10 Oct 06
You're spoilt for choice. Even excluding the Golf R32 and Leon FR - which are both too new for there to be many second-hand bargains around (and the Leon Cupra, which isn't yet on sale) - the options include the Skoda Octavia vRS (petrol and diesel, estate and hatch), which is a brilliant driver's car without any loss of practicality.
The V6 that tops the A3 range is fast but isn't as much fun as many of the lighter, more agile models in the A3 range - but all Audis tend to hold their value a bit too well to suit our bargain-hunting brief. And while Audi's four-wheel drive system is very impressive, it's not strictly speaking necessary for most drivers most of the time.
That said, the Golf 4Motion is an often overlooked gem, the all-wheel drive system working harmoniously with the 2.0-litre diesel engine. But the pick of the Golfs is the most obvious one: the MkV GTi is a fantastic performance car.
Cheap choice: Audi A3 2.0 FSI, 2003, £11,500.
Nearly new choice: VW Golf GTi, 2005, £14,000.
Rest of the world: Mini Cooper S, 2003, £10,000. Not as roomy as any of the Golfs, but a brilliant way to spend the same sort of money.
