Hot hatch choices (Golf vs Hyundai?) for a new daily

ratbag

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Hi all. A million miles away from Maserati / Italian cars but I (think) I’ve decided to chop in my lovely E93 M3 for something that’s still fun but more sensible in the long term on fuel and landed on a hot hatch (I’ve a long history with them and love the flexibility they provide). Intending to buy something to keep for a minimum of 5 years or maybe much longer trouble free motoring, a manual, 4 pot (fuel efficiency) and 5 doors. Can’t stomach a Civic type R due to the looks (widely regarded as the best driving of the bunch), budget up to £30k for something very new perhaps. I’m landing on a lightly used Golf GTI 7.5 Performance or a new / nearly new Hyundai i30N Performance.
Given all the experience on this forum wondering what folk think or would recommend as alternatives. Should I shoot myself for thinking of a Hyundai?! Should I buy something much older and cheaper? Should I keep the M3 and swallow the fuel/maintenance costs (it’s been painless to own over the last 4 years but at 11 years old I’m sure it gonna start costing)?
Well I run a little Alfa multiair turbo runaround when its raining........not in Golf R territory but a perfect little runaround pocket rocket 170 bhp and TCT box. Has proved ultra reliable and great fun to whizz around in.........
 

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c4sman

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I just sold my mk7 Golf GTi performance to buy the Maser. It replaced both my 997 & winter car but after 14months it had to go. I just didn't like the way the power was delivered. I much prefer wringing the neck of a naturally aspirated engine.
I had a mild remap (superchips) which made it bonkers quick, but that was the only fun thing about it, meaning the only way to make me smile was to accelerate.

It was a nice enough place to be. Manual, heated leather, keyless, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise etc, electronic diff.
It’s a very easy car to drive, and would return 37mpg on a motorway run.

I ruled out the Golf R when I realised they are 100kg heavier than the GTi.

Ultimately the experience has taught me that fun is not the same as fast.

Toyota GR86 or GT86 intrigue me, but I need useable rear seats.
Sounds like you had exactly the car I thought I wanted!
 

c4sman

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So as is often the case when I’m looking for a car to fill a brief vs looking for a specific car, things are evolving. The fiesta ST now a serious proposition and will be driving one on Tuesday if it’s still for sale. I’m not a fan of the little alfa for some reason and decided I’m not a mini kind of guy either. Can’t put my finger on why but the Ford is leading in the running at the moment. The golf is too much car for what I need long term and a little dull as many have said and the Hyundai is out due to its minuscule fuel tank and poor relative mpg. Will update if I get into the fiesta.

This forum has certainly given me some new and good ideas so many thanks for all the suggestions.
 
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c4sman

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Should add that anyone looking for a great 2010 V8 E93 M3 cab (Interlagos Blue on black leather) with less that 40k miles, they’ll be one hitting the classified in a month or so depending on how things go!104823
 

dem maser

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Just got one for the Mrs about 3 weeks ago and have driven it a few times. Great little car so far with good grunt and great MPG. Only gripe is it seems very softly sprung even with DNA in D and bottoms out on bumpy backroads. Is it normal or are the dampers shot?

Cloverleaf is hotter but more insurance and tax and less MPG
You bought a Giulia? Sounds like a Giullietta
 

dem maser

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I think you may be referring to a guilietta, not a guilia.

All petrol guilias are auto, which is a bit of a shame no matter how efficient the ZF 8 speed is. Only manual guilias were early diesels, I think.
No manuals in UK
The auto is excellent
I drive mine in D using paddles so all fun
 

Doctor Houx

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791
You bought a Giulia? Sounds like a Giullietta
My mistake. Quite right! Since I sold my GC 18 months ago I lost the ability to speak “auto Italian”

Was at my local auction today looking for a cheap luxobarge to use on the rural salty and muddy roads this winter and the default MB CL or S class looks to be in the running

Came across this that’s far too good, but I think I’m going to have to scratch that itch. Of course I’ll buy from someone on here when I do, and I’ll try to get an auto as opposed to the duo ( have enough of those with the Vanquish), but what a beautiful car with that V8 and decent ones for < £10k

looking at the MOT history, this one failed for the usual subframe rot in 2020 and has probably been bodged up to get a ticket and sell, so that’s why it’s no reserve and I’ll buy on here and tread with caution.

 
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c4sman

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Bought it. Spotless, full VW history, sensible mods which give it c.300bhp. He’s a very happy lad.
Congrats to your son. Looks a beauty and sure he’ll have a lot of fun with that especially with those upgrades. My wife’s Cupra 300 is a similar car and does take many by surprise!
 
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c4sman

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So by way of an update it turns out I’m too old and fat for the fiesta. Recaros were a snug fit but more for me the low speed ride was too harsh for what I’m looking for so may well end up going for the dull option of the golf after all. I must say the engine and handling of the car was brilliant, huge fun and that engine is pretty amazing for what it is.

if anyone is after one the one for sale in Chiswick Honda is a great buy given the price and options (which I was buying it)

Either way the M3 is up for sale for anyone interested in adding another V8 to their collection.

 

JMS

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262
The dynamic chassis control (DCC) option on the Golf is very good. You can customise the aggressiveness of dampers, steering, throttle response etc individually and save as ‘individual’ setting. (I had everything set to ‘sport’ except dampers on ‘normal’)
 

c4sman

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Yeah but seems hard to find GTIs with EDC (edit it DCC, wrong brand!). My wife’s cupra has the same system and it’s brilliant (even better on the gold I believe) so will be hunting for one with that option ticked
 

MAF260

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7,662
Just back from collecting my son’s new car. I’ve never really taken much notice of the Golf GTi before, but first impressions are good. It’s quiet at cruising speeds, has very comfortable supportive seats and has plenty of go with 330bhp to play with. Performance pack, DCC, winter pack - seems to have all the desirable options.

105090
 

JMS

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262
Make sure he doesn’t leave the wing mirror switch set to heated - it will be on permanently and will melt the glue holding the mirror on!
 

c4sman

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why don't you get another cupra?
If that was a question for me, I like a little bit of variety so didn’t want identical cars! Also I got the cupra at a bargain price and can’t face the slap of not being able to repeat the exercise :D.

Anyway, the M3 sold this week and today I put a deposit on a tried and trusted (but dull for some) 2019 7.5 Golf GTI Performance, manual with 15k miles. I’m strangely excited and will pick up next weekend or the week after depending on when the prep is completed. Fairly basic spec apart from the Performance option but nice 1 owner looked after car it appears. Always like to see dealer cars before prep to get an idea of the life it led, and this seems a good one 105374