Also check out the Leon Cupra , Focus or Fiesta ST, and the new Civic Type R if you want extreme...don't forget the Clio/Megane sporty ones either. Once upon a time the GTI was the default choice but it's a very competitive sector now and the Gti is not the most extreme or sporty hot hatch--- or even the most reliable. The 1 series drives nice but getting comfy in one was impossible for me and they're two a penny now, on PCP.

As its presumably your own money, probably best with the Germans/Type-R? I'd steer clear of Fords/Renaults as they depreciate a lot faster - I've just had a horrific price on my Focus (though admittedly not ST).

As an all-rounder the TT/Audi S3 are probably both worth considering especially if you're considering the 1 series? If looks are important the Mercedes dealer was talking to me about the new C class Coupe that is due shortly - apparently he'd already had a pre-order.

Leaving aside the point that, legally, you MUST have the dog secured in a cage or luggage compartment these days, I really do think a 'sporty' estate would be a perfectly acceptable choice. I've got (and constantly rave about) a 325d MSport estate (2013), and it is fantastic.

Woah, interest perked.

Wots this Rob? SWMBO has a proper shaped cage in the boot of her Legacy, her worry was getting hit up the back the boot popping open and the dogs escaping and causing mayhem.

In my old Landcruiser, i massive rear door side hinged, its unlikely to get hit hard or high enough to pop that door, if it does we're probably all dead anyway, so i just let them sit in the boot.

Am i now illegal, or is the legislation for people who have them loose inside the passenger compartment.

Actually just come back with them, soaking wet found loads of bunnies to chase in the undergrowth so much fun had. and thought of this thread, one chap who takes his dog where i do runs a really nice Forester XT on a 55 plate, so not hit with eye watering VED, that would make a good sleeper, nothing to touch them when the roads are slippery.

Edited by gordonbennet on 23/12/2015 at 12:37

A slight revision to my original post on this : A seat belt harness is also acceptable within the law as a method of restraining a pet in the car.

It is all from Highway Code, Rule 57 :

When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.

Of course, bearing in mind the number of children you see not belted in, I somewhat doubt that the police would pursue a prosecution. Our border collie travels in the boot of the estate car, which has a frame-cage between the boot and the back seats.

An un-secured dog would become a ballistic object in the event of a crash. And if it's directly behind the driver, then it's similar to any large, moderately dense (if whippet, incredibly dense) un-secured object when it strikes you in the back of your head ...

Edited by RobJP on 23/12/2015 at 13:36

Many thanks Skidpan - I didn't think it was a legal requirement either.

But if your dog is Labrador-sized or bigger, he/she could give you quite a wallop in the back if unrestrained and you had to do an emergency stop. I think most people with big dogs have them in the 'boot' of an estate or SUV/MPV with a dog guard attached to the back seat.

So, Olliew, it rather depends on how big your dog is.

Edited by Avant on 24/12/2015 at 10:33

Thanks all. Must admit I hadn't really thought about hatches because I was hoping to get something a bit sleeker like a coupe but I'll look into it. The dog has a seatbelt harness and he's really the only thing I'd need the extra seats for - if I need to carry people I've got the Civic still. Will have a think.

My wife's not impressed by me umming and aahing because she bought me a remote control TT for Christmas...