Civic 1.8 petrol is similar in terms of torque and 0-60 with a bit more hp. It does need revving if you want to use its punch. Some people like this (I do), others prefer more power at lower revs.

Your budget would give a choice of turbo engined cars in VW family and Ford Focus. I prefer the proven mechanicals of the Civic but others on here will have other views I am sure.

Depends what (mk3) Mazda3 you drove - the 1.5 petrol and diesels aren't that quick (ok), the 2ltr petrol is fine for cruising but is a derated engine (the top-of-the-range model has its power bumped from 120hp to 165hp and is about 0.5 sec quicker to 60mph (about 8.3), but to get the best out of the normally-aspirated Mazdas (I own a 1.6 petrol mk1), you have to rag them, as you often have to do with VVTi type engines.

Even your Yaris would need the same, but I suspect as its smaller (lighter) it feels quicker, especially in the 30-50mph range. The 2.2 diesel Mazda3 is quick, but unless you are doing 20k+ miles p.a. then I wouldn't bother - the diesels still seem to suffer reliability issues (see the HJ car-by-car section), especially when doing lots of short journeys/low miles p.a.

To narrow the field, I would suggest you let us know:

• Your anticipated approx. annual mileage going forward;
• Whether you do most of your driving on fast, free-flowing roads, in town/short journeys (shopping car/take kids to school) or a mix;
• Any 'must haves' (effectively 'red lines'), such as high reliability, ride quality, good dealerships, low depreciation, must be able to fit X people in/X item in the boot, cheap servicing/insurance, etc etc.
• How much you can afford on servicing, insurance, fuel - some 'warm' hatches can be reasonable to run, others less so.

Quite often the above rule out many cars.

On first blush, I would say one of the following might suit, IF you can find one under £10k:

• SEAT Leon 1.4t FR petrol (either std 5dr or nicer-looking SC 3dr). You probably only get an early plate 140hp version (not the 150hp ACT/Eco newer one);
• VW Golf 1.4TSi GT petrol. Essentially the same car as the Leon but higher prices. May not be lucky. Don't get a 160hp twin charger - beset with problems, as is the 1.8TSi version. Std UK spec cars don't come with climate control, only manual A/C (Euro import cars do though - many sold via Motorpoint recently, so there may be some slightly older ones [5dr] out there).

Probably the best of both ranges, including in terms of reliability/performance/price combo. Audis too expensive and dealers appear generally have a poor reputation.

• Possibly a 2012-16 Honda Civic 1.8 (try a high spec model) - size-wise about the same as the Mazda3 and 0-60 in 9.1sec in manual form. Not amazing handling, but probably fine. 2.2 diesel even quicker, but only for high mileage (far more reliable than the Mazda's diesel engines and other makes). Not cheap, but some around under £10k.

Once you narrowed it down a bit, try using the websites 'Cars for sale' (Used) section and see if there's some not too far away than might interest you at a franchised dealer. I would (personally) shy away from non-frnachised dealers/private sale if you're looking to buy a warm hatch or better, as often some real lemons are sold as in good nick (especially if someone's been 'modding' them to death).

I would also avoid an automated manuals or semi-auto boxes, especially VAG 'DSG' ones - can be very unreliable. Read the car-by-car reviews. Take your time - don't rush into something or the first one you think might do. ALWAYS get a test drive and use all the performance. See other threads for other tips for buying used cars, especially higher performance ones. Best of luck.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 05/01/2017 at 20:22