Best 5dr hot hatch - 5k?

gabitzul

As the title says, I would like at some point this year to sell my 55 reg Focus MK2 (1.6 115BHP) and buy to something a bit more powerful.

I need it to have 5 doors and to be practical as well.

My mileage is only about 6k a year so fuel consumption is not that important.

Can I get something reasonable for about 5k or should I stick with the (adequate) car I have?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

MX5huggy

As this is MSE stick with the Focus.

Ask your question on Piston Heads and I would say get a old BMW 535 touring.

Weird_Nev

"Best" is a very wide term! There is no "best" car in any sector, it comes down to your needs an preferences.

If it's out and out performace you want, then a Subaru Impreza WRX wagon is about as much car as you can get for £5k and still be sensible money and reliable. Indeed, if you don't care about looks too much then "bugeye" 2000-2002 models can be had in very nice condition for £2k-£3k leaving you some money for fuel and insurance, which is costly on them!

Other than that,
Mazda 2 Sports
Seat Leon Cupra R's
Renault do some nice hot hatches...

gabitzul

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

How about the Focus ST MK2 (with the 2.5T engine)? Are they a considerable upgrade over my 1.6 Ti-VCT Focus?

DELLBOY_2

gabitzul wrote: »

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

How about the Focus ST MK2 (with the 2.5T engine)? Are they a considerable upgrade over my 1.6 Ti-VCT Focus?

Chalk and cheese comes to mind but (i know you said it didnt matter) expect 25-27 mpg around town being captain sensible

gabitzul

DELLBOY wrote: »

Chalk and cheese comes to mind but (i know you said it didnt matter) expect 25-27 mpg around town being captain sensible

Well, I am very sensible with my driving but still my 1.6 only averages about 35 MPG and close to 40MPG extra-urban ... I get your point though.

Another possible option: the 2.0 TDCI Focus MK2 (you can tell I like the Focus!). Is that a fast car (0 - 62 mph in 9.5 sec but 45 MPG easily)? My 1.6 needs 10.5 sec but somehow it feels slow, probably because of lack of torque.

rev_henry

gabitzul wrote: »

Well, I am very sensible with my driving but still my 1.6 only averages about 35 MPG and close to 40MPG extra-urban ... I get your point though.

Another possible option: the 2.0 TDCI Focus MK2 (you can tell I like the Focus!). Is that a fast car (0 - 62 mph in 9.5 sec but 45 MPG easily)? My 1.6 needs 10.5 sec but somehow it feels slow, probably because of lack of torque.

Still chalk and cheese compared to the ST! Test drive one and see if its quick enough for you, it may indeed feel considerably quicker than the 1.6 petrol (the diesel that is, not the ST, the ST is obviously very fast!).

Maybe a fast volvo of some description? Actually saying that the engine in the focus ST IS the volvo T5 engine...

getmore4less

Ocatavia VRS, save a bit for a remap.

practical, proper boot.

cddc

How about a Saab 9-3 or 9-5 Aero for an off the wall choice. Cheap as chips for what you get in terms of performance and as long as they have been properly maintained, reliable too.

motorguy

MX5huggy wrote: »

As this is MSE stick with the Focus.

Ask your question on Piston Heads and I would say get a old BMW 535 touring.

And thats a hot hatch is it?

motorguy

Personally i'd be looking at

mk5 Golf GTI (just coming within budget)
Skoda Octavia VRS
Mondeo ST 220 / ST TDCI (though its in a class size up)
Focus ST
Subaru STi (makes the WRX look like a wimp)
Seat Leon - cant remember the various sporty variants, but theres at least one with the GTI Golf engine in it or greater)