7 Sporty Hatchbacks Under €30,000

There are a number of sporty variants of popular five door hatchbacks available now on the Irish market. These more exclusive models will ensure that you stand out from the crowd with updated styling for a sportier look, but still with average running costs and the same sort of practicality and versatility as their more conventional counterparts. I’ve picked seven of the best sporty hatchbacks for under €30,000.

1. Kia Cee’d GT Line

Available from just €22,500, the Cee’d GT Line is one of the cheapest sporty hatchbacks you can buy. The GT Line sports distinct ‘ice-cube’ LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, 17” five spoke alloys, more muscular bumpers, side skirts, dual exhaust, special GT Line interior, a sport mode and long list of standard equipment. Kia’s new 1.0-litre three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 120PS provides the power.

Kia Cee’d 1.0 GDi Petrol GT Line: €22,500

2. Opel Astra SRi

The SRi is the sporty one in the new Astra range. It sits on 17” five spoke alloy wheels and inside there is loads of new tech, sports seats and a Sport button to enhance the driving experience. The SRi trim is available with a host of engines including 1.0-litre (105PS) and 1.4-litre (150PS) turbo petrols, and the 1.6-litre diesel (110PS or 136PS).

Opel Astra SRi 1.0i Turbo 105PS: €24,495

3. SEAT Leon FR

The Leon FR gets some styling inspiration from the Cupra hot hatch including 18” 5 spoke alloys, double exhaust, full LED headlights and some other body modifications. Inside there is ambient lighting, sports seats and some other trim updates. A sports suspension and ‘Sport’ mode complete the experience. Power comes from a 1.4-litre TSI petrol (125hp) or a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 150 or 184hp.

SEAT Leon FR 1.4-litre TSI: €25,675

4. Renault Mégane GT Line

The new Renault Mégane GT Line has 17” alloys and special bumpers with grey rear diffuser for a sporty look. Inside there is blue detailing, cosy sports seats, ambient lighting and a driving mode selector where you can select ‘Sport’ mode. The GT Line is available with Renault’s 1.5-litre diesel with wither 110bhp or 130bhp.

Renault Mégane dCi 110 GT Line: €25,990

5. Ford Focus ST-Line

Inspired by the high performance Focus ST, the Focus ST-Line comes with 17” alloys, gloss black honeycomb grille, restyled bumpers and side skirts. Inside there are sports style front seats and the dash has a more premium finish. A sports suspension enhances the handling and just one engine is available – the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel with 150PS.

Ford Focus 2.0-litre TDCi ST-Line: €27,170

6. Honda Civic Si

A glimpse of the Honda Civic Si and you might think you’ve spotted the Type R for its 17” gloss black alloys, mesh grille and rear spoiler. Power comes from Honda’s super frugal 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel.

Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC Si: €27,395

7. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Super Sport

This is one of the most gorgeous sporty hatchbacks and it’s quite posh too. The Giulietta sits at the more premium end of the market and its naturally beautiful shape is enhanced in Super Sport trim by 17” alloys, rear spoiler, red bumper insert, bigger exhaust pipe and side skirts. The Giulietta is available with a range of engines including a 1.4-litre turbo petrol with 150hp and a 1.6-litre diesel with 120hp.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MutliAir 150 bhp: €28,100

Caroline Kidd