What hot hatches or performance wagons do you like?

[Anonymous]

Any new car recommendations? We want the drive and handling of a car, not SUV , but do want a bit of extra capacity. Drove and liked the Volvo 60, but frustrated that only the cross-country co es in AWD. Sort of tempted by the GLA or X2, but they're still more crossover than hatchback. Willing to spend to $60-70k, though wouldn't mind less so that we don't hesitate to use it to haul mulch from Home Depot.

[Anonymous]

Best wagon in $60k-$70K range? Probably a slightly used Mercedes E63 AMG wagon.

Brand new? Probably Audi S5/RS5 (hatch), Audi Allroad, or a BMW 3 Series at top trim M-Sport.

[Anonymous]

I wish they made more wagons (though I am in the $30K range)

[Anonymous]

How long can you wait? Audi has the new RS6 wagon but might be slightly out of budget. Otherwise top contender would be the AMG E63 wagon and they hold their value pretty well.

Audi S5 sportback like PP mentioned or lightly used S7.

I looked at the BMW 328i wagon, but couldn’t get past the anemic engine for it.

Also look at the Ford Focus RS if you can stand the ride and interior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish they made more wagons (though I am in the $30K range)

In that price range the new Mazda 3 )although more of a hatch) is a nice car.

Otherwise you have to look at a used Mercedes E class wagon, BMW 328i M sport, BMW X1, Mercedes GLA.

Americans have fallen in love with raised wagons ie SUVs and car manufacturers are catering to that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish they made more wagons (though I am in the $30K range)

In that price range the new Mazda 3 )although more of a hatch) is a nice car.

Otherwise you have to look at a used Mercedes E class wagon, BMW 328i M sport, BMW X1, Mercedes GLA.

Americans have fallen in love with raised wagons ie SUVs and car manufacturers are catering to that.

Almost forgot the Subaru WRX.

[Anonymous]

For a hatchback, try the VW Golf R. 288hp and AWD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How long can you wait? Audi has the new RS6 wagon but might be slightly out of budget. Otherwise top contender would be the AMG E63 wagon and they hold their value pretty well.

Audi S5 sportback like PP mentioned or lightly used S7.

I looked at the BMW 328i wagon, but couldn’t get past the anemic engine for it.

Also look at the Ford Focus RS if you can stand the ride and interior.

Thanks for all the suggestions! The 2020 RS6 Avant is one sexy looking vehicle. And I have to smile at the Focus suggestion - it was absolutely my gateway drug to performance hatches. I think we've kind of outgrown it - but I was still bummed when Ford discontinued it.

[Anonymous]

Love our Subaru Impreza 5-door/wagon.