[Mountain]

I voted Golf R, but I've recently been impressed with the newer Mazda line-up (2017 CX-3 is pretty nice) and I do find the Cruze hatchback appealing. Not exactly "sport" compacts, but sporty compacts...

[enzia35]

CX-3 is trash imo. All those sub compact cuvs are. HRV, CHR, CX-3, etc.

[bpang1234]

Originally Posted by Mountain

I voted Golf R, but I've recently been impressed with the newer Mazda line-up (2017 CX-3 is pretty nice) and I do find the Cruze hatchback appealing. Not exactly "sport" compacts, but sporty compacts...

Originally Posted by enzia35

CX-3 is trash imo. All those sub compact cuvs are. HRV, CHR, CX-3, etc.

Thanks...not interested in any of the "sporty" compacts. Not in a situation that I need a pure commuter car (thankfully) and if I was, I think I would keep the Camaro and get either a Tesla Model 3 (whenever the hell they come out) or a Chevy Bolt.

[cal45]

A little late responding to this but I just had to go through the same thought process back in Nov last year. I needed to get a car better on MPG as my ZL1 and 14 MPG was killing me as my dd.

Wasn't into the Euro sports car scene so I was a novice and never even knew what a Golf R was. Being well over 50, I didn't want a "boy racer" looks car. Once I started looking at the R and then test drove one - decision was made. It is the ultimate sleeper car w/surprising AWD performance and DSG transmission. I was able to fine a '16 Certified Pre Owned R w/3900 miles at a local VW dealer and made the deal. After 1 month of ownership, I did catch the mod bug (but only a little) and had a Unitronics Stage 1+ tune added to the car, then changed out the rims - but that's as far as I'm going with this. The car is amazing and really fun to drive - plus it will surprise a lot of other performance cars on the road.

[Spartan268]

Congratz! You'll enjoy the ride. Those little things can really rip. Wait til you get your hands on the stage 2 afterwards

[evanescent03]

Originally Posted by cal45

A little late responding to this but I just had to go through the same thought process back in Nov last year. I needed to get a car better on MPG as my ZL1 and 14 MPG was killing me as my dd.

Wasn't into the Euro sports car scene so I was a novice and never even knew what a Golf R was. Being well over 50, I didn't want a "boy racer" looks car. Once I started looking at the R and then test drove one - decision was made. It is the ultimate sleeper car w/surprising AWD performance and DSG transmission. I was able to fine a '16 Certified Pre Owned R w/3900 miles at a local VW dealer and made the deal. After 1 month of ownership, I did catch the mod bug (but only a little) and had a Unitronics Stage 1+ tune added to the car, then changed out the rims - but that's as far as I'm going with this. The car is amazing and really fun to drive - plus it will surprise a lot of other performance cars on the road.

Good choice! I have an S3 with a stage 1 tune and it's a beast off the line. Lots of turbo lag but it's a sweet car for sure. I wanted the Golf R but my wife doesn't like hatchbacks... great street cars!

[cal45]

Originally Posted by evanescent03

Good choice! I have an S3 with a stage 1 tune and it's a beast off the line. Lots of turbo lag but it's a sweet car for sure. I wanted the Golf R but my wife doesn't like hatchbacks... great street cars!

Yeah - I also looked at the S3 but the cost was more than I was willing to spend plus the versatility of the hatchback sealed the deal. Surprising cargo room in these with seats folded down as I was able to fit a long coffee table and two tall bar stools w/backs in the car.

[bpang1234]

Originally Posted by cal45

Yeah - I also looked at the S3 but the cost was more than I was willing to spend plus the versatility of the hatchback sealed the deal. Surprising cargo room in these with seats folded down as I was able to fit a long coffee table and two tall bar stools w/backs in the car.

I love that hatchback functionality too...if I had to move to one that would be a contributing factor to my decision.

However, now I am really considering an Audi RS3 (IF the need were to arise as per my OP). I could build it in a more conservative way that might not attract too much attention...at least from non-car-people.

[cal45]

Originally Posted by bpang1234

I love that hatchback functionality too...if I had to move to one that would be a contributing factor to my decision.

However, now I am really considering an Audi RS3 (IF the need were to arise as per my OP). I could build it in a more conservative way that might not attract too much attention...at least from non-car-people.

The RS3 will be nice but I'm guessing the cost of it will be in ZL1 territory if the S3's are in the 50's.

[jingaling]

The Ford focus biggest problem is that the interior looks so cheap and plasticky. I just couldn't live with something like that.

If I had to play by the rules I'd probably pick the subaru but it's interior is starting to look dated. If I could bend the rules I'd be interested in one of those new Kia Stinger GT's coming out soon.

[Dethsupp0rt]

Originally Posted by cal45

The RS3 will be nice but I'm guessing the cost of it will be in ZL1 territory if the S3's are in the 50's.

Yeah, you're pretty much going to be in the $60K range, as they aren't giving much/anything off of MSRP on these yet. I was looking at these, but went the more fun route than the practical route.

[YaBoyJordy]

Golf R is probably the best daily driver out of all of the hot hatchbacks. For track duty the RS is king. However if you have to drive on actual roads the RS is probably to punishing to drive everyday.

[Weege]

I've had an '08 VW R32 for over 90,000 miles now. It's been a great car. From what I read of the current R, it should be better in every way except for turbo lag, which is reportedly significant. Test drive it...

[bpang1234]

Originally Posted by jingaling

If I could bend the rules I'd be interested in one of those new Kia Stinger GT's coming out soon.

Bend away...nothing saying I can't go with a non-sport-compact. Moreso I would be aiming for a car that wasn't as outright flashy but still fast. That's why I gravitated towards sport-compacts. But you're right, the Stinger is shaping up to be a nice car and it certainly wouldn't attract the attention that I am trying to avoid.

Same argument I guess for the Dodge Charger and Chevy SS. One is extremely common and the other looks like a regular sedan.