New Audi S3

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Hyundai i30 N

Ford Focus ST

Hyundai i20N

Ford Fiesta ST

BMW M135i

best-used-hot-hatches-for-less-than-pound10000

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/category/hot-hatch">hot hatch</a>&nbsp;is the superhero of the fast car world. Rather than forcing buyers to sacrifice&nbsp;space, practicality and affordability – as sports&nbsp;and performance cars do – hot hatches give you all&nbsp;the qualities of a small or family car, plus bucket loads of&nbsp;driver enjoyment. That means fewer compromises, but&nbsp;just as much fun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here, we’ve gathered 10 of the very best, and they're all available for less than £10,000 on the used market. Not all heroes wear capes, people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile&nbsp;</em></strong></p>


Best used hot hatches for less than £10,000

Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.</p>

<p dir="ltr">But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.</p>


SEAT

IBIZA

<p>For a hot hatch, the Ibiza Cupra is rather&nbsp;tame. It won't thrill you like more engaging rivals, nor can it provide truly exhilarating&nbsp;performance. However, it is fun&nbsp;to drive, plus it earns bonus points for&nbsp;<strong>respectable</strong> fuel economy, <strong>reasonable</strong> used prices and <strong>praiseworthy</strong> comfort.</p>


10. Seat Ibiza Cupra

<p>Within our budget, you'll be able to pick up an example with the 177bhp 1.4-litre engine. Later cars received a 188bhp 1.8-litre engine, although those demand extra cash.</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2015 Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.4 TSI, 77,954 miles, £8989</p>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/used-review/n780"><strong>Read our used Seat Ibiza review</strong></a></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/seat/ibiza?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true"><strong>Find a used Seat Ibiza for sale</strong></a></h3>


<p dir="ltr">Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.</p>


PEUGEOT

208 GTi

<p>The 208 GTi offers immense value. For less than £10,000, even opting for an example featuring the 205bhp 1.6-litre engine is possible – early, 2013 cars have 197bhp.&nbsp;</p>


9. Peugeot 208 GTi

<p>The 0-60mph sprint takes 6.5sec, and it feels quick, as well as sharp and eager to change direction. Sure, there are alternatives that feel even sportier, but it's a hoot to drive&nbsp;nonetheless.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2015 Peugeot 208 GTi Prestige, 36,586 miles, £9940</p>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208-gti/hatchback/used-review/n21127"><strong>Read our used Peugeot 208 GTi review&nbsp;</strong></a></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/peugeot/208?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;technical.0_to_62_mph_secsTo=8"><strong>Find a used Peugeot 208 GTi for sale</strong></a></h3>


<p dir="ltr">Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.</p>


FORD

FOCUS

<p>Ford is fantastic at turning everyday cars into lairy, engaging&nbsp;performance machines, and the previous-generation Focus ST is a prime example. It's a real driver's car, with a wonderful six-speed manual gearbox (as your only option) and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder coming as part of the package.&nbsp;</p>


8. Ford Focus ST

<p>Its power output of 247bhp delivers a 0-60mph time of 6.5sec, and its loveably angry personality invites you to use that performance and enjoy its agile handling.&nbsp;If only newer, lower mileage examples were available within our budget, the Focus ST would be an even stronger contender.</p>

<p><strong>We found:</strong>&nbsp;2012 Ford Focus ST ST-2, 72,000&nbsp;miles, £9995</p>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/used-review/n203">Read our&nbsp;used Ford Focus review</a></strong></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/ford/focus?cashPriceTo=10000&amp;used=true&amp;nearlynew=true"><strong>Buy&nbsp;</strong><strong>a used Ford Focus ST here</strong></a></h3>


<p dir="ltr">Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.</p>


MINI

<p>Though the Mini has grown and matured a significant amount since the 1959 original, the latest generation&nbsp;still has plenty of charm, as well as driver appeal. By going for a Cooper S model, you'll get a pocket rocket that can&nbsp;do 0-60mph in just 6.8sec and go on to a top speed of 142mph.</p>


7. Mini Cooper S

<p>Combine that with the go-kart-like handling the Mini Hatchback is known for, and you've got yourself a very fun car indeed&nbsp;– and one that comes with a delightfully plush interior too.&nbsp;Overall, it's a cracking&nbsp;package.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:</strong>&nbsp;2014&nbsp;Mini&nbsp;Cooper S, 70,000&nbsp;miles, £9990</p>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/used-review/n906">Read our&nbsp;used Mini Cooper S&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/mini/hatchback?cashPriceTo=10000&amp;used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp&amp;derivative.trim=cooper%20s&amp;sort=asc&amp;sortBy=distance">Find a&nbsp;used Mini Cooper S for sale here</a></strong></h3>


<p dir="ltr">One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.</p>


SKODA

OCTAVIA VRS

<p>The Octavia vRS is one of the most practical hot hatchbacks money can buy, meaning you can take it on that beautiful B-road on the way back from your weekly – or perhaps monthly – shop. Mind you, be careful the milk doesn't spill,&nbsp;because its 2.0-litre engine produces 217bhp, for a 0-60mph time of just 6.6sec.</p>


6. Skoda Octavia vRS

OCTAVIA

<p>Add in good fuel economy, plus&nbsp;the fact that it's also available with a 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, and the vRS proves to be a great all-rounder.&nbsp;Admittedly, you'll have to shop&nbsp;around to get within our budget at the moment, but it remains an incredibly accomplished choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2014 Skoda Octavia vRS, 78,000&nbsp;miles, £10,000</p>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia-vrs/hatchback/used-review/n18111">Read our&nbsp;used Skoda Octavia vRS&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/skoda/octavia?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;derivative.trim=vrs"><strong>Find a used Skoda Octavia vRS for sale here</strong></a></h3>


<p dir="ltr">Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.</p>

<p dir="ltr">From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.</p>

<p dir="ltr">On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.</p>


RENAULT

Clio RS

<p>With a&nbsp;197bhp 1.6-litre engine under the bonnet, the Renault Clio RS 200 has the punch&nbsp;to match rivals, and its competent chassis and aptly honed suspension give&nbsp;it immense cornering pace.&nbsp;</p>


5. Renault Clio RS 200

<p>Few cars tackle a winding road like this awesome machine.&nbsp;With all that in mind, there is an air of seriousness around the RS 200, and it's also worth noting that it only comes with an automatic gearbox – those wanting a manual will have to look elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2014 Renault Sport Clio 200 Lux, 69,264 miles, £10,000</p>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio-rs/hatchback/used-review/n20948">Read our&nbsp;used Renault Clio RS&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/renault/clio?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;technical.0_to_62_mph_secsTo=8"><strong>Find a used Renault Clio RS for sale here</strong></a></h3>


<p dir="ltr">Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.</p>


SUZUKI

Swift Sport

<p>While the latest model sits at around £1,000 over budget, its predecessor is nothing to scoff at – even though its non-turbocharged 1.6-litre engine has a modest power output of 136bhp. Why? Because its low weight, rev-happy nature and engaging driving experience help&nbsp;it feel nippy and rather exciting to drive.</p>


4. Suzuki Swift Sport

<p>Value is also very much on its side. For our budget, you can easily acquire a five&nbsp;or six-year-old Swift Sport with very reasonable mileage.</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2017&nbsp;Suzuki Swift Sport, 20,500 miles, £10,000</p>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swift-sport/hatchback/used-review/n18252">Read our&nbsp;used Suzuki Swift Sport&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/suzuki/swift?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;derivative.trim=sport"><strong>Find a used Suzuki Swift Sport for sale here</strong></a></h3>


MEGANE R.S.

<p>The Renault Megane RS 265 is very much a rough-and-ready hot hatch. You're getting a&nbsp;265bhp 2.0-litre turbo that achieves 0-60mph in 6.1sec, as well as grippy handling and driving dynamics that puts more than a few sports cars to shame.&nbsp;</p>


3. Renault Megane RS 265

<p>Despite its age, it remains&nbsp;a riot to drive and, out of those on this list, is one of the best hot hatches to take to a track. All yours for less than £10,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2011 Renault Megane RS 265, 73,341 miles, £8995</p>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-rs/hatchback/used-review/n19280">Read our&nbsp;used Renault Megane RS&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/renault/megane?technical.0_to_62_mph_secsTo=8&amp;used=true&amp;nearlynew=true"><strong>Find a used Renault Megane RS&nbsp;for sale here</strong></a></h3>


<p dir="ltr">The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.</p>


VOLKSWAGEN

GOLF GTI

<p>There are few icons in the car world more enduring and endearing than the Golf GTI. In the excellent sixth-generation version, a&nbsp;lively 208bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit is used to achieve a 0-62mph time of just 6.7sec. It grips fantastically&nbsp;and handles with an astute&nbsp;balance.</p>


2. Volkswagen Golf GTI

<p>&nbsp;If all that wasn’t enough, it’s extremely practical and quite efficient&nbsp;too.&nbsp;We'd recommend spending a little more than our budget to secure yourself one with a more reasonable mileage, but even so, the Golf GTI offers an expert mix of head and heart,&nbsp;making it a go-to choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0 TSI, 88,000 miles, £9490</p>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/used-review/n17399">Read our&nbsp;used Volkswagen Golf&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/volkswagen/golf?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;derivative.trim=gti"><strong>Find a used Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale here</strong></a></h3>


FIESTA ST

<p>If the main aim of a hot hatch is unparalleled driver enjoyment, the Ford Fiesta ST reigns supreme. Under the bonnet is a 179bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine of immense liveliness, allied to a slick six-speed manual gearbox that’s a delight to use.</p>


1. Ford Fiesta ST

<p>Its steering is quick and its handling is grippy yet playful. It's also fun, theatrical and amazing value.&nbsp;The car has great&nbsp;sports seats and a suitably sporty ride too. Put simply, the Fiesta ST isn't just the best car on this list, it's also one of the greats, full stop.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2015&nbsp;Ford Fiesta ST-2, 53,000 miles, £8990</p>

<h3><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta-st/hatchback/used-review/n17883">Read our&nbsp;used Ford Fiesta ST&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/ford/fiesta?technical.0_to_62_mph_secsTo=8&amp;used=true&amp;nearlynew=true"><strong>Find a used Ford Fiesta ST&nbsp;for sale here</strong></a></h3>

<hr />
<h2><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;</strong><strong><a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></h2>

<h2><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/top-10-best-used-hot-hatches-for-less-than-pound20000/n20849">Read more: Top 10:&nbsp;Best used hot hatches for less than £20,000&nbsp;&gt;&gt;</a></strong></h2>


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Engaging handling </li> <li>Thrilling performance </li> <li>A characterful engine with an enticing soundtrack </li> <li>Reasonable running costs </li> <li>Not hard to live with day to day</li></ul>

<p>A popular choice with UK buyers since the days of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI, the hot hatchback mixes everyday practicality with higher performance and the sort of handling and agility that’s ideally suited to British roads. A good hot hatch should be fun and, since it’s likely to be your daily drive, it should also deliver respectable running costs.</p>

Hot hatch

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