Best Used Hot Hatch

Winner: VW Golf GTI MkV

(2005 to 2008) Prices: £7,500-£18,000

Practicality, reliability and performance are hallmarks of the Golf GTI, which is why the previous generation is our used hot hatch of the year. Early examples of the MkV are now available for less than £8,000, making it a seriously tempting proposition.

Build and interior quality are first rate and the 197bhp 2.0 TFSI engine is brilliant – it powers the Golf from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. Stone chips on the nose, bald tyres and any kind of aftermarket bodykit are all signs that the car may have led a hard life, so steer clear of tuned examples and go for the most original one you can find.
 
Marque specialists are good places to shop for second-hand GTIs. These enthusiasts tend to cherry pick the cars they sell and make sure they’re in good condition beforehand. They’re usually small outfits, too, so they rely on recommendation for repeat business and good service is a generally a given – just don’t expect too much flexibility on price.

As well as a six-speed manual, the Golf GTI was available with the VW Group’s DSG semi-automatic gearbox. These cars are sought after and command a few hundred pounds more than the manual versions – but they provide an excellent compromise between the thrill of a manual and the laziness of a self-shifter.

Nearly New: MINI Cooper S

(2007 to date) Prices: £9,000-£18,000

Rock-solid residuals and peppy performance are two of the MINI’s strongest suits. And a nearly new example not only brings a big saving, it also wards off heavy depreciation. Practicality is limited, but the frenetic driving experience makes this car.

Value Choice: Skoda Octavia VRS

(2006 to 2009) Prices: £6,500-£16,000

The Skoda shares its running gear with the Golf GTI, but it’s bigger, more affordable and comes with the choice of petrol or diesel power – there’s even an estate. Build quality is superb and the Octavia scores consistently strong results in our Driver Power reliability surveys.