fast hatch capable of transporting couple of bikes
 

I used to do a bit of cycle racing and have been bitten by the bug again so splashed out on a lovely lightweight (15lbs in total) titanium framed beast dripping with carbon fibre and other exotic metals like scandium alloys... :norty: Thing is, I'm going to need to be able to transport a couple of bikes to races around and about this so I'm looking for a fast hatch with enough 'rear seat down' capacity to do the job. I'm considering:

Ford ST (supposed to handle well but thirsty)
Astra VXR (looks the job but mixed reports on handling
Mazda 3 MPS (nice Q car but iffy handling?)
Integra DC5 (great handling but will I miss some serious torque?)

Anything else I should consider? Should add that I'm not really into VWs as had so many reliability issues in the past with previous VW cars I've owned!

Believe it or not my brother in law gets two bikes in his TT with the rear seats down.

honda civic type r (breadvan) :)

Which shape TT is that Tim? Old or new?

Yeah - maybe a nice JDM 220bhp breadvan :norty:

R26R - apparently you can get a bike in the back (according to Evo)

The MK1 TT, with the seats down its almost like an A3 for size. Pop the wheels off the bikes and it goes in no problems.

I get two MTBs in my ST happily :)

I specifically bought my impreza wagon because I cycle 2-3 times a week and need to get one, if not 2 bikes in the rear.

usually take the saddle/seat post out and always the front wheel, but you can get a pair in, leaving back wheel on.

again had loads of vw's- so ruled out anything audi/vw due to reliability.

pound for pound nothing really will touch the impreza for value/speed and reliabily- in my opinion.

only possible vehicles for me next are a subaru outback/legacy estate or a VW T5 transporter multivan/camper........ had a few comercial VW's and they've been good.

can't imagine you'd get anything in a TT without stripping the bike or being a midget.

Cheers guys - thanks for the input. Thhink I'll check out the ST and maybe the breadvan Civic and Integra. Austin WRX - I had thought of wagon or Forrester but looking to keep running costs down.

You might want to consider...

Volkswagen T5 van with 558PS Porsche 996 engine by TH Auto

From here,

TH AUTOMOBILE - DEUTSCHE MOBILMANUFAKTUR

:thumb:

The Mazda has an LSD and can be spec'd with Eibachs so might not be too shoddy in the handling department.

It also has 260ish bhp :D

Steve

The mazda is f**kin bonkers. That engine is far too fast for the chassis. I had one wheelspinnin in 4th the other week. :cuckoo::lol1:

I like that Mazda, almost bought one instead of my ST but it's in a ridiculously high tax band so when the gov't bring the new tax rules in after 2011 it's something like £435 a year to tax it vs £245 for the ST. :eek:

My fat ******* Kona Hoss will go in my ST without any drama's (or it would if I ever used it! :() but if I was having a bike in something a lot I would get an estate, maybe an Impreza Wagon or an Audi S4.

My CTR (FN2 new shape with fold flat rear seats) will take two 19" MTB's minus front wheels lying on top of each other if needed. Wouldnt say it was comfortable fit unless you dont give a **** about said bikes or your interior. Better of with a rack or estate to save pissing around imho.

Simon

My bikes get even more TLC than the Impreza, so not sure this would be a good option for me :lol1:

Yeah - Our 08 Golf GTi will take bikes - have had 1 in fully assembled - just - and you could drop the second on top of it (or remove bike wheels to make it easier). But not that easy to do so, really you'd be better with something a bit bigger. And whilst you don't like VWs, it's still the class of the field IMHO - power at any revs in any gear, quiet and classy when you don't want to play, lively and without the power overwhelming the chassis when you do play, gives about 40mpg on a daily trawl where my WRX did about 25. But if you don't want a VW....

If I was taking bikes, I'd either use our roof carrier, or our 3 series touring! ;) Don't rule out the 3 - 330i or 330d have got the legs on most of the hatches you mention, 335i or 335d will slaughter them. Even a mapped 320d (>200bhp and 340lbft) is pushing hot hatch territory, together with rear drive handling.

only prob with roof carriers is noise and lack of security. plus they're quite a lot of money just to carry a bike.

bike racks (strap type) are ok if doing a distance- i.e taking yr bike on hols.

my last camper had a fiamma rack bolted to rear door- thats great- yr bike is sorted in seconds.

wagon works well enough to sling them in. personally I like to be able to lock my bike away- I don't like idea of leaving a bike visible.

when you starting thinking of the stuff people can nick off them, like yr lights/tools etc.


impreza dear to run ???? well all depends on yr insurance I guess..... dont think running costs are esp dear. mines been faultless to date.......can't say that about many cars I've owned over the last 20 something yrs.

I do have a boot liner- which is good for all the mud and water in winter time.

however its still all tight, and if doing it again, I'd be going for a huge estate---- legacy/volvo etc

Hades - thanks for your post. Yes, hadn't thought about a 3 Series touring. More food for thought. Agree with Austin WRX though - prefer to keep the bikes 'indoors' for security and also to keep the elements at bay once the bike is prepped and ready to race.

Can fit two mtb's and 3 people plus kit in my 5 door Civic

Use our 335d Touring for bike transportation a lot - but we stick them on the roof (Thule roof bars and bike carriers x2). No way I'm sticking muddy MTBs in the car any more!

In exactly the same position. Chopping out of my BMW 335i M Sport (great car, esp as I fitted AP brakes and a Quaife LSD) and using the money I get back to buy something outright. Budget approx 6k but could go to 10k for right car. But given the whole idea is being more sensible, 6k is best. Running costs etc. not an issue.

MUST take a couple of bikes inside.

MUST be fast / fun to drive.

IDEALLY comfortable on a long cruise as I regularly drive to wales for biking.

Current thinking:

Hawkeye WRX wagon (+ a couple of minor mods)
Audi S4 Avant
Jag X type estate
Merc C-class estate

A couple of flankers:

Clio 182 sport cup
Alfa GT
Golf

thoughts?

thanks
ed

Bit of a jest proposition but I have similar requirements and my '96 Saab 9k Aero does it really well. And it's a hatch!
It's been tinkered to approx 450bhp/460ftlbs and plenty of kit +LSD, handling, brakes etc so is brutal when you want.
Still does 32mpg, comfy heated leather seats. Buckets of room (more than any of the previous cars).

Downside is it's now ancient and ugly!

After this car, I'd be looking at something like an Audi S4 Avant I reckon to tick the boxes you need.