Which of these hatchbacks for €25,000 to go for?

Hi,

I am on the hunt for my first "new" car - I've only ever had hand me downs. I'm currently driving a low mileage (<92,000km) 2000 Yaris, which is running well and NCT'd until end of October. I am thinking of an MG3+ Excite, Hyundai i20 Deluxe or Kia Stonic.

I have test driven all, for around 20 minutes in city traffic. I will be using the car mainly for work, which is 80km round trip, mostly on N or M roads. It'll be around 12-hour shifts, a mix of day and nights, so visibility, safety and comfort are factors.

It will also be used for occasional trips around the country but rarely used on days off from work or short run-arounds. I am also thinking of trying a Renault Clio Evolution.

I have found one of each type, coming in around €25,000, which is my maximum budget.

Your opinion would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

Ciara (Dublin)

Sep 2025 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Ciara,

Out of those options, we'd likely choose the Renault Clio or the MG, as both are comfortable even at higher speeds on larger roads, while also being quite economical - more so than the other cars mentioned.

You really should try to get a proper test drive on such roads as you'll be spending all your time on them.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor