You would be surprised, doing your homework and knowing the right places to look can help, Ive had my Cosworth since I was 19, anyway it's out the scope of the OP'S question as he want's a "warm hatch".

Back on subject I would recommend a Honda Civic type S? Now I have never owned/driven a Honda but been in a mates Type R Integra a few times and know there reliable good cars and have fine engines.

Another mate had a Glanza V turbo (AKA Starlet GT turbo) and again there nice cars and a better option than a VTR in my opinion, for example you get A/C in the former, the VTR you don't, it's also more powerful!

Martin