What fun hatch should I buy?
The dilemma
Alistair drives a 2008 Volkswagen Passat but the combination of a new home, new job and new daily commute via public transport in recent years mean it’s now more car than he really needs. He wants to downsize into something easier to park and more economical that also serves up some driving fun for the weekends. He’s been looking at used VW Polo GTIs but isn’t sure what else he should be considering. An automatic gearbox is a must.
The budget
$20,000
The shortlist
The Polo GTI is already a better than average example of the light-sized hot-hatch breed. Factor in Alistair’s Passat ownership and he’s unlikely to be disappointed.
His wish for an auto box, too, strengthens its hand because some threatening rivals – notably Ford’s Fiesta ST and Peugeot’s 208 GTI – are manual-only propositions.
But the Polo isn’t the only light hot hatch that offers the convenience of a two-pedal setup. Here are two others we’d be adding to the list.
2007-13 Mini Cooper S, from $10,100*
This Mini’s bold, singular presentation endows it with more presence than your average light-sized hot hatch.
It stacks up pretty roundly in driving terms, too, with its punchy 128kW 1.6-litre turbo petrol (135kW for facelifted 2010-on models), slick six-speed auto and sharp, light-footed handling.
But its mandatory three-door body has this group’s tightest back seat and smallest boot (160 litres). No Cooper S is a magic carpet and examples with 17-inch wheels or optional sports suspension can be tiring to ride in.
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While it ticks the big safety boxes (stability control, curtain airbags), you’ll need a top-line ‘Chilli’ for more than just a basic equipment serve. For upmarket toys such as sat-nav, you’ll need a suitably optioned example.
Read Drive’s Mini Cooper reviews:
2013-on Renault Clio RS, from $16,200*
This Renault’s five-door body (versus three-door), decent back seat, big boot (300 litres) and refined ride make it easier to live with than a Mini.
With its frisky 147kW 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and decisive, poised handling, it also serves up plenty of entertainment. If you can handle a comfort compromise, you can tap into even sharper handling by targeting one with the ‘Cup’ chassis option.
Its presented with flair and every model gets sat-nav, curtain airbags and stability control, while Trophy models throw in leather, reversing camera and other trinkets.
But the RS’s six-speed dual-clutch auto spoils the taste with its stop/start stutters, iffy programming (the best mode for sports driving can only be accessed by disengaging the stability-control system) and long-term durability question marks.
Its lack of rear curtain airbags is a potential stopper for those who intend to use the back seat.
Read Drive’s Renault Clio reviews:
Used-car review: Renault Clio RS
Road test: Renault Clio RS Cup Trophy
Head to head: Ford Fiesta ST vs Renault Clio RS
2010-on Volkswagen Polo GTI, from $10,300*
This VW’s 132kW 1.4-litre twin-charged petrol engine (it’s supercharged and turbocharged) serves up plenty of kick and it’s an able, confident corner carver.
It is the only car here to offer the choice of three or five-door bodies and has safety must-haves such as stability control and curtain airbags. Its slick presentation and quality cabin vibe are sure to go down well with a current Passat owner.
But the Polo is a bit of a wallflower in this company and could be more playful and enjoyable through the bends. Its boot isn’t that big (200 litres) and its standard toy serve isn’t notably generous (you’ll need a suitably optioned car for sat-nav and other upmarket trinkets, for example).
Its seven-speed dual-clutch auto has similar stop/start and durability question marks to the Renault’s. Good 2015-on facelifted models, with their gutsier 141kW 1.8-litre turbo engines and other advancements, will be tough for this money.
Read Drive’s Volkswagen Polo reviews:
Drive recommends
The Polo isn’t quite the most thrilling light hot hatch but its lack of significant handicaps makes it this group’s points winner, not just for an existing VW driver but plenty of other buyers, too.
Why would you consider the others? Well, if practicality, comfort and equipment didn’t matter that much, the Mini would be a path to a more singular, more emotionally enriching experience.
If you weren’t fazed by the Clio’s lack of rear curtain airbags, you could make a strong case that its evenly weighted mix of driving fun and everyday talent, plus this group’s most generous spec, make it an even better all-rounder than the VW.
* Values are estimates provided by Redbook based on an example averaging up to 20,000km per annum and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age.