Buying a hot hatch - what's best?

I am considering the MINI Cooper S - the new version yet to be released. But, using MINI's online configurator and adding 90% of the options on offer, the price unsurprisingly rockets by £10,000 bringing it up to approximately £28,000.

So with this in mind, can you suggest a car, used or new of similar performance and plenty of interior options for around the same base price of £18,650-£20,000?Preferably German manufacturers but open to others too.

Asked on 24 February 2014 by nirelandman

Answered by Honest John
If you want a quick hatch, the best is the base model Fiesta ST at £16,995. But if you want to spend £30k you'll get the most power in a BMW M135i.
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