I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get out of my mx5 due to my mobility problems :-( so I'm thinking about selling him and getting something a bit more sensible and not so low, probably an auto. Not many Japanese hot hatches out there so might try something different. Don't want French or a ford.Narrowed it down to polo gti, Ibiza cupra or maybe a skoda fabia vrs. About 3 years old. Anyone had any experience of any of these ? And if anybody is interested in an immaculate 05 mx5 let me know!!

Can you get any of them cars as an Auto though?

Hey Mandy!

 

Well, I have driven a new shape Ibiza and wasn't all that impressed. There's something about superminis that makes most of them feel rather flimsy. It's not a bad car, but depending on your budget, I can't sing the praises of the Leon FR highly enough. A well sorted chassis, very good fun to drive, well built. The model I'd go for is the one I currently have which is the FR170 Turbo Diesel. Fantastic torque, it pulls very well. They are available with a super slick 7-speed DSG gearbox. Go for the very last of the MK2s rather than an earlier one as they have newer quieter engines...and the tweaks to the body make it better looking than the early models, also try and find one with the optional 18" wheels like mine, they look a million times better than the stock 17s.

 

This is a great example!

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-61-Seat-Leon-2-0-TDI-CR-170-FR-DSG-AUTO-5dr-/271695314957?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f424d800d

 

I'd have another, but just want something bigger and more of a cruiser.

Edited December 19, 201410 yr by Funkysi

Yeah, something like that would fit the bill. Prefer petrol though and lower mileage but I will def do a bit of research

Can you get any of them cars as an Auto though?

 

Yes, but they are few n far between. An auto hot hatch does seem a bit 'wrong'!

Hey Mandy,

 

Shame you have to part with the MX5 - but to (almost) echo Si's comments; stick with the A3 / Golf / Leon format and you'll not be disappointed. Like you, I'd also prefer a petrol; but the VAG 2.0 diesel in those cars is a peach (for a diesel) and mated to the DSG 'box, either version would be a worthy contender.

 

Good luck in your search....

 

Richard:clover:

Yes, but they are few n far between. An auto hot hatch does seem a bit 'wrong'!

 

Not at all......

 

......Whilst on TG TV and in Evo mag, they always bang on about "proper manual" gearboxes - as to most people on here to be honest - my answer is "Really.....???"

 

In today's traffic conditions, forget it!! In fact in a recent article in TG magazine, Mr Petrol Head (JC) himself touched on my own thoughts - that a manual is fine on the track; but on British roads in this day and age, a manual 'box is an analogue relic in a digital world. Seriously; for a weekend toy or a track-day weapon; fine - have a manual. But in the real world, in a modern car, in today's traffic conditions - stick with the auto; but be sure to have the manual over-ride with paddle shift.

 

Not to mention that in modern, semi-high and high performance German machinery; the auto versions are nearly always faster, more economical and have lower emissions (thus lower road tax) than their manual counterparts....:wink:

Yeah, something like that would fit the bill. Prefer petrol though and lower mileage but I will def do a bit of research

 

The diesels have more torque! It depends how many miles you're doing. The Leon FR is available with a 200hp 2.0 Turbo engine and that's available with DSG (I think). The Leon Cupra has about 260bhp, but I can't recall those being available with a DSG. They handle better than Golfs and A3s except the S3 and are a LOT cheaper, they use the same chassis, engines and gearboxes with a firmer setup and to be honest, I think they have a bit more flair, however the A3 is a great looking car.

Actually an fr would be fine. Doesn't have to be a cupra. Just need something I don't look like an elephant seal struggling to get out of :biggrin:

Leon's doors are quite big, but it has concealed rear handles, so it has an almost coupe/3door look to it. It's pretty practical, boot isn't especially big, but the cabin is quite spacious. I do highly recommend it as a fun DD.