The Hot Hatch Discussion Thread: VAG? I prefer my FiST.

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > The Hot Hatch Discussion Thread: VAG? I prefer my FiST.

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What hot hatch do you own? This poll is closed.
Golf GTI / R / R32	196	0.02%
Impreza WRX / STi	133	0.01%
Mazdaspeed 3	92	0.01%
Veloster Turbo	20	0.00%
Focus ST	149	0.01%
Other Hot Hatch	230	0.02%
Elantra GT	1000001	99.92%
Total:	1000821 votes

[Edit Poll (moderators only)]

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

TheFonz posted:

Is this where we get really butthurt if someone posts a wagon in here?

Maybe on page 3.

I love this thread (since it was my freaking idea)! I've own a bunch of "hot hatches" that nobody else would even want at this point or even consider them in the category. My favorite being the 1988-90 Escort GT.

(not mine but essentiall identical)
Featuring a blistering 110hp driving the front wheels these cars are still a blast to drive. They had a few unique suspension bits that helped them handle those extra 10 horses.

Hopefully we get some Euro Goons with "real" performance Escorts in here shortly.

# ¿ Jun 26, 2013 21:59

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# ¿ Apr 28, 2024 17:01

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Nayt posted:

Anyone here driven a Veloster Turbo? I'm curious of people's thoughts. (Looks like it has no votes.)

I've driven one at Cars & Coffee, it's quick enough but nothing breathtaking.

# ¿ Jun 27, 2013 02:38

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

oRenj9 posted:

Hey there, don't forget about the Focus' little brother:

Fiesta ST

Weighing in at a paltry 2700lbs (500lbs lighter than big brother), the Fiesta ST is powered by the same 1.6L, 197 HP, 214 ft. lbs engine in the base model Fusion. The Fiesta ST can also be had starting at $22,195.

I need to get out and drive one of these. poo poo, I need to go drive another Focus ST, see if I can be tempted out of MS6 again.

Rhyno fucked around with this message at 04:20 on Jun 27, 2013

# ¿ Jun 27, 2013 04:16

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

VERTiG0 posted:

I feel a next-gen Mazdaspeed3 to be in my future.

Have they even hinted that we're getting one?

# ¿ Jun 27, 2013 18:51

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

CharlesM posted:

This is the hot hatch I want, a Mazda 323 (Familia) GTR.

High five buddy, those are the best.

# ¿ Jun 27, 2013 22:09

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Bovril Delight posted:

Why can't we have nice things in the US?

God is a gearhead and he quite clearly hates America.

# ¿ Jun 28, 2013 02:15

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

KYOON GRIFFEY JR posted:

You can get one pretty drat well equipped for about 30. The price is competitive in theory, the car just isn't.

I got the ST3 solely for the Recaros (and heated seats). They are great seats. The rest was just gravy. I think I have a '13 about as loaded as you can get - ST3 with a moonroof. MFT is relatively easy to figure out if you sit down for a bit and fiddle with it. It is a little tough for me to reach the top right corner from my preferred driving position. Haven't even tried fiddling with Nav much. Sync is really easy to use provided you understand the command structure. That's way better than using MFT as far as I can tell. I originally test drove the ST1 and I agree, the dash was designed for MFT not whatever standard radio is in the ST1. The steering wheel controls are terribly integrated with MFT. I'll take some pictures tomorrow, if I get a chance.

I'm coming from a BMW 1-series, so there are some fit and finish things that just don't compare. The ST is basically taking a Focus as upmarket as possible, whereas the 1 was taking BMW as downmarket as possible. You end up with some bits in the 1 which were way nicer than they should have been, and some things in the Focus which are way less nice than they should be. Car drives nicely. Everything's got to settle in a little - clutch engagement is still a little bit of an adjustment and raw, and the brakes are a bit grabby in a bad way. It's quick. Haven't really had the chance to beat on it yet.

Is there any way to disable the upshift indicator? That thing is stupid.

Would you be willing to say what you paid?

# ¿ Jun 29, 2013 03:07

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

He also wrapped his STI and bike to match.

# ¿ Jul 2, 2013 03:11

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

KYOON GRIFFEY JR posted:

I don't mind. $27,297 including destination and a $1000 incentive. That is not including tax, title etc since that varies state to state so I figured it wasn't necessarily relevant. Invoice $27,653 before incentive. TMV says $27,5 after incentive is good for my area.

I didn't play hardball too much with them, but the dealer I worked with was way under stair-step target for June and I think that helped work a deal. I probably kicked them a few extra bucks. It was also a '13 - I'm not sure '14s are on lots yet.

I'm really having trouble not trading my MS6 in towards an ST. The local Ford dealer offered me an incredible trade in and I have enough in savings to cover the remaining balance.

Anyways, the first episode of Top Gear series 20 opens with a segment on Hot Hatches. This thread is topical! TG absolutely loves the Fiest ST and man does it look amazing in the two door model.

Rhyno fucked around with this message at 06:02 on Jul 2, 2013

# ¿ Jul 2, 2013 05:52

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

mafoose posted:

Not to mention the lack of the 3 door variant =(

I'm okay with no 3 door Focus, the 5 door looks pretty good. It's the lack of a 3 door Fiesta that bugs me.

# ¿ Jul 3, 2013 01:21

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

My buddy who works at the local Ford dealer chain just messaged me, he's got a guy looking for a Speed6, the call of the ST is getting stronger...

# ¿ Aug 1, 2013 00:46

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

At 34 with good credit and nice clothes I can pretty much test drive whatever I want within reason flying solo. When I drove a Camaro the salesguy tried to get me to test a Corvette so he could justify a ridealong.

# ¿ Aug 7, 2013 03:19

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

TheLarson posted:

My hatchbacks work together. I've had the GTI for the last 50k miles and it's been great. The corolla is getting there (got the charging system fixed, finally).

Post an update in your thread!

# ¿ Aug 16, 2013 03:36

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

This dude wants everyone to be aware of what he drives

# ¿ Aug 20, 2013 00:15

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Laranzu posted:

From that exact angle the racing stripes don't look half bad. Most of the time they are horrible.

It's the giant ST on the hood that looks like poo poo.

# ¿ Aug 20, 2013 01:35

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Ringo Star Get posted:

Thats a handicapped spot too isn't it.

It has a handicapped plate. Those stripes are a recent addition.

# ¿ Aug 20, 2013 01:37

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Laranzu posted:

I wasn't disagreeing about that fact. Just the stripe looks pretty good from that exact angle/lighting level.

They stop at the back of the roof so it looks kind of half assed.

# ¿ Aug 20, 2013 01:47

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Dude's got braces and crutches. I talked to him once, driving is the only thing he can do that he enjoys. Shame he made the car ugly.

# ¿ Aug 20, 2013 02:13

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Civic Si is a pretty lackluster car in my opinion. My mom looked at one before settling on a base Civic and I wasn't impressed at all.

# ¿ Sep 2, 2013 19:37

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Pretty slick man, looks great!

# ¿ Sep 5, 2013 15:08

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Bovril Delight posted:

You'd think Ford would have learned from other hot hatches. The first gen Speed3 had the same issue.

So does the Speed6. I really need to upgrade my mounts, the 1-2 shift is maddeningly bad.

# ¿ Oct 19, 2013 04:27

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Phone posted:

Are the mounts in the Focus, MS3, MS6, etc those dogbones with liquid in the middle of the urethane?

I'm pretty sure mine are made out of laffy taffy.

# ¿ Oct 19, 2013 04:46

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Butt Wizard posted:

Spent today playing tetris moving cars around our garage in anticipation of a new three door Celica that's showing up in mid-January.

For all of you getting Focusii, cancel your orders and buy Escort Cosworths.

Tough poo poo for us Americans I guess. I'd kill for an RS 1600.

# ¿ Dec 28, 2013 23:51

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

leica posted:

More like a Mazdaspeed 2. I think Mazda could make it better than the Fiesta, and if Ford keeps selling them I'd be surprised if Mazda doesn't jump on the bandwagon.

I keep hearing the future of the MS line is going to be turbo diesels. A TD Mazda2 would be pretty hot I think.

# ¿ Jan 9, 2014 18:28

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

echobucket posted:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/fiesta/85091/extreme-new-ford-fiesta-rs-coming

Ford Fiesta RS. 230bhp. No idea if this is coming to the US though.

GOT DAM.

Here's hoping at and a Focus RS make it to the US. Is the current Focus capable of taking an AWD system?

# ¿ Jan 10, 2014 00:35

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Butt Wizard posted:

Speaking of new fleet additions - took delivery today:

Yaaaaaaay! Post more pics! Start a thread!

# ¿ Jan 20, 2014 06:23

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Bovril Delight posted:

Has to be neon green

One side green, one side pink.

# ¿ Jan 25, 2014 02:55

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

I got to gently caress around in a friend's mom's Focus ST tonight. poo poo if I don't want one badly now.

# ¿ Feb 17, 2014 02:31

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Is $24,500 for an Focus ST2 comparable to the deals some of you have been getting? Local Ford deal has one as part of their clearance sale and one of my friends is ready to bite on it.

# ¿ Mar 26, 2014 23:37

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

skipdogg posted:

Shoot for 4K off MSRP.

Sticker said $28.5, so I guess good deal then. He's probably already back there buying the drat thing.

# ¿ Mar 27, 2014 00:00

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

1791apparel posted:

I picked up a new 2013 that listed for the same price, has Sony system and moonroof, for $22K. Tell him to squeeze a bit more off.

Whoa, I will text him.

# ¿ Mar 27, 2014 03:21

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

1791apparel posted:

From what I've been seeing he should be able to knock $1K off or so. He's not getting a horrible deal at $24.5K but he might as well go for broke. Good luck!

I texted him, he's heading in tomorrow morning to do his best.

# ¿ Mar 27, 2014 03:29

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

blk posted:

Try Truecar?

I've never used it, I will suggest it to him.

# ¿ Mar 27, 2014 03:47

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Fomalhaut posted:

I wasn't planning on purchasing a new car today. I only intended to compare the Fiesta ST, 500 Abarth, and FR-S. However, I took a test drive in this Fiesta, and I ended up buying it. I'll be taking some better pictures tomorrow, and I'll share them here.

That looks incredible in white. Good pick man.

My buddy couldn't qualify for financing so no scamming the keys to a Focus ST for me.

# ¿ Mar 30, 2014 04:46

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Finch! posted:

More A45 photos!

I had some Gtechniq products applied, and a full Xpel Ultimate kit installed. This is the whitest white car I've ever seen... it hurts to look at it in bright sunlight.

It's so much fun to drive. I find myself going the long way and unnecessarily entering underground or multi-level car parks. The sound - particularly upshifts and the snaps and crackles on the overrun - seems to upset a few pedestrians, but it also does get plenty of thumbs up. Willall Racing do a "phase 1" tuning package for $2500, taking it to 305kw and 560nm (409hp/413 foot pounds), with free upgrades to phase 2 and 3 as they are released. It's tempting as gently caress but I'm scared to spend any more money

Edit for interior:

Rub it in a bit more you jerk.

Just kidding dude, that's hot as gently caress.

# ¿ Apr 3, 2014 05:26

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Just Chompin' posted:

Looking into a cheaper hatch. I was thinking of the Fiat Abarth, Ford Focus/Fiesta ST, or Veloster R Spec, what do you guys think?

Fiesta ST seems to be the new favorite around these parts.

# ¿ Apr 7, 2014 03:07

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Just Chompin' posted:

I really want to test the Veloster. It seems like it's the most unknown. The Fiat is super cool, but the more I look into it, it seems like the driving position might be untenable for someone my size(6'2").

Bajaha's ownership experience has been pretty bad so far.

# ¿ Apr 7, 2014 23:14

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

I wish Mazda was doing anything at all with the Mazdaspeed brand. There doesn't appear to be a single thing on the horizon.

# ¿ Apr 7, 2014 23:53

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Bovril Delight posted:

Supposedly the Speed3 will be back as a 2018 model. Bit of a lag there.

Every terrible Mazda forum has some dude with insider info who has a different story. Turbo Skyactive/Turbo Diesl/AWD/RWD etc etc.

# ¿ Apr 8, 2014 00:02

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# ¿ Apr 28, 2024 17:01

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Bovril Delight posted:

This was actually in C&D but not much more reputable. I'd love to see a new MS3 but not holding out a lot of hope.

All I want in the world is a small, AWD turbo 6 speed hatch with a Mazda M on it.

# ¿ Apr 8, 2014 06:17

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > The Hot Hatch Discussion Thread: VAG? I prefer my FiST.

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