MOTORING experts have revealed the top six hot hatchbacks you can buy for under £5,000 in 2024.
Petrolheads can pick up a Mini with “retro charm” or an F1-inspired Renault all at bargain prices.
Experts have shared their picks for the best six hot hatches you can buy for under £5,000
A “hot” hatchback is a faster version of the original model, combining manoeuvrability and practicality with some extra punch from the engine.
Matt Robinson from Car Throttle said: “There’s an incredible amount of choice in the hot hatch market right now.
“Anyone not wanting to shell out tens of thousands of pounds or commit to several years of monthly payments is still spoiled for choice if going down the used route.
“A realistic budget of £5,000 is enough to snag one hell of a hot hatch, so long as you’re aware of any potential pitfalls.”
Honda Civic Type R FN2
SuppliedHonda Civic Type R FN2[/caption]
Model years: 2007-2011
The Civic Type R has been in production since 1997, but the FN2 variant that debuted ten years later hits the sweet spot in terms of both performance and affordability
Based on a chassis similar to that found in the Honda Jazz, it brought a sporty edge with a two-litre inline-four engine laying down just a shade under 200 horsepower.
And it’s a real bargain as the mechanical set-up is similar to the newer and more expensive EP3 version for a few thousand less.
Second-hand: 2008 Type R with 69,700 miles for £4,995
Renault Clio RS 182
RenaultRenault Clio RS 182[/caption]
Model years: 1998-2005
The Clio is known to most drivers as a mild-mannered hatchback ideal for pottering around town.
However, in the late ’90s, Renault decided to hand one over to its Renaultsport sub-division to have a play with and they sent back a track-munching monster.
A tuned-up, 180-horsepower engine saw the little pocket rocket achieve a top speed of over 130mph, while offering a “sublime driving experience”.
It’s quick off the line too with a claimed 0-60mph time of under seven seconds.
Example price: 2002 Clio RS with 94,482 miles for £3,895
Ford Focus ST
Ford Focus ST
Model years: 2005-present
You can actually still buy the ST, with the souped-up Focus available new for £28,500 at the entry level.
However, for a bargain version you can get a similar performance level, if not quite the same looks, from an older model.
Boasting a hefty five-cylinder engine, borrowed from Volvo and later put in the Focus RS, the ST could reach speeds over 150mph.
That power holds the key to its motorsport success, with the car winning the 2010 British Touring Car Championship.
Indeed, Alliance Racing, formerly Motorbase, still use the ST for the competition to this day.
Example price: 2008 ST with 106,000 miles for £3,995
Renault Sport Megane R26
Renault Sport Megane R26Handout
Model years: 2006-2009
The R26 was a limited edition run of the RS Megane built to celebrate the brand’s success in F1.
Renault won back-to-back World Championships in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso behind the wheel and poured the Spaniard’s famously aggressive driving style into the road-legal hatchback.
They also released a special edition, the R26.R, in 2009 before discontinuing the lineup.
The latter version is worth about £80,000 but the standard R26 can be found for quite a bit less.
Example price: 2004 R26 with 74,000 miles for £3,995
Mini Cooper S R53
AAMini Cooper S R53[/caption]
Model years: 2002-2006
The Mini Cooper is beloved by many, especially in the UK, as a ’60s icon and all-time great small car.
The marque’s flagship Cooper range, named for designer John Cooper who helped develop the model, has enjoyed plenty of track success and the road-going version is a legend among enthusiasts.
The S R53 comes with bags of “retro charm” and a fair bit of punch too.
Try and get one without a sunroof for the ultimate track day classic.
Example price: 2005 R53 with 96,000 mile for £2,995
VW Golf GTI MkIV
VW Golf GTI MkIVHandout
Model years: 1997-2006
From one legend of the hot hatch category to another, the Golf GTI is seen by many as the quintessential model of its kind.
Perfect for boy racers and experience petrolheads alike, it packs a great deal of performance into a stylish shell.
There’s a reason it’s last so long, with the model making its bow in 1974 and still being sold to this day.
The MkIV version from the late ’90s to early noughties is the best deal for the budget at the moment, but keep an eye out for newer Golfs dropping into that price range in the near future.
Example price: 2000 Golf GTI with 164,000 miles for £1,000
All example prices are based on Autotrader listings seen by Sun Motors and are correct as of April 2024.
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