A top used car expert has urged motorists thinking about buying an affordable hot hatchback to consider one often overlooked model that offers plenty of power and surprising levels of practicality. Jonny Brighton runs the YouTube channel Cars With JB and regularly creates videos in which he shares tips to help used car buyers find the best model for them. In a recent video, Jonny discusses used hot hatchbacks that are widely available for less than £15,000, highlighting the Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR in particular.

He said: "I think the Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR, despite not being as iconic as the previous generation VXR, is actually better-looking. The formula wasn't crazily dissimilar, just with a bit more tech to help the handling, thanks to the mechanical LSD [limited split differential] and electronically controlled active suspensions which helped to get the car some pretty complimentary reviews. Some connoisseurs of the car contend that it might actually be one of the best performance cars that Vauxhall have ever given us."

Despite not being as highly regarded as rivals, such as the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus ST, the Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR offered a surprising amount of power for a hot hatchback at the time of its release.

Made from 2012 to 2019, the GTC VXR's styling was distinctively more aggressive compared to the standard Astra, featuring a large body kit, rear spoiler, and slimmer grille.

Whilst drivers can get behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR for as little as £2,500, a budget of around £8,000 is enough for a particularly clean example with a low mileage.

Jonny highlighted that all examples of the high-performance Vauxhall were fitted with a 2.0-litre engine that can reach 60mph in less than six seconds.

He added: "These come with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 276bhp, taking it to 60mph in 5.8 seconds. It was actually one of the fastest front-wheel drive hot hatches ever on its release.

"However, clutches and gearboxes have had some issues on these, and we have heard some annoying reports of water ingress by some owners, but generally these have been quite good for reliability."

Alternatively, Jonny suggested that drivers could also opt for a used Renault Megane RS Cup - praising its particularly impressive track credentials, despite being a true four-seater.

He said: "Compared to rivals, the Renault Megane RS Cup is definitely more of a useful track car with a bit of daily ability. The Cup chassis pack, in particular, stiffened up the already tighter RS with slotted brake discs and LSD to help handling, and of course, the stiffer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bar.

"Add on the Cup-specific 18-inch alloys and you had a pretty cool-looking car that would ideal for a trip to and from the Nurburgring. On a good set of tyres, you could go all the way to the Nurburgring, be rowdy around the track and get back home."