Sporty Estate

neilled

Hi guys, looking for suggestions on a "Sporty" estate, thats reasonably economical and fun to drive. I have petrol coupe (Veloster Turbo) at the moment, and whilst i genuinely like it, with the mileage i'm doing a diesel will be better, particularly if fuel prices keep heading north. I've a few bikes etc so an estate would be handy for firing them in the back and carting various bits of outdoor kit about. Towing is not an issue, I have no intentions of fitting a trailer. I tend to like to have a kitted car with the likes of leather or heated seats etc. I'm N.Ireland based so there will be a few options that aren't native to the ROI market with a pricecap of about 18K stg.  

Right now I'm looking at a number of options (and these include the hatchback or saloon variants) 

Ford Focus ST3 
Seat Leon FR (184) 
Octavia Vrs

 Does anyone have any experience with these cars or is there anything else on the market that would fit the bill that I'm missing? Golf GTD is a non runner, don't really like the look of them! Your suggestions are much appreciated.

bazz26

Probably a little older than the others but:

http://www.usedcarsni.com/2013-BMW-3-Series-320d-M-SPORT-TOURING-AUTO-Black-Leather-174042243

http://www.usedcarsni.com/2014-Volvo-V60-R-DESIGN-LUX-NAV-D5-FULL-VOLVO-SERVICE-HISTORY-175957441

BabyGM146

Another thought might be a Volvo V50 D5, they're suitably quick, and in R-Design trim they are sporty looking in a smart way.

bazz26

V50 is a bit old these days being launched back in 2004 and they are not very big in the back, the V60 would certainly offer more space and is more modern.

AMKC

Are you going to buy brand new or second hand?

If brand new the Peugeot 308GT estate might also be worth considering and also the Kia Optima Estate.

neilled

Second hand is much better value, so probably 1-2 years old, low mileage. The 308 GT is a great suggestion, had a look at the optima, its not a great engine for performance.

R.O.R

Recent versions of the Volvo V60 D4 are pretty damn quick, 0-60 times are on par with, or better than the 3 cars in the OP.

Might even get a D5 model in the UK, and there's 4wd variants we didn't get down here.

Not sure whether they are in budget, but there's also the D6 twin engine, diesel hybrid version with a combined 280 horses and AWD.

neilled

R.O.R wrote: »

Recent versions of the Volvo V60 D4 are pretty damn quick, 0-60 times are on par with, or better than the 3 cars in the OP.

Might even get a D5 model in the UK, and there's 4wd variants we didn't get down here.

Not sure whether they are in budget, but there's also the D6 twin engine, diesel hybrid version with a combined 280 horses and AWD.

That D4 is a very slick looking car, thank you for that suggestion!

skipper756

I have a 2014 Seat Leone FR and I love it. It gives me the combination of freat performance and excellent economy and it looks good too.

neilled

skipper756 wrote: »

I have a 2014 Seat Leone FR and I love it. It gives me the combination of freat performance and excellent economy and it looks good too.

Thanks skipper, do you have any other comments? Which engine do you have? Did you opt for any extras?

scooby77

I have 2015 Leon fr estate 150 from new. 45k kms of trouble free enjoyable motoring to date. No rattles or any other issues. Around 53mpg without effort. I drive it hard enough.
Good machine all round-and certainly great value!

grogi

neilled wrote: »

Hi guys, looking for suggestions on a "Sporty" estate, thats reasonably economical and fun to drive. I have petrol coupe (Veloster Turbo) at the moment, and whilst i genuinely like it, with the mileage i'm doing a diesel will be better, particularly if fuel prices keep heading north. I've a few bikes etc so an estate would be handy for firing them in the back and carting various bits of outdoor kit about. Towing is not an issue, I have no intentions of fitting a trailer. I tend to like to have a kitted car with the likes of leather or heated seats etc. I'm N.Ireland based so there will be a few options that aren't native to the ROI market with a pricecap of about 18K stg.  

Right now I'm looking at a number of options (and these include the hatchback or saloon variants) 

Ford Focus ST3 
Seat Leon FR (184) 
Octavia Vrs

 Does anyone have any experience with these cars or is there anything else on the market that would fit the bill that I'm missing? Golf GTD is a non runner, don't really like the look of them! Your suggestions are much appreciated.

Renault Megane Sport Tourer GT - with a small bit of Yoga a new one should not be outside of your budget...

https://www.renault.ie/vehicles/new-vehicles/megane-sport-tourer/versions-and-prices.html#grade-MK4-4

But it is a petrol...

GustavoFring

Had a hatch FR184 and now in a hatch Octavia RS diesel. Much preferred the Leon to drive with less body roll and being more refined, and the dash is a nicer place to look at.

In saying that the resale is quite poor (but you can take advantage of that) but the Octavia interior is easier to live with in terms of storing odds and ends, extra rear room and stuff.

I've done about 70k miles on that engine in the last two and a half years and it's solid, given the choice I'd go with the Euro 5 variant as opposed to the newer Euro 6 as the update seems to have dulled performance lower down the rev range.

Mantis Toboggan

neilled wrote: »

Second hand is much better value, so probably 1-2 years old, low mileage. The 308 GT is a great suggestion, had a look at the optima, its not a great engine for performance.

Test drive the Optima, you might be surprised.

skipper756

neilled wrote: »

Thanks skipper, do you have any other comments? Which engine do you have? Did you opt for any extras?

Engine is 2 litre diesel. No extras as car came standard with everything I needed. I am delighted with its comfort, performance and space. Mytwo sons are mad jealous of the cars performance compared to theirs ( Skoda Octavia 1.6 diesel and Mondeo 1.8 petrol). I would highly recommend it.

_Brian

I test drove a Skoda Octavia Scout 150bhp there a while back.
Really liked it but just couldn't strike a deal with the dealer.

Sporty, awd, plenty of grip.

Still find myself looking them up on DD, it's on the future list.

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/13024458
Skoda Octavia COM Scout 2.0 TDI 150