Hot Hatch V2 - What should I get?

Raevinn

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Jun 30, 2008
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Ok so after my first thread over here I have changed my short-list to the following:

  • Renault Megane RS
  • Audi A3 1.8 Quattro
  • VW Scirroco 2.0 DSG
  • Ford Fiesta ST

All of these cars cost around the same amount on Auto-trader, with the exception of the Fiesta ST that's +-R270k brand new. I'm looking at 2013-2015 models with low milage.

So, which one would you pick? I'm also open for any additions to the short-list.
 

pjjdp

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The A3 a hot hatch? I don't think so. I still like it though. Will be a nice ride.

Hot Hatch wise, my first choice would be Golf GTi, then Ford Focus ST.
 

Sinbad

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The A3 a hot hatch? I don't think so. I still like it though. Will be a nice ride.

Hot Hatch wise, my first choice would be Golf GTi, then Ford Focus ST.

You think so, but the a3 2.0tsi is basically a 3 door golf gti....
 

ABCpt

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I'm sticking to the Scirroco. :p The DSG is also very nice, especially for use in traffic.
 

Mike Hoxbig

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From those on your list, the 'Roc.

From those not on your list, the Focus ST...
 

pjjdp

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The 1.8 TFSI with 132 kW is by no means a slouch though...

I know that too. Nice engines, but still not considered a current hot Hatch.

A few years ago the A3 and Golf GTi had the 132kw 1.8t engines. Those were excellent to modify.
 

Pitbull

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Ok so after my first thread over here I have changed my short-list to the following:

  • Renault Megane RS
  • Audi A3 1.8 Quattro
  • VW Scirroco 2.0 DSG
  • Ford Fiesta ST

All of these cars cost around the same amount on Auto-trader, with the exception of the Fiesta ST that's +-R270k brand new. I'm looking at 2013-2015 models with low milage.

So, which one would you pick? I'm also open for any additions to the short-list.

If you planning to resell/trade later on don't get the RS.

If not, Definitely the RS

If Yes, Definitely the VW Scirroco 2.0 DSG
 

Sepeng

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The Megane RS.
apart from being a fantastic vehicle, it's well, different. Which appeals to me.
But go for a drive in them, see which one talks to you mate. Not a bad apple amongst them.
 

Pitbull

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The Megane RS.
apart from being a fantastic vehicle, it's well, different. Which appeals to me.
But go for a drive in them, see which one talks to you mate. Not a bad apple amongst them.

Megane RS!!!

The problem with RS is the re-sell value. Apart from that they are amazing cars. People just don't buy those cars. They rather buy a Focus, Fiesta, Golf and so on. So getting rid of one is going to be a pain. Unless you trade it at Renault for another Renault. Still not a bad thing if you want to trade up to a newer model RS :D
 

syntax

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The renault is great for track and nailing it kind of driving. Every day its ok. The inside is a bit old, plain, cheap looking and outdated.

The audi is easily the best all rounder, good boot, (Cant remember if it comes in sportback, im sure it does), freeway plan, nice drive. Slightly boring though.

Scirocco, nice car, DSG is great, drives well enough. I never really fell in love with this car though, no idea why.

Fiesta is probably the most fun car here. Not really grown up, but decent tech, fun drive on track and off, not the most practical.

As a Focus ST driver, I feel you could get one at similar prices to the others here. Its definitely fun, has a bit too much torque steer and putting down power problems, decent tech, not too bad as a family hatch. I know the GTI is a better overall car, but the ST for me is a lot more fun.


I would probably say the audi is my pick, then the focus or fiesta, depending on what you are looking for
 

dielaksman

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Being a Fiesta ST owner myself, i can attest to it being an absolute awesome and fun little car. I've had mine since 2013 and it still manages to put a smile on my face every day I drive it.

The only downside to it is if you need a bigger car, its not very spacious inside, the huge Recaro seats take up a lot of space and the boot won't accommodate a family of 3 or more people's luggage for a weekend away. Like Syntax said, its not the most practical.
 

Enigma_

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I'd vote for the Audi A3. It's a brilliant car, it is a surprisingly fun car to drive, while still retaining a sense of style and refinement. You just might want to check the difference between optional extras though, Audi's are equipped with the absolute basics unless you/previous owner has bought extras. It's likely going to be the most expensive of those four, and I'd go for that or a Scirocco over a Golf GTi anyday.
 

Raevinn

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I'd vote for the Audi A3. It's a brilliant car, it is a surprisingly fun car to drive, while still retaining a sense of style and refinement. You just might want to check the difference between optional extras though, Audi's are equipped with the absolute basics unless you/previous owner has bought extras. It's likely going to be the most expensive of those four, and I'd go for that or a Scirocco over a Golf GTi anyday.

Yeah I'm also leaning towards that. Since the A3 is quattro it comes with all the upgrades except for Bang and Olufsen sound. I found one on the autotrader that's perfect for me, just it is in bright red which I don't like too much.
 

Raevinn

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Had a look at a 2nd hand a3 quattro yesterday. Has 66k kilometers on the clock, it's a 2013 model, the dealership wants R290k for it. Only thing that put me off a little is the previous owner seemed to be a smoker as there was a bit of a smoke smell in the car. Not sure how hard it would be to get the smell out, the sales guy "guaranteed" he would get it out though.
 

ahoudet

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Had a look at a 2nd hand a3 quattro yesterday. Has 66k kilometers on the clock, it's a 2013 model, the dealership wants R290k for it. Only thing that put me off a little is the previous owner seemed to be a smoker as there was a bit of a smoke smell in the car. Not sure how hard it would be to get the smell out, the sales guy "guaranteed" he would get it out though.
They can do their best to remove the smell... Not sure personally if it's possible overnight but it should go over time
 
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