What hot hatch should I buy?

Sarah has a 2011 Volkswagen Golf GTI manual. She loves the way it combines driving fun with five-door practicality, easy parking and decent economy but the lease is up and it's time to move on.

She'd happily stay with GTI franchise but has a bigger budget, so is thinking a Golf R could work. Or should she be looking outside the VW fold?

The budget

Up to $60,000

The shortlist

If you're already a fan of the GTI's fundamental qualities, you're not going to be disappointed by an R.

The reality, though, is it's just one of many possibilities in this realm of the hot-hatch class. So it's worth at least casting an eye over them while re-examining your priorities.

Several can be overlooked in this scenario. They might be smaller than a happy Golf owner is likely to be looking for (Audi S1, Mini John Cooper Works), fail to offer our desired five-door body (Holden Astra VXR) or simply be outclassed (Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde). Or they might ask you to go beyond this budget to get a similar serve of performance to an R (Mercedes-Benz A Class, BMW 1 Series).

Ford Focus RS, from $50,990

This Ford packs a mighty 257kW 2.3-litre turbo engine and 4.7-second 0-100km/h credentials, a serious serve of mumbo in a $50k context.

Incisive, planted handling makes it a thriller though the bends as well, and its aggressive body kit means it looks the part.

It's usefully practical and covered by a lifetime fixed-price servicing regime just like any Focus. The turbo engine is flexible and easygoing with the wick turned down.
But its ride can be testingly firm even with the suspension in its softest setting, it drinks more than most rivals (8.1L/100km) and the cabin isn't a benchmark for space or quality. Its Recaro seats look racy but do without side airbags and driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking are off the menu.

Read Drive's Ford Focus reviews:

Road test: Ford Focus RS

Peugeot 308 GTi 270, from $49,990

This Peugeot has a smaller engine than the Ford (1.6 litres), less power (200kW) and isn't as fleet of foot (0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds).

Its cabin isn't remarkably roomy in the back and needs more places to stash stuff. Autonomous emergency braking isn't offered and its fixed-price servicing program is this group's least comprehensive (five years/75,000km).

But the Pug is a lot lighter than an RS, so its power deficit isn't troubling in isolation and it's much thriftier (6.0L/100km). If it misses out on the Ford's all-wheel-drive and switchable suspension, it still handles with real dexterity and isn't uncomfortable on bad roads.

Its cabin, with its unique minimalist style, has a real sense of occasion and quality. Tick the box for the wild two-tone paint and it goes from a restrained looker to a real standout.

Read Drive's Peugeot 308 reviews:

She says, he says: Peugeot 308 GTi 270

Long-term report: Peugeot 308 GTi 270

Head to head: Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance vs Peugeot 308 GTi 270 ().

Volkswagen Golf R, from $52,990

This VW has this group's roomiest, most user-friendly cabin and is the only car here available with driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking.

It's reasonably thrifty (7.3L/100km) and has a tolerable ride even with the suspension in its most sporting mode. Service costs are fixed for the first six years/90,000km.

With its serious looks and upmarket cabin ambience, it doesn't skimp on the class. Or – with its 206kW turbo engine, 5.2-second 0-100km/h capabilities and agile, foolproof handling – driving fun.

The R's flaws are more about shade than fundamentals. It's fun, but not manic and invigorating like the RS can be. Typically sober Golf design means it has a serious, familiar feel where the 308 is refreshingly light-hearted. Urban driveability issues with DSG auto models aren't an issue here.

Read Drive's Volkswagen Golf reviews:

Road test: Volkswagen Golf R

Drive recommends

The Focus RS is a ticket to bigger driving thrills than a Golf R but only if you can swallow its everyday shortcomings. The 308 GTi is fun, likeable and liveable but ultimately not a benchmark against any crucial hot-hatch criteria.

The VW is far from an original choice for a GTI owner but it does ask for the fewest excuses. Just like the GTI, it's fun when you want it to be and an accomplished everyday package when you don't. Its balance between these two opposing extremes falls more on the sporting side than its little brother, but it's just as sweet.