Which hothatch is best?

Thirty five years ago I owned a lovely Golf GTI Mk 1, I would like to experience again the thrill of owning and driving a small, grippy and nippy car in the form of a new five-door performance hatch.

I cover around 11,000 miles a year comprising mainly shortish (around 15 miles) local journeys plus some wider UK travel and continental motorway slogs involving drives of 500 miles every six months or so. My shortlist includes the latest Golf GTI, Audi S1 and Ford Focus ST2. I am disinclined to go for diesel due to the fact that shortish journeys will make up the bulk of my driving. What do you think?

Asked on 27 April 2016 by Steve Francis

Answered by Honest John

The best is the Fiesta ST, but only three-doors. However, you can get a 5 door Audi S1, even though there's very little room in the back: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/audi/audi-s1-2014-.../ A SEAT Leon Cupra 280 is better value and faster than a Golf GTI: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/seat/seat-leon-st-.../ Early Focus STs had a dodgy diff: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/ford/ford-focus-st.../

Tags: buying a new car hot hatches

Similar questions

Best sports car for 80 year old driver?

I recently bought my 80 year old petrolhead father a Ford Focus RS. In fact my idea was to let him drive it for a few weeks, that was on 3 September and I've not had it back since! He is now emailing...

Best three-door warm hatch?

My wife is considering replacing her 2002 Toyota Corolla T sport, which has provided outstandingly reliable and fun motoring from new. She only does 5000 miles a year and prefers the style and flexibility...

Changing from an SUV to hot hatch

I currently have a Renault Kadjar 1.6 dCi. I like the car, but the engine feels sluggish compared to the same engine I had in my previous Nissan Qashqai. I want to replace the Renault as I no longer need...

Related models