Hot Hatches II

[clubzls2]

Just an update to Hot Hatches thread. I thought id start a new thread on this.

Ive test driven 3 different cars now at different ends of the spectrum.

Ford XR5-good looks,burbly v8 type exhaust sound,good handling for fwd,enough grunt for everyday fun and cheap,also unique not many around.
Bad:Long delivery time,i found demo seats to be rather uncomfortable.

GOLF GTI-With leather,sunroof,6spd man,Beautiful car,interior is very upmarket,feels very solid more so then focus,relaxing and comfortable a great car to retire too.
Bad:For the options listed 10k more then xr5,perhaps a little under powered,a little soft in appearance.

Evolution IX-WOW!!-sexy looks(red),brilliant handling and steering,very quick,a stock ls1/ls2 eater,beautiful leather seats.
Bad:Price another 10k on top of the golf,price and price.....

Still havent purchased anything but the Evo is really taking my fancy,at this stage i dont really want to part with that kind of money but its bloody tempting,i dont think that there is anything else out there that im interested in,which one of these would you guys go for if not buying a commodore???

I know evo is not a hot hatch,but i never really considered it until i drove one.:driving:

We have a VE in the driveway(wife's car) so dont tempt me back to a LS1/LS2 been there,not going back(at this stage).;)

[`redoctober]

What's wrong with the HSV VXR? :evil:

Here's a uh, kind-of review my brother posted:
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=765686&postcount=458

[clubzls2]

What's wrong with the HSV VXR? :evil:


Yes nothing really,only for being a 2 door,I have kids and they winge and moan when having to get in or out of the back.:cussing:

[`redoctober]

Yes nothing really,only for being a 2 door,I have kids and they winge and moan when having to get in or out of the back.:cussing:
If I did that when I was a kid I would have gotten a whack over the ear.. Precisely why I didn't :p

[dadem0n]

I dont see how you could go past the EVO :yahoo:

Its one of the only cars besides an LS1 that I would own. Yes, I know its basically a 20K cheap car with trim to match but it has the "x-factor" in it :driving:

Don't forget the massive aftermarket support behind it too :woot:

[michaels1v8]

I say evo.... I know many people bag them for being cheap and other crap but lets face it they are great cars! if considering a small car an evo is the go I think

[Merlin]

I'd have a good look at a Mazda 3 MPS - eats both the XR5T and the GTI in performance (I'm talking over a second to 100 and quarter mile). Then again if it was my money I wouldn't go past a MY07 WRX for $39,500 - AWD handling, get the hatch/wagon version = practical performance. Insurance isn't too bad depending on your driving record.

[ExAreSix]

I'd have a good look at a Mazda 3 MPS - eats both the XR5T and the GTI in performance (I'm talking over a second to 100 and quarter mile). Then again if it was my money I wouldn't go past a MY07 WRX for $39,500 - AWD handling, get the hatch/wagon version = practical performance. Insurance isn't too bad depending on your driving record.

My thoughts exactly. Check out the Mazda, great little car. Streaks ahead of the other hot hatches on offer atm.

And agree, if you're looking at the Evo, go take a WRX for a spin. Then the STi version.
I'd take the Evo over the Rex, but for the price difference the Rex may just take your fancy.

[Vulture]

Evo is brilliant but I just couldn't live with the low rent interior and looking like thousands of body-kitted Lancers.
I'd take a nice WRX and spend the rest on mods (no cannon exhausts but).

[phunky_monkey]

Evo for sure mate, would have to be the best stock car I have ever driven. I borrowed one for a week and put my 180sx up for sale straight after that!

How can you go wrong...

http://www.sauvic.com.au/media/snowy/Picture_002.jpg

[clubzls2]

Yeah i like the club spec 9 also,but heaps of wrx's out there,mazda mps i havent driven yet,but im not sure i like the look of it,will have to investigate further.
Although evo has budget interior,seats are anything but cheap,and gps tracking as standard is a nice feature and no ESP,Esp scares me after what happened with my former clubby,in that if it faults its hard to fix.

[CharlieDontSurf]

Hey when did a VZ V8 (Holden or HSV) come out with ESP? Only the 6cyl had it on the acclaim, calais and statesman. Was it your traction control that stuffed up??

[2001 ITR]

If you don’t like the look of the current saloon-based WRX/Evo’s the next models will probably appeal to you. More unique/less generic. I like the old/current models styling more than the proposed ones but if the current styling was holding you back the new ones may sway your decision.

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/tokyo/0511_mitsubishi_concept_x/

I couldn’t find the WRX photos that I saw in a mag but here is a disguised prototype.
http://www.speedsportlife.com/2006/09/13/spied-2008-subaru-wrx-prototype/

[csv rulz]

That evo x looks HOT its got an almost Alfa look to it. Looks awesome not to sure about the interior tho.

I seen the WRX pics in either a MOTOR or WHEELS mag i didnt like it at all, the evo looks so much better

[motionSS]

evo....... :drool:

[CV860L]

I reckon the EVO is the go.
I just sold my MY06 2.5L WRX because it has one major drawback.......the gearing is way to low.
At highway speeds (which accounts for 90% of my driving) the vehicle is sitting at around 3,000 rpm - it definitely needs a sixth gear.
Inner city driving would be ok.
Mazda 3 MPS also sounds like it's a bit of goer.

[OPPYLOCK]

If you are open to more suggestions, the Renault Megane 225 Cup 5dr may be another option, very practical hatch with a very tourquey engine from all reports. Not to mention they look trick with the black Cup rims and Brembo brakes.

[CV860L]

If you are open to more suggestions, the Renault Megane 225 Cup 5dr may be another option, very practical hatch with a very tourquey engine from all reports. Not to mention they look trick with the black Cup rims and Brembo brakes.

I think you will find that model only comes in 3dr. (has 235 tyres also which look fat)
Although you can option the 5dr model with charcoal rims.

[bigtown]

Go the EVO That's the Shit right there!!!:woot:

[OPPYLOCK]

I think you will find that model only comes in 3dr. (has 235 tyres also which look fat)
Although you can option the 5dr model with charcoal rims.

Should check your last copy of Motor. 5dr now available with Cup chassis option for 2k. Charcoal rims optional.
I will humbly await your apology!

[clubzls2]

Hey when did a VZ V8 (Holden or HSV) come out with ESP? Only the 6cyl had it on the acclaim, calais and statesman. Was it your traction control that stuffed up??


Exactly dont get me started on this it still hurts.........

ESP failed,Traction control disabled.ABS

Fault.........beep,beep,beep,beep..beep..beep...

Also throw in a "canbus malfunction"

As u said doesnt have ESP,try telling that to Holden or HSV,unfixable the word ESP sends a shiver down my spine.

I really like the Megane Cup,but 2 door,the 4 door,i think looks a little weird for a revhead like myself.
Evo or XR5 are probably the 2 i like most.
I fancy the Evo to lets say get revenge back on Holden:evil:

Oops did i say that........:whip:

[ls1_z]

Evo - nice but I find them just too ricey to like. No denying the technology and fact it is fast as hell. Can you still buy them easily or are the numbers limited?

WRX - Budget performance champ :) A few mods and they are a weapon. Love the hatchback

STi - Virtually the same performance as the Evo and looks better in my opinion. Nice strong driveline that will handle some abuse

Mazda 3 MPS - Boring styling. Decent power but not in the same league. Front wheel drive :(

All of the euro hatches (golf/renault/peugeot/etc) have massive amounts of aftermarket support overseas so are probably worth a look.


Have no idea on the XR5 and VXR's but they don't really appeal

It's a shame they stopped making the Audi S3 - 165kw turbo with plenty of tuning options, four wheel drive, great looks, best interior of them all...

[Brass Munky]

Go the evo, id love one, the fact that they are now avaiable through mitsubishi dealers brand new makes servicing and warranties better than ever on them.

As with the one that phunky_monkey posted, rip the rear spoiler off for anything other than track days, they dont stand out as much then

[phunky_monkey]

Evo - nice but I find them just too ricey to like. No denying the technology and fact it is fast as hell. Can you still buy them easily or are the numbers limited?

WRX - Budget performance champ :) A few mods and they are a weapon. Love the hatchback

STi - Virtually the same performance as the Evo and looks better in my opinion. Nice strong driveline that will handle some abuse

Mazda 3 MPS - Boring styling. Decent power but not in the same league. Front wheel drive :(

All of the euro hatches (golf/renault/peugeot/etc) have massive amounts of aftermarket support overseas so are probably worth a look.


Have no idea on the XR5 and VXR's but they don't really appeal

It's a shame they stopped making the Audi S3 - 165kw turbo with plenty of tuning options, four wheel drive, great looks, best interior of them all...


The new S3 will be in Australia shortly from what I'm aware.

My final decision before I bought the clubby came down to:
Clubby
Audi S3
C36 AMG

I loved the S3, only problem is audi's are pretty boring to drive after a while, and it was basically just a better version of the car I had already, for double the price. Also, it couldn't tow my other car... but I still love them, great cars. Can pick them up quite cheap these days.

[Swordie]

What about the Renault Megane? The Sport has 165Kw. It's a nice looking car.

[ls1_z]

The only real hot hatch is the Audi RS4 wagon :D

[neb]

yes good point LS1_Z, but at approx $180k in a totally different league hey. damn they are a nice car though.

[OPPYLOCK]

The new S3 will be in Australia shortly from what I'm aware.

My final decision before I bought the clubby came down to:
Clubby
Audi S3
C36 AMG

I loved the S3, only problem is audi's are pretty boring to drive after a while, and it was basically just a better version of the car I had already, for double the price. Also, it couldn't tow my other car... but I still love them, great cars. Can pick them up quite cheap these days.

Motor had its first drive in the new S3 in their latest issue.
195kw, 0-100 in 5.7 claimed and about 70k when it hits our shores.
Looks fantastic and the wheel and brake package are the ducks guts.
Only critisism in the review was an ESP system that doesn't allow enough tom foolery by the driver ....and she can't be completly disabled either.

[KeenGolfer]

I know it's digging up a slightly old thread, but me and a mate went and test drove a Mazda 3 MPS today. Pretty impressive piece of kit - 3rd and 4th gear had awesome torque. In a roll-on in 3rd or 4th it's very quick. 1st and 2nd gear however pale in comparison. Handled very well up a twisty hill at almost insane speeds (much faster than I would ever contemplate with the wagon). Not much room in the drivers seat for a 6'3" guy with the legs/knee room. No exhaust note or anything, very quiet, doesn't sound like a performance car, bit of tyre noise. My mate is seriously considering buying one. Overall I'd say it was quite impressive from a 30 min odd test.

[andrewslr]

Mazda 3MPS is definitely worth considering. I know its fwd only but it doesn't display too many of the nasty fwd torque steer characteristics inherent in some other cars. I drove one on a Mazda Performance drive day at Sandown last year and was totally stoked.

Power and torque are amazing, the brakes sensational and the handling impressive. This was all on a wet track. I know the previous post wasn't impressed by the note, but on the race track at full howl it sounds like a jet fighter.

Dick Johnson was running us around for hot laps on the day, and in his hands the car pure joy.

In short put it on your list of considerations.