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TEN OF THE BEST SUV'S ON THE MARKET
| Ford Focus ST |
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For the money, there probably isn’t a better hot hatch out there than the Focus ST. With its sweet 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, it puts out a brisk 225bhp and offers flattering handling this is not at the expense of good ride comfort. This is a great everyday hot hatchback and better than more expensive cars.
Price Range: €35,385 - €35,985
Best Buy: Get the 5-door |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI |
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There might be more powerful hot hatchbacks about at the moment, but there are not many that are more competent than the excellent GTI. With 200bhp from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, the GTI offers a nice blend of comfort and driving dynamics. It feels really well built and it will hold its value too.
Price Range: €35,260 - €37,830
Best Buy: The DSG transmission |
| Mini Cooper S |
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The old Mini Cooper S always punched way above its weight and the new version is no different. The supercharger is gine and this will be missed by many but it is replaced by a turbocharger and there is a subsequent increase in power. Still a hoot to drive with its go-kart like dynamics and like any Mini, it is incredibly rewarding to own, too.
Price Range: €29,400 - €33,890
Best Buy: The John Cooper Works model |
| Opel Corsa OPC |
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A car that puts a smile on your face without trying too hard. The little Corsa boasts some serious guts with 197bhp from the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and this translates into some brilliant fun. It looks the part too with its flared arches and spoilers, and of course, the huge alloy wheels. If you are after a good value hot hatch then this makes a great buy.
Price Range: €28,995
Best Buy: Just the one model |
| Peugeot 207 GT |
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There is a faster 175bhp GTi version now available but for us, the 150bhp GT is a better buy because for a start it is cheaper, it is less rigid than the GTi and it offers virtually all the thrills of the more expensive car. Buy the GTi if you want to go that extra mile (faster) but we reckon you can have as much fun in the GT.
Price Range: €24,295
Best Buy: The GT over the GTi |
| Renault Sport Clio 197 |
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Renault have always accounted themselves well when it comes to making fast versions of their Clio and with this new version of their Clio, the 197, they have really outdone themselves. This car is seriously fun to drive and is more than capable of scaring much more expensive and powerful car. It has exquisite handling, a sweet engine and cheeky looks, all in a good value package.
Price Range: €32,000
Best Buy: Just the one model |
| Opel Astra OPC |
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Another Opel in the list, this time the larger Astra. When you compare it to the likes of the Golf GTi and Ford Focus ST it offers more power for less money. It might not be as refined as these two cars but it feels more raw and ferocious and its looks will appeal to someone wanting something that looks as well as feels more hardcore. On the downside, it can feel a little unruly.
Price Range: €33,995
Best Buy: Just the one model |
| Audi S3 |
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Expensive, but a brilliant car to own if you want something at the upper levels of a hot hatch. Powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine, but this time it is putting out an impressive 265bhp You get Quattro four-wheel drive which gives awesome grip and the engine is remarkable. Everything as you would expect feels beautifully made, too.
Price Range: €52,800
Best Buy: Manual or DSG |
| BMW 130i |
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Another car that has a pretty frightening price tag but this one is quite cool because it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Apart from some tasty alloys you would be hard pressed in thinking this was anything other than a 116i, but underneath the bonnet is the superb 3.0-litre straight six and in a car this size the results are remarkable. Fast, but discreet.
Price Range: €53,680 - €54,850
Best Buy: Just the one model |
| Mazda 3 MPS |
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A ferociously fast car with 265bhp from the 2.3-litre turbocharged engine. The 3 MPS is a car that is better suited to the track than a bad back road but don’t let you put off because it is a nice piece of kit that is priced very well. All this power does squirm a little bit through the front wheels so you do need your wits about you. A nice car, but it is a shame they didn’t do more with the styling.
Price Range: €35,995
Best Buy: Just one model |
Published in the October 2007 Issue of Irish Entrepreneur
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