Megane 225/Golf mk5 GTI/Leon 225 Cupra R/Focus ST ?

[Dandare]

Anybody own either of these ?

Looking as to what would be a replacement for my ph1 Clio 172.

Read the Evo mag reviews, the Focus ST & the Golf seem to be £2k ish more han the other two for the equivalent mileage etc. my heart says the Megane but reviews say it's a bit un-involving though refined. The Leon Cupra R is said to be more 'raw' & a little more involving.

Tbh, i'd want something just a bit bigger than the Clio, slightly more grown up (lol) & more refined though not at the expense of everything else.

Just wondered if anybody here can offer any opinions

[cmgreen]

I would say the Gti is more of a mature car, in terms of it don't have as much power, just better built soo you enjoy the car more. Take it you looking at seat Leon mk1 1m chassis? What about a s3

[lordnikon]

I've had three out of the list, not the focus, and i would say the Golf is the best bet personally. Leon is based on the older mk4 golf/s3 chassis and the megane is alittle more raw than the others. I had loads of problems with my 225 F1 and it didn't last long until i ditched it.

[Dandare]

Yes, the mk1 shape Leon (eg, '53 plate)

Well i am nearly 40 so maybe i should only be looking at the Golf

I considered the Audi S3 but for the same money as the others they're that bit older & generally higher mileage.

[JohnM]

I've got a Focus ST. had it for 6 years now, very nearly the perfect car, fast, handles well, comfortable, decent space inside, boot fits my racing gear in fine, and it'll do 30+mpg if you want it to, or low 20s if that's what you want

Did try a mk5 Golf GTi while I was waiting for the ST to be built, to be honest it bored me to tears, was about as exciting as my 04 plate Mondeo

[traffman]

If you want a mature but really fun car i would say the focus st. Drove one and felt fantastic , not as raw as the type r. Which i love.