Buying Journey
The car history of evo reader Chris Murphy features some of the greats of the hot hatch world
Ford Escort XR3I (Mk4) ‘My first car upon passing my test in 2000. It was grey with spotlights and a bodykit, everything a 17-year- old could want. Three months after I bought it the exhaust fell off and it was beyond economical repair to fix.’ Ford Focus ST170
(Mk1) ‘My father’s Alfa 147 1.6 was more than a match for my ST170 in terms of pace. A different gearbox and another 20bhp would have made it far more exciting.’ Renault Sport Clio 172 ‘Properly quick and a monster when thrown at a corner, it infected me with the Renault Sport bug. It did feel fragile, and the driving position was baffling, but all this ceased to matter when you drove it.’
Renault Sport Clio 182 Cup (1) ‘After my 172 was crashed into, there was only one car that I could get next. It took the 172 recipe and improved every aspect a tiny bit. I vowed to keep it forever, but then a tree fell on it during a storm.’ Suzuki Swift Sport
(Mk1) (2) ‘It handled well enough, but was far too tame compared to the Clios. It did have a lovely zingy engine, though.’ Renault Sport Clio 200 Cup (3) ‘I went all- out and bought this, in Glacier White with the huge F1-style boot spoiler and Recaros. One of the best cars I’ve ever driven.’ Honda Civic Type R (FN2) (4) ‘I’m a huge fan of the angled styling and its spaceshiplike interior. Then you’ve got that VTEC engine that would scream its way to over 8000rpm, and the incredible gearchange. Phenomenal car.’
Mini John Cooper Works (R56) (5) ‘My first turbo car and properly quick. It was a bit unruly and would torque-steer wildly. The best thing was the exhaust; I never tired of it popping and banging.’
Toyota MR2 (Mk3) (6) ‘I bought it as a project and intended to restore it – but after 5000 miles the common pre- cat issue destroyed the engine.’ Toyota
Celica 1.8 VVTI (Mk7) (7) ‘A pristine example with the bigger 17-inch alloys and must-have rear spoiler. I also fitted an enormous induction kit that made the high-revving engine sound incredible.’ Ford Fiesta
Zetec S Red Edition (Mk6) ‘I loved the loud colour scheme, pointy chassis and sharp steering, but not the noise it made.’ Abarth 595 145 (8) ‘I have loved noisy little Abarths for years. Yes, it’s expensive, but in terms of the ability to put a smile on my face, it is brilliant.’