Warm/Hot hatch for under £7k.

almillar

An Audi TT 180bhp (single exhaust) might squeeze into you budget, and is actually a hatchback and surprisingly practical, bootspace wise, once you've got over it being a 2 seater. My wife has the 225 version and gets 30mpg.
Or the last shape Celica would be in your budget. 190 bhp in the VVTL-i, screamer of an engine, and 30 mpg. Coupe shape means it's less practical than a hathback would be.
Plenty of 3-Series coupes around that money.
But if it's a hot hatch you want go for the hottest, maddest one, 147GTA if you can find one.
You could drop your budget dramatically and buy a Nissan Almera GTi. This is the definition of a wolf in sheep's clothing, they're bland as standard but I think the GTi looks nice. I sold mine for £1200! 170bhp from a 2ltr DOHC 16v engine (same as Primera GT), 0-60 in 7.2 secs and over 30mpg, even with spirited driving. Still a reliable Nissan, drives great (far better than people will think) and plenty of toys, including of course aircon. Most hot hatch buyers want at least a bit of image though....

maniac886

Thanks for the suggestions so far...forgot to mention that the car needs to be in insurance group 17 or less which I think both the LCR and CTR fall in.

maniac886

Right I am now thing diesel could be an option:rotfl:

I could get an Audi/Golf 2.0TDI(140bhp) and remap it to 180bhp ..decent power with good fuel economy.

What do you reckon?

Mobeer

I came close to buying a Toyota Celica that almillar mentioned - a very nice car
189bhp, 33 mpg, insurance group 15
Best of all, you won't have to sit in the back

GarryJ68

you don;t want much for 6 grand... lol

Hyundai Coupe?

michaelro

maniac886 wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions so far...forgot to mention that the car needs to be in insurance group 17 or less which I think both the LCR and CTR fall in.

maniac886 wrote: »

Right I am now thing diesel could be an option:rotfl:

I could get an Audi/Golf 2.0TDI(140bhp) and remap it to 180bhp ..decent power with good fuel economy.

What do you reckon?

Not sure I understand the group 17 or less thing in one post then re-mapping in another?

Re-mapping (if declared) is surely likely to cost as much as a high group car??

140bhp Audi or Golf + re-map + insurance for < £6k :rotfl:

sebdangerfield

No hot hatch should be diesel! You'll miss the noise! Other than the Gta I had the only other hot hatch was I rs 182. That pretty much fits your spec re price (poss the earlier 172) insurance and mpg. One of the most fun cars I've ever owned. I'm looking at a photo of it going round the esses with it's inside rear wheel cocked like a naughty little puppy! Great car, great memories!

maniac886

michaelro wrote: »

Not sure I understand the group 17 or less thing in one post then re-mapping in another?

Re-mapping (if declared) is surely likely to cost as much as a high group car??

140bhp Audi or Golf + re-map + insurance for < £6k :rotfl:

Erm I have an additional 1.5k for insurance thats not included ..already got a quote for CTR and its come to £1100 so the others wont be much difference.

maniac886

GarryJ68 wrote: »

you don;t want much for 6 grand... lol

Hyundai Coupe?

I know..I prob am being too picky its just I have saved up for for the last 2 years so trying to get the best for my money.

MrsTinks

Not all diesels are "slow and dull" Slightly out of the price range but the VW Passat CC (the new Coupe version) is pretty nippy and still gets about 45-50mpg on the motorway
Depending on practicality issues I'd actually second the MX5 suggestion... solid little cars, cheap to run, reasonable fuel economy and great fun. I miss mine... can you tell?