Warm hatch for <£13k

Macky · 25 Jun 2023 at 22:46

As the title suggests. My 08 1.8t petrol Focus is coming gracefully to the end of its life. I'm after something newer and with more poke. I drove a 1.6t Astra (200bhp) a few years ago as a rental and found it nice to drive. These can be had, 2018 plate, low mileage, top spec for ~£12k on auto trader.

Is there anything else worth considering at this price point? Is it worth increasing my budget slightly? I saw a few Seat Leon's with similar specs, though these seem to be more expensive and less powerful generally.

Macky · 26 Jun 2023 at 12:52

MrRockliffe said:
2 cars spring to mind:

Focus ST
Golf GTI (though you’ll need an older model)

Though these could be more hot than warm.

What are the most important things you’re looking for?

- Reliability
- Size (roughly equivalent to current or bigger)
- Age
- Roughly 200bhp or more
- Android auto

A Focus-ST is probably perfect for my needs but out of budget for a recent example and they come with high insurance premiums and are likely theft targets - to be fair, as is any moderately desirable car these.

Macky · 26 Jun 2023 at 12:57

lovelyhead said:
The Leaf ticks 3 out of 4 of those requirements! The instant torque makes up for the lack of horses imo.

I'm not quite ready to embrace the electric world just yet. I accept this will likely be my last petrol car before moving to electric.

Macky · 27 Jun 2023 at 08:54

Chaps, I'm not buying a good condition, newish Golf R for £13k!

Leon and the Ceed GT look like okay contenders.

Macky · 27 Jun 2023 at 18:55

Doobedoo said:
Basically no one cares about EV’s and the op has very limited choice within his budget, due to overinflated prices within used car market still.

Astra it is!

Macky · 27 Jun 2023 at 20:59

The next most pokey Focus under the 2.0 ST engine is the 1.5T petrol with 180bhp. These seem like a good amount of power for the price. But still a bit less than the Astra and seem to be less well specced.

For me the only real contenders that fit my bill are the Astra, Leon or Ceed. The mini is a decent shout but they feel less practical than the former three. I could be wrong though!

Perhaps in boy-racer terminology, my requirements are for a "tepid" hatch rather than a warm hatch..