Looking to get a sport hatchback
Some examples I can think of to get started
MAZDA MPS 2010-11 models (around $20k)
FORD FOCUS ST 2012-14 models (around $21k)
Tried looking online that is a good competitor to the MPS but couldn't find ones for the year I wanted.
Add the Renault Megane RS 265 and the Golf GTi that list if you really want a sporty drive with the trimmings - both are just out of your price range but I have seen man 2012 Renault RS around $22k.
Renault Megane RS for sure if 3 doors is suitable.
If you need 4 doors, the Focus ST has the best bang for your buck.
If you want to go under 20k, have a look at the Focus XR5… previous gen to the ST. Still ticks all of your boxes. Can be had for under 15k now.
If you are looking at manual the golf GTI MK6 is a great option.
The only real issues are with the DSG (Auto).
That's weird that you couldn't find information online for a competitor to the Mazda MPS. Performance wise the WRX hatchback will outperform the Mazda MPS on the race track. The Golf GTI outperforms the Mazda MPS for luxury.
Perhaps best to mention how you will be using the sports hatch so that people can better advise.
I've been on track days and shared the track with generations of Mazda 3 MPS. None of them are faster than a WRX around Wakefield Park.
If lower lap times is your thing then the fastest sports hatches in your price range are the Subaru WRX and Renault Megane (or Renault Clio). I personally prefer a used Subaru over a used Renault because of the reliability, build quality and rattles.
WRX hatches might be out of price range, no? Also need to watch out for the 5 speed gearbox on a WRX as it's not as sturdy as 6 speeds on the STI's.
Carsales has a few 2009-2010 Subaru Impreza WRX G3 hatchbacks with asking price under $20K. The confusion might be that Subaru recently rebranded the car from "Impreza WRX" to "WRX".
Gearbox issues disappeared after the 2006 WRX came out but the myth is very strong:
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-general/199671-wrx-transmissi…
The WRX's from 2006 and onwards are much more safeguarded from unskilled drag racers. Subaru also made the clutch the weakest link and acts like a circuit breaker. The clutch will automatically slip if it exceeds a set torque. Subaru replaced the 2.0L engine with a larger 2.5L engine. The newer 2.5L engine has a wider torque range making it less necessary for high rpm launches.
So post 2006 all WRX have the 2.5L engine?
Yes. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Engine_of_the_Ye…
The MY06 WRX hatchback + sedan is when Subaru switched over to the EJ255 (2.5L WRX motor).
It took another 2 years before the MY08 STI hatchback switched over to the slightly tweaked EJ257 (nearly identical to WRX motor but with a bigger turbo).
If you were looking at sedans and not just hatchbacks then the MY06 sedan is best. The MY06 sedan included the STI's front aluminum steering arm. Subaru cut cost on the MY06 WRX hatchback so it doesn't have the STI aluminum steering arm. In stock form the MY06 sedan handles marginally better than the MY06 hatch. The MY08 only comes in hatchback.
The MY08 STI is out of your $20K price range. Within your $20K price range that means MY10 WRX hatchback is the fastest package "OR" a MY06 hatchback with light suspension modification and ECU remap.
A bargain secret about the 2.5L engine in the 2006 is that it was detuned from running 98 octane fuel to 95. The previous 2.0L 2005 WRX ran on 98 octane. Its cheap if you remap the ECU yourself for the cost of a special cable, Tactrix Openport 1.3 (under $200 2nd hand). I was extremely lucky and found a $7 eBay VagCom cable that worked for my MY06 sedan.
Renault Sport Megane 250 - Probably quickest of this bunch on a track
Renault Sport Clio 200 - Handling as sharp as a scalpel
VW Golf GTI MKV or MKVI - Best all rounder. Not outright fastest. DSG-gate.
Opel Astra OPC - Very powerful but not sure if within price range
Skoda Octavia RS - Read Golf GTI with a different badge. Cheaper too.
Honda Civic Type R EP3 - Bit older but handles well.
Ford Fiesta ST - Best bang for your buck. Guaranteed smiles all the time. But looks too similar to standard Fiestas.
Ralliart Lancer could be worth checking out too. Poor man's Evo, but a lot of fun none-the-less, and is full of features as well. Some might still have New Car Warranty left as well (2011 onwards), or be just coming out of it
If you have any sense, you'll get the Focus off the list immediately…we had them in our work fleet, and we have a few friends with them…great to drive when they work, but total bloody lemons when they don't.
Ours pretty much all had serious (often dangerous) ongoing Auto Transmission problems throughout their entire lifetime, necessitating multiple fruitless returns to Ford (who kept fobbing the problems off), and some even developed interior water leaks from faulty heater cores. Those friends I mentioned are all having the same issues now, sometimes without the benefit of warranty, and Ford are notorious dicks when it comes to goodwill repairs.
Do yourself a favour & steer well clear of the Focus if you want longevity or reliability…personally, with the Falcon gone, I wouldn't touch anything in the Ford range nowadays.
is it just the automatic transmission that's causing issues or the manual as well?
Sorry, I've had no experience with the manuals, but the other issues (and the recalcitrance of Ford to admit fault) would scare me off.
It's a shame, because they were a nice car to drive, just wildly unreliable.
My advice - sit in a few and drive a few. Seating position, comfort and leg room will be a big decider. Car might be fun to drive but won't be if you can't fit!