Best Hot Hatch/Fun small car

Looking for a new car. I've decided that instead of an old land cruiser or something like that, I should get a new or nearly new (CPO) car. So, my price range is about 30k USD, but it's flexible, up to about 40. My choices are as follows:

-'18 Golf GTI
-'18 Golf R (hard to find in my area) (I also think these are a little boring)
-'18 Focus ST
-'16-'17 CPO Focus RS
-'18 BRZ/GT86

I've heard the Focus RS rides really rough, does anyone has some experience with these? I'll be keeping this car for a long time, so I don't want a backbreaker. Any other suggestions for a fun car in this price range? I need snow capability, and I'd prefer AWD but any other drivetrain is fine.

 

I'm a fan of the focus st more than anything, not really the biggest fan of VW, the civic type r is factory-riced, plus i just like the focus (totally not because of ken block)

 

Yeah the Type R is awful IMO. If I lived in japan it would look great, but I don't.
I like the ST. It looks pretty good, and it's not that expensive.

 

I have heard some negative things about the RS's head gaskets, I'm not sure if they have been fixed yet. Maybe try looking at a WRX or an STI as they seem to be good for snow and are relatively fun to drive. If you are ok with RWD then there are a few options I would personally choose.

 

well the WRX is not a hatch, it's a sedan, maybe you mean the impreza?

 

The WRX is not a hot hatch, but its the same mentality of "cheap car with a fast variant."

 

I see what you mean, but the thread is called "best hot hatch" so

 

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of the STI just due to the massive "hey cop come pull me over" spoiler on the back (which I know is an option) that all of them have.

Changed the title of the thread

 

Ah alright, and sort of off topic, but about the spoiler thing, someone once tried to race a WRX STI but it was actually an undercover cop car.
OT: Ford Fiesta anyone?

 

Fiesta is too small. Can't do that small of a car.

 

fair enough, but it's still a hatch i believe, and i dont mind it too much

 

Does anyone know how the toyobaru twins are in snow? I really like those.

 

I was going to reccomend those, but I have never driven one. I also have never driven in snow because the Southeast never gets snow, or slightly cold/nice weather.

 

I’ve heard they’re a blast to drive

 

Honda S2000, definitely recommend, you can pick a good condition one up for 10-15k.

 

What about a Ferrari FF? /s
Seriously, what about a used BMW M135i or a Renault Megane RS?

 

God a Beamer murder's peoples wallets after some time.

 

2011 golf GTI we have one and its awesome!

 

Decently new Civic Type R?

 

Does the ae86 trueno dorifto count as a hatch