Spec Me A Fun But Quality Hatch

oHUTCHYo

oHUTCHYo

oHUTCHYo

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...fun but quality hatch.

Previously owned a Civic Type-R EP3, then MK5 Golf R32, then just provisionally sold my 2005 Impreza STI after only over a month of ownership (:eek:).

I found the Impreza almighty fast after yearning for one so much during the R32 ownership, but then have now realised what a quality little car the R32 was with its nice interior, build quality and raspy V6 - all with an AWD drivetrain. I think at nearly 31 I'm finally starting to overlook more than just 0-60 times.

I'm all but sold on going back to an R32. Though thought I'd ask you lot for any other suggestions.

I do plan on trying a Civic Type-R FN2 and Astra VXR to rule them out completely, though I'm all but certain I wont like them as much as the R32. I do like the Audi S3s but they are out of budget. It's not just about performance, its about day to day livability.

Budget £10-11K.
 
A bit left field, not for everyone and not your usual suggestion but I do have a bit of a soft spot for them.

Mazda 3 MPS mkII

Loads of kit, 256bhp, great in gear acceleration, can get a ten plate around that budget.
 
I really, really like the 8p s3, sounds like it would do everything you're looking for - might be worth trying one to see if it makes you tempted to increase the budget.

I like the v6 a3 but wouldn't spend 10k on one. The fn2 won't be the car you're looking for I don't think, good fun but youll probably find it feels too "light" compared to the germans.
 
[TW]Fox;23545706 said:
Careful with the 130i, most are prefacelift which is not exactly a 'quality' hatch.
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Totally agree, but 07s and 08s are 11-13k so if you haggle you could probably get them in budget.
Plus £500 isn't a massive amount when spending 11k.
 
VXR's are fun :)

Least refined out of the lot though. So i don't think it will tick all your box's. If you want silly boost, understeer and good hatchback 0-60 times and like doing some modding, try one.

S3 and Mazda MPS mk2 are a good shout. The Mazda's are very well decked out.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll be sure to give the suggestions at the very least a look, if not a test drive if theres some to be found in local garages :)

I think as Robbie G so elegantly puts it however, I think I'll be back cap in hand to the R32 :D
 
The clue in the OP was quality, no point suggesting Focus, VXR, CTR. Good luck OP, looks like you know what to do.
 
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