Top 10: £1500 hot hatches
Not everyone in the market for a classic hot hatch has sufficient funds for an immaculate MkI Golf GTi. It’s one of the most iconic models in today’s modern-classic market, and its current asking prices reflect this. But don’t despair, because even with a budget of just £1500 it’s possible to go the hot hatch route.
Alright, so the models featured here aren’t the most famous hot hatches, nor are they all among the most successful. But they’re fun to drive, cheap to buy and entertaining to own – which is surely what proper hot hatch motoring is all about? Check out our go-faster bargains – and let us know which one appeals the most.
MG ZR / ZS
Funds were tight for MG Rover from the outset; but what the company achieved in 2001 with its launch of the Rover 25-based MG ZR and 45-based ZS was little short of miraculous, transforming a pair of worthy but unexciting Rovers into eye-catching, sharp-handling, high-performing hatches and saloons. Okay, the entry-level ZR105 wasn’t exactly a ball of fire, but it was still fun. At the top of the tree sat the 2.5-litre V6-engined ZS180, with 177bhp on tap. Best news of all is that as little as a grand (or less) will buy you one now in reasonable condition.
