DRIVERS ONLY! Hot Hatch Help! New car! (new poll)

I'm looking to buy a new car (I drive a 2002 Mustang GT right now).  Now, I know that there are better drivers cars (Miata, fr-s/brz, MR2, S2000, TTRS Cobalt, Cavalier, john cooper works, etc) and there are faster cars (Genesis coupe, 370Z, Mustang, Charger, Camaro, etc) and more luxurious cars (IS500, Taurus, Impala, A5, 325i(famous drivers car), Regal, A5, VW CC, etc) for less or similar money.  

  I want something relatively cheap (budget is a little over $30,000), must be a manual shifter, I can use daily, take to the track, have fun on the road, and put friends or luggage in the back.  To keep you all from shouting your car that YOU drive, as I know will be the case, I have narrowed it down to 4 (possibly 5) cars.

I want some info on these, and if you don't want to help me get a new car, then feel free to discuss autos!

And please, if the only experience you have with cars is from playing NFS:underground or watching Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, then please warn ahead of time.

EDIT: I'M NOT GOING OFF MSRP PRICING, I'M GOING OFF THE PRICE YOU WILL ACTUALLY PAY FOR THE CAR

Ford Focus ST 270 torque, 252 HP.  0-60 around 6 sec.  Smooth power delivery, low RPM torque, power all the way to the redline. Around $24,500 with no options.

Subaru WRX (not STI) 244 torque, 265 HP.  0-60 around 5.5 sec. (due to AWD if you dump the clutch) Fairly smooth, boost hits about 4,000 rpm, AWD, sound great.  About $26,000 with no options.

Mazdaspeed 3 280 torque, 263 HP.  0-60 around 6 sec.  Non-linear power delivery, turbo punches at around 3,500rpm, good amount of torque steer.  About $23,500 with no options.

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO  300 torque, 291 HP. 0-60 around 5 sec.  Amazing handling, fast, cheap interior.  About $34,000 with no options.

I have driven all of these cars, it's just hard to decide!  Any used cars you reccommend would be welcome.  Thanks!

...Relatively cheap... A little over $30,000

Hell man, get me hired where you work! Thats no where near cheap to me...Personally, I'd go with the Lancer. I hate hatchbacks and its better to have a sedan than a coupe (Cheaper insurance, easier loading)

WOW TC, 2 of those pics aren't even hatches, do you even know what a hot hatch is?

Anyway, a VW GTI or Scirocco (if its in price range).

I dont know the price of it, but I think Toyota GT-86 is a nice option, but its 2 doors car

if I myself had to pick one, I would go with Lancer Evo, I think its fast and look nice enough

Does it have to be a hatch? I'd get an evo personally.

If you're just looking for a nice car the honda S2000 has the best user reviews out of all cars in the top gear survey, wins pretty much every year.

the Golf definitly

WOW TC, 2 of those pics aren't even hatches, do you even know what a hot hatch is?

Anyway, a VW GTI or Scirocco (if its in price range).

GTR12

Yeah, I know.  But you can get a WRX in a hatchback, and really it's fine if it's not a hatch the cars are pretty similar without the hatch, it's just that they are wrong wheel drive.

...Relatively cheap... A little over $30,000

Hell man, get me hired where you work! Thats no where near cheap to me...Personally, I'd go with the Lancer. I hate hatchbacks and its better to have a sedan than a coupe (Cheaper insurance, easier loading)

Spartan_N7

Haha very true!  It's not cheap, but relative to other new cars, these are really the cheapest performers on the market.  I've been saving for a couple of years!  I would get the EVO, but it's a damn sight more expensive than any of the others, although it is the fastest, and it's interior is bad.  I could change that with aftermarket stuff, but thats even more money. 

Get a VW golf GTI. Best hot hatch bar none. And before you ask, I drive. Honda Civicmy_name_is_ron

I would, but I want a faster car.  I'm more of a handling guy, but the GTI just doesn't have the power I want.  And I'm not getting the Golf R, it's like $38,000.

I would just Maserat quadrupolei if I had 30k for a car

My pick is the new MK7 GTI. Best driving experience. Steering is just 2.1 turns lock to lock. No torque steer.

My pick is the new MK7 GTI. Best driving experience. Steering is just 2.1 turns lock to lock. No torque steer.

 

 

 

PinkiePirate

Just looked it up, won't come till next year to US.

the Golf definitly

punkpunker

Not enough power.

[QUOTE="punkpunker"]

the Golf definitly

GOGOGOGURT

Not enough power.

Also I'm gonna throw in the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde and the Megane Sports RS 265 because from my experience they handle very nicely. 

[QUOTE="punkpunker"]

the Golf definitly

GOGOGOGURT

Not enough power.

I don't really know much about cars, but I wanted to throw in that my brother has an older WRX, and it's been lasting for years and I don't think he's ever had any serious problems with it.

[QUOTE="GOGOGOGURT"]

[QUOTE="punkpunker"]

the Golf definitly

chaplainDMK

Not enough power.

Also I'm gonna throw in the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde and the Megane Sports RS 265 because from my experience they handle very nicely. 

Because if I wanted a car with lesser power, I'd get a better drivers car like a Miata or F-rs.  I drove it, it's not what I want.  And 30 grand is cheap.  RELATIVELY CHEAP.  

Those are only available in europe, I live in the US.  You europeans have a much better choice of Hot 4-bangers and V-6's, otherwise I'd get a Renault Clio V6.

Not enough power.GOGOGOGURT

The WRX and the Evo aren't comparable to the Focus and the Mazda, they're AWD rally-focused cars.

Out of those, I'd get the Focus ST. It's the most livable car, and still real fast.

The best 'driver's car' you posted was the Evo.  And someone else said the new Volkswagen GTI, which I also agree with because of the same reasons as the Focus ST.

[QUOTE="GOGOGOGURT"]

[QUOTE="punkpunker"]

the Golf definitly

Nuck81

Not enough power.

I know how much power it has.  And it's 0-60 is the slowest @ 7 sec.  That's not slow, but as a drivers car, I could do better. 

You seem to know a lot about disingenuous assertions.

And it's 0-60 is the slowest @ 7 sec.GOGOGOGURT

The WRX and the Evo aren't comparable to the Focus and the Mazda, they're AWD rally-focused cars.

Out of those, I'd get the Focus ST. It's the most livable car, and still real fast.

The best 'driver's car' you posted was the Evo.  And someone else said the new Volkswagen GTI, which I also agree with because of the same reasons as the Focus ST.

Guppy507

I'm not an auto journalist.  They're comparable as far as I'm concerned, since I'm in the market for all four cars.

Yeah, the ST is fast, but it doesn't feel that way.  It's power delivery is so linear, that you don't even realize how fast you're going.  There is no buildup of boost like in the other cars, there is no smack in the back of the head when you hit 3000-4000 rpm.  I know that it's better for the track, but it's not as entertaining as feeling that boost hit you, the ST feels like a naturally aspirated car.

[QUOTE="Guppy507"]

The WRX and the Evo aren't comparable to the Focus and the Mazda, they're AWD rally-focused cars.

Out of those, I'd get the Focus ST. It's the most livable car, and still real fast.

The best 'driver's car' you posted was the Evo.  And someone else said the new Volkswagen GTI, which I also agree with because of the same reasons as the Focus ST.

GOGOGOGURT

I'm not an auto journalist.  They're comparable as far as I'm concerned, since I'm in the market for all four cars.

Yeah, the ST is fast, but it doesn't feel that way.  It's power delivery is so linear, that you don't even realize how fast you're going.  There is no buildup of boost like in the other cars, there is no smack in the back of the head when you hit 3000-4000 rpm.  I know that it's better for the track, but it's not as entertaining as feeling that boost hit you, the ST feels like a naturally aspirated car.

But if that's what you're looking for, you won't find something better than the Evo without spending twice as much if not more.

You have driven them all? You know all the stats? You know what you are looking for? Why are you asking us for opinions?foxhound_fox

Thought it'd be fun to talk about cars.  Get different opinions on the matter(thanks, Twistedshade), if anyone has owned these cars.  And thought it be a nice change from usual topics around here.

It seems like your just offended I don't want the GTI.  And that's your problem.

It seems like your just offended I don't want the GTI. And that's your problem.GOGOGOGURT

I wish you could get smaller wheels with the Focus ST and GTI. Huge wheels on small cars looks GOOFY.Guppy507

[QUOTE="Guppy507"]I wish you could get smaller wheels with the Focus ST and GTI. Huge wheels on small cars looks GOOFY.foxhound_fox

Yeah I know, but that's just an additional expense and more work. I just think it would be nice for the option since smaller wheels would cost them less, and improve the ride comfort for people who aren't all performance all the time, but still want some affordable power.Guppy507

I wish you could get smaller wheels with the Focus ST and GTI. Huge wheels on small cars looks GOOFY.Guppy507

I totally agree.  Around where I live there are mexicans that trick out their chevy bel-airs and tahoes with massive chrome 22 and 24 inchers.

It's hilarious.  I don't know why people do that on pickups.  Putting low-profile tires on pickups totally ruins the point of having a pickup.  For work ahaha!

[QUOTE="GOGOGOGURT"]It seems like your just offended I don't want the GTI. And that's your problem.foxhound_fox

I wasn't aware of "downplaying" opinions.  I appreciate yours as much as anyone elses.

And I watched some reviews, quite good, albiet brief. 

And I watched some reviews, quite good, albiet brief.GOGOGOGURT

[QUOTE="GOGOGOGURT"]And I watched some reviews, quite good, albiet brief.foxhound_fox

Yeah that puts it into words.  I noticed the reviews I watched on you tube of the cars were mixed, and basically depended on the opinion of the driver, or his/her skill level.

Basically it was a bunch of Honda fanboys reviewing these types of cars.

He just gave facts.

Haven't driven any of these cars but how about a Hyundai Veloster or BMW 135i if u want a coupe Bucked20

Veloster is too small and slow.  135i is a good choice, but I'd buy an older model, like an 05 or 06.  New is too expensive for me, and you don't get as much respect for driving a new bimmer as driving an older one.  Good drivers cars though.

[QUOTE="chaplainDMK"]

[QUOTE="GOGOGOGURT"]

Not enough power.

GOGOGOGURT

Also I'm gonna throw in the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde and the Megane Sports RS 265 because from my experience they handle very nicely. 

Because if I wanted a car with lesser power, I'd get a better drivers car like a Miata or F-rs.  I drove it, it's not what I want.  And 30 grand is cheap.  RELATIVELY CHEAP.  

Those are only available in europe, I live in the US.  You europeans have a much better choice of Hot 4-bangers and V-6's, otherwise I'd get a Renault Clio V6.

WRX all the way.  I have a 2013 and love it.  But I think they are changing the car for 2014.  So might want to wait a couple months to see the new one if you decide to buy one.

These are also easy to mod if you're into that.

[QUOTE="GTR12"]

WOW TC, 2 of those pics aren't even hatches, do you even know what a hot hatch is?

Anyway, a VW GTI or Scirocco (if its in price range).

GOGOGOGURT

Yeah, I know. But you can get a WRX in a hatchback, and really it's fine if it's not a hatch the cars are pretty similar without the hatch, it's just that they are wrong wheel drive.

I am starting to doubt you know these cars...

You can get the WRX and Lancer in hatches, and the WRX looks better in a hatch than a sedan IMO.

Have you also looked at the Audi A1 or S3 (A1 with performance package)? they are both stunning looking cars.

WRX all the way.  I have a 2013 and love it.  But I think they are changing the car for 2014.  So might want to wait a couple months to see the new one if you decide to buy one.

These are also easy to mod if you're into that.

Chutebox

I have a 2006 Mazda3 and I love it. I know that the Mazdaspeed3 has more getup, and I would have gotten it if it was available back then. I have 115000 miles on it, and I have only has some minor problems with the suspension (at about 90K). 

[QUOTE="Bucked20"]Haven't driven any of these cars but how about a Hyundai Veloster or BMW 135i if u want a coupe GOGOGOGURT

Veloster is too small and slow.  135i is a good choice, but I'd buy an older model, like an 05 or 06.  New is too expensive for me, and you don't get as much respect for driving a new bimmer as driving an older one.  Good drivers cars though.