Thinking of getting something new so I've been looking at all the new hot hatches.

Before anyone jumps in and says Evo or Impreza I don't really want to have to pay out the insurance after some research, and this is an everyday car so really needs to be ok on fuel (around 25mpg+).

But besides all of that I was also interested in what people think is the best hot hatch out there. Theres allot of selection.

Such as:

Honda Civic Type R
Focus ST
Renault Megane R26
Renault Clio R27
Seat Leon Cupra R
VW Golf GTi
VW Golf R32
Vauxhall Astra VXR
Mazda 3 MPS
Honda Integra Type R (Facelift)

Also been looking at cars like:

BMW 330Ci
Honda S2000
Nissan 350Z

I'm sure i've missed out a few but what do you think is the best out of the lot? And why?

 

i saw the review of the new type R on topgear and he said honda had been trying to save costs and fit torsion bar rear suspension on the new one instead of the independent rear as the old one so i wouldnt buy a new one as it handled like shite on topgear think it was slower too. The focus st is a good alrounder in my opinion but probably doesnt have the build quality of the Golf gti/r32, or as much grunt,my cousin works for seat JCT600 garages and he says there a pain in the arse to work on not too sure how well the drive though id imagine not far off a golf as usually they all have the same parts anyway. Renaults i wouldnt touch as two of my mates have had new lagunas and they both set on fire. Vauxall astra is awesome in a straight line but rubbish around corners as the chassis cant handle the power. i think the mazda may be a bit of a underdog as ive heard they are really quick but they arent much to look at really.the BMW's you see loads of but thats probably because they are a very good car depends how individual you want to be i suppose.Honda s2000's are supposed to be very good/handling reliability e.t.c.. the 350z ive heard dont handle very well but this is what ive heard from shows such as fithgear e.t.c.

id say the choices are.
Old honda civic
Focus st
Golf gti/r32
Honda s2000

it depends which you like the best id pic the st but i love fords but i would be seriously tempted by a r32 if i had the cash.

 

I don't like french cars as a rule but the renault megane r26 IMO looks much fiercer than the focus st.... but out of that list it would have to be the bmw330ci, even though its not a hot hatch. Smart motors them bmw's

 

Civic is VERY good all rounder and bullet proof. Mine didnt cost me anything over 8 months

Megane is suppose to be very good to and more track focused. But never been in one.

 

mk2 xr2 proper hot hatches or a 205 gti,renult 5 turbo etc not these new pretenders

 

If you can afford it id take a 350z everytime

 

Leon Cupra R - Lovely car.

 

Integra DC5, 350Z, S200.

The new civic does use's a Torsion bar yes. Doesnt mean it handles like shit though, just look at all the good handling French cars use Track and Race rate it as the second best hothatch in there test, over the megan and Astra.

 

DC5

 

Thurlby 888 Astra cdti 200bhp/330lbft uprated suspension , big brakes and 40mpg
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/332340.htm


just abouts see 25mpg in my dreamscienced ST

 

just got that from topgear mate old one handled sweet the new on understeered all over the shop on the topgear test track

 

I looked at and considered pretty much everything on your list.


I chose a Seat Leon Cupra - Not the R version.... I ended up getting a Stg 2 one

02 plate. 53k miles. Full history. 12mths MOT Ł5k

Put the rest of the money back in the bank.


Having driven it for a month now I would say I have the best of the bunch for the money- and performance wise makes the Cupra R look over priced for a set of wheels, brakes, bumpers and nicer seats.

I still get the economy when I drive it steady on the motorway and the noise is ace when I drive it hard- and I think it handles ok.

Also- I can park it anywhere and not worry about it..

 

Leon's RULE OK!!!

well, Cupra R's do anyway

 

Audi S3?

 

Yeh they're quite cool - just stay clear of shite arse gay yellow ones..


What colour did you buy Martin?

 

R32.

 

Thanks for all the comments

Probably should have mentioned I already own a Civic Type R (EP3) Old model and was looking for something a bit newer.

I've driven the Astra VXR, thought it had a nice interior and went pretty well. But it didn't inspire much confidence in the corners. Not sure if the
Thurlby 888 Astra cdti handles the same?

I like the fact that the Renault comes with almost everything the new JDM Civic Type R has. But I don't like the look of it and I've owned a french car before and swore never to again.

I wouldn't mind an S2000 or the DC5 but both are very expensive on the Insurance (DC5 is Grp 20 ).

So thats why I've been thinking about getting one of the New Hot Hatches.

Thinking possibly Golf R32, 330Ci, Focus ST or New Type R

But don't really want anything less than I already have.

Open to other suggestions as well

 

get urself a pug 205 mi16 , ul never have had so much fun in a small french hatch.

 

Love my ST , i've had it lowered and remapped and it feels like a different car from when i 1st bought it, has the usual Ford build quality but they are cheap cars and never get bored of the engine note and the nice burble and pops you get from even the standard exhuast system

 

http://www.seriesoneturbo.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1023

Focus ST, not my cuppa tea but worth a butchers

 

Have you considerd a Kia Karens?

 

mk2 Golf GTI 8v. Loads of cash left over