Can you recommend a sporty car similar to the Subaru WRX hatchback?

My friend and neighbour is now on the lookout for a sporty replacement for his Nissan X-Trail. He was ready to buy a 2010 Subaru WRX hatchback but is now stuck having, fortunately, read an article I sent him from your site about the engine issues. His budget is £10,000-12,000. The car should accommodate a family of five, have sporty, comfortable performance, but does need to be 4wd. He was originally keen on an Audi but you seem to pay a hefty supplement for the badge and in my experience they can be a "bill waiting to happen" once a few years old. I would be tempted to recommend the old WRX as I had a 2001 model but I know he wants something more recent. Do you have any other suggestions please?

Asked on 5 October 2013 by LR, via email

Answered by Honest John
The seriously quick competitor to the WRX was the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mitsubishi/evo-x-200.../ and www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mitsubishi/mitsubi.../. But they did a cooled down hatchback version, called the Ralliart: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mitsubishi/mitsubi.../
Similar questions
I'm in the process of choosing my new car. I definitely want a four-wheel drive because I like to drive to the mountains in wintertime. My primary concern is great handling of the car for fast cornering....
I have read your advice online about buying and selling cars, which is a process I do not enjoy. However I am keen to buy a Mazda MX-5 sports car before I get too old to enjoy one and will need to part-ex...
Your advice to PT on Morgans was, as usual, a very fair and erudite comment. I'm not sure about them being relatively high maintenance though. My experience of the current range (we drive a 2008 Plus 4)...
Related models
Comes as saloon and a five-door Sportback. Competent and handles reasonably well. Ralliart is good fun.
Same as before. Great acceleration, traction, handling, brakes and grip. Exhilarating yet forgiving. On of the fastest cars from A to B on a B road.