Been umming and ahhing about a new car for several months but took me a while to decide what to go for. Had been running around in a Clio 172 Cup for over a year because I couldn't make a decision! Was a great little car, but far from a perfect daily. I was looking at buying something for £10-12k, but loan rates actually made it quite an expensive option compared to getting something new. As I want to move house next year, I didn't want to get tied down to anything for 2-3 years, so actually ended up going for a lease, as it gives me the flexibility I want and you seem to be able to get some good deals.
Anyway, I test drove all of the usual suspects; Focus ST, RenaultSport Megane, Civic Type-R, Astra VXR but ended up with this. I liked the Megane/Civic/Astra, but they were a bit like the Clio in that they were very much focused on speed, making them a bit harsh for a daily. I wanted a bit more of a compromise. The Focus was ok, but felt slow compared to the other options. Anyway, a good deal came up so I have gone German. Never had a new car before and it is a bit of a step-up in comfort from the Clio...
Rather stupidly, this is one of my favourite features. The radio normally looks like this...
...but it has a built-in sensor so, when you put your hand near it, it brings up more detail...
Clever these Germans
Done a few hundred miles in it and happy so far
It's actually very subtle apart from the silly exhausts!