some poke - 220hp or more?
Something interesting and not bland - standard box doesn t interest me.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Edited by R2Detour on Friday 10th July 21:56

[Heathwood]

Megane RS250/265?

[Josemartinez]

PH must have seen your post and done a article on it.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I'd also throw in a Octavia VRS, can get 300hp with a remap or a Renaultsport Clio or Megane.

I thought this was interesting, can't be many about

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512138...

[ZX10R NIN]

I'm guessing four doors is preferable?

Focus ST3/2, not the same as the RS but a good car &it ticks the boxes:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607023...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604161...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606303...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606183...

PS 308 GTI 270, cracking steer & as long as the driving position works for you these really are the closest you'll get to the RS for your budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606173...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607013...

XE S, not a hot hatch but a very good steer with a sweet engine:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606053...

Leftfield

Insignia VXR, very underrated & actually a good steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606093...

R36:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604101...

If you're OK with a warm hatch that'll come alive with a remap so they'll be around 250bhp these are worth a look but they may fall into the bland category.

ProCeed GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602240...

Q30 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603261...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605202...

The 308 would get the nod over the SR & the XE would get the nod over the Insignia but they would be my top four.

[Belle427]

Golf R32 is quite interesting and makes a lovely noise, Edition 30 if you can find a good, mine had an R Tech map to 300 Bhp and it went very well for something that cost me £5500.
The MK 6 R is overlooked too but I think they are expensive now.

[SFTWend]

Something different, with character, would be an Alfa Giulietta 1750 TBi.

[oceanview]

An earlier M135i? Just as quick as RS, although not as fun.
But that six cylinder engine is superior.

[AddyT.]

Golf GTI.

[ZX10R NIN]

Any of the suggestions work for you OP?

[Jon177]

I’m in a similar position to the OP. The Q30’s are an interesting proposition. Do they use the same problematic gearbox as the A45? They seem like a bargain for the year / mileage / history. What do they achieve after a stage 1 map?

[M.F.D]

If you want another hot hatch, it's hard to look past either a Cupra 280 or Megane 3 RS with Cup chassis at that money. Neither a downgrade really with some choice upgrades imo.

[DaveyBoyWonder]

A mk5 R32 passed me last night when I was walking to the shop. Sounded ace and they look so understated. Loved my old GTI and would definitely consider another mk5 of Ed30/R32 flavour. 10k will get a decent one...

[JakeS77]

Left field choice a mercedes cla 250 AMG sport 0-62 6.6 secs. I reckon you'd get this for close to 10k.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604031...

[RacingStripes]

Ive just bought a 2023 Skoda Superb estate PHEV for £9500. 200+ bhp and 7.7 to 60 and all the room you could need as a daily driver.

Ive done 970miles so far and only used a 3rd of a tank of fuel. Great shedding!
Premium car tax is a pain though.

[rotaryjam]

BMW M135i, easily attainable for 10k or less.

Fast, sound great, reliable, practical, handle nicely, quality interior, bottom of the depreciation curve.

I love the torque curve for these, you basically get instant peak torque right up to 5.5k making it perfect for everyday driving and the odd bit of spirited driving.

What more could you ask for??