I have to downsize my car any ideas for quick hatchbacks?

[lish]

I am a car nut and i am driving a pretty fast car at the moment. It also looks good, its got alloys, loud exhaust, bodykit and everything. Thing is due to financial reasons I have to get a new car with a smaller engine, about a 1.4L so my tax will be cheaper and petrol won't cost so much. Want a hatchback of some kind,somethin pretty small anyway. and was just wondering are there any cars out there that are still nippy and fun to drive with a 1.4 engine that looks good and won't cost a fortune 2nd hand. I have a few ideas, VW Golf, Honda Civic, I like these cars. But are they in any way quick at 1.4? Not too bothered about top speed right now, its more acceleration Im worried about.

I need to be sensible, but don't wanna be really bored with it down the line.

[retox]

I am in the same boat - I have a black 2ltr Audi A4 - It drives beautifully and looks great but it drinks petrol and I have to drive 25 miles a day to work and back (after my employer moved from 2 miles from my home!!) I have considered a Civic (not keen on Golfs) - the problem with the Civic is the sports version looks great whilst the standard models don't. It's like two different cars. A Ford Focus is a great car - comes out tops in everything but the problem is that it has a Ford badge on the front! Have you considered an Audi A3 - nice cars but even second hand they are expensive and when things go wrong (which they don't very often with an Audi - repairs can be expensive). I have also looked at the Toyota Yaris - tiny but go for the T3 sporty one and its a nice car. The Corsa is a nice little hatch back. I did consider a Seat Leon but had the same problem as the the Civic - I only liked the sports version which defeats the whole object of getting a new car!. Wha about a Peugot? If you go for a black or grey car with three doors not five you can still get a sporty looking car with a smaller engine and cheaper tax etc. In the end, I have decided for now to keep my Audi as I just can't decide what to get!

[heavymetalbitch]

golf is pretty fast but costs a bit more than small cars. eg the ford ka is pretty nippy. especially in second gear. cheap insurance and tax 13 hundred cc. i have had 3 and dont want to change. my old cars include a mg 1500 midget. rover p6 3500 v8. and rover 2000tc. and i cant afford this sort now as i am retired.
fiesta 1300 are quite good too, still got my 3rd ka. red great.