Is there a "grown up" car with similar or better performance as the Civic Type R?

With me still having trust issues re the BRZ and being in countdown mode for the Alfa lease, I'm wondering if I should for once err on the "bought" side of things.

I do like the idea of a Civic Type R, but I'm a little too old to look like a refugee from the F&F franchise. Note I said old, not mature.

So if I wanted something that's at least as quick as a Type R out of the box, can be used as a backup trackable car, has four doors and can seat four adults, yet fades into the background a bit and ideally doesn't start rusting the very second they start salting the road, what's out there that is less than 5 years old and can be had for similar money to a used Type R? Should have a manual transmission or dual clutch auto.

The Golf R comes to mind, but other than that I'm drawing a blank unless I go older. The Veloster N doesn't quite qualify as it's a little too small for my needs. Not really a fan of BMWs, and I don't think the recent M cars would be in budget and the other half doens't like the idea of a Kia Stinger.

If I am willing to go older, the last two years of the Volvo V70R come to mind, or if I've willing to forego practicality, another 911. But the 911 doesn't exactly blend into the background.

Also, something that I can get serviced locally rather than 1.5h away would be nice, which rules out most of the Euro aspirational brands.

TL;DR - considering to buy a proper fast sleeper car, don't want to start with an ND Miata, a Sawzall and an LS3.

Elantra N?

In reply to 93EXCivic :

I thought about it - don't really want to buy new, though. And it'll be flying the A model again as I don't think there is much experience with these out there yet. But it'll certainly cover the "sleeper" part well.

Ford Focus RS?

370Z + a couple suspension tweaks?

In reply to ProDarwin :

Fails the four door requirement. Not having that requirement would make things easier, but we really do need a four door car if I can't get my wife's Range Rover up and running properly again.

In reply to stuart in mn :

Not sure that they are more "grown up" than a Civic Type R, but good point. Forgot about those.

Genesis G70? 

I know the performance is not on par, but I would seriously consider a brand new Civic SI with a Flashpro tune from Hondata. You can undo that anytime you go to the dealership in a second. 

Easy button.

Unorthodox answer: (Puts on flame suit) Cadillac CT4 (or CT4-V) with the 2.7l turbo.  No manual available though but horsepower and 0-60 are comparable to the CTR and RWD..  Priced comparably as well, the V a bit higher because of the sporty bits.  Probably find a used 2020 or 2021 model for mid 30's to mid 40's.

Wait for the inevitable Integra Type-S which will surely just be a slightly less extroverted,  luxed-up CTR?

STI limited. Basically an STI in WRX clothes plus a nice interior. No idea on what the values are like now but new they were only a few grand more than a type r and you get the extra two driven wheels for that price. I've seen one up close and it genuinely looks like a nice adult car. And it seemed pretty capable on track other than the stock pads not remotely being up to the task.

Volvo Polestar wagon in blue?

Audi RS3?

$40k ATS-V w/manual?

The CTS V Sport model (not the full monty "V") is a much different type of car, but outperforms the CTR in a straight line and flies well under the radar. No manual or dual clutch option, but the 8spd auto does have manual shift capability:

BoxheadTim said:

In reply to ProDarwin :

Fails the four door requirement. Not having that requirement would make things easier, but we really do need a four door car if I can't get my wife's Range Rover up and running properly again.

Ah, yes.  Reading fail on my part.
 

Black Type R and delete the wing?

06HHR (Forum Supporter) said:

Unorthodox answer: (Puts on flame suit) Cadillac CT4 (or CT4-V) with the 2.7l turbo.  No manual available though but horsepower and 0-60 are comparable to the CTR and RWD..  Priced comparably as well, the V a bit higher because of the sporty bits.  Probably find a used 2020 or 2021 model for mid 30's to mid 40's.

The CT4-V is a blast in RWD and AWD, so much torque with the 2.7L "truck" engine.  The interior is a bit cramped feeling, especially the rear seats, but it feels much more nimble than a CT5 (Evolution of the CTS).  The exhaust and engine note is not very engaging, but the chassis really shines on these since they're alpha based.  For the "serviceability" aspect you mentioned this is probably the best in the segment, any GM dealer can service it.

Focus RS is fun, but not quite grown up, still very boy racer image. The ride quality is quite terrible before the damper updates, and not so great even after that.  

Sounds like a Golf R or Audi S3/S4 is what you want. APR tune and they will be quicker than anything in its class by a long shot.

Wildcard: AMG C45, crazy high power and feels like a proper high strung old school turbo car.

STM317 said:

Audi RS3?

+1 on this.

GLA45 

Tesla?

Definitely one of the Cadillac options 

clutchsmoke said:

Black Type R and delete the wing?

I was thinking about that - at least in the UK, they sold a Type R touring model that had somewhat smaller rims (19" IIRC) and a ducktail instead of the big wing. Makes me wonder how hard it is to replicate something like that.

Civic Type R and a bumper sticker that says "You can sell an old man a young man's car but you can't sell a young man an old man's car"

Thanks for all the suggestions - a few consolidated comments:

• For both Audi and Cadillac, the issue is that the dealers are close to or in similar distance to the Alfa dealer, so that would be a little problematic for work I don't want to DIY, especially as I'm not aware of any independent specialists closer to us.
• My understanding is that the S3 is kinda of a Golf R in Audi clothing, and the RS3 getting the five cylinder on top? They are a little more expensive that I was looking for as the prices I'm seeing here on the RS3 Audis are close to the ones for the yellow LE Type R. Regular Type Rs come in $15k-$20k cheaper.
• I'll have to have a closer look at the GLA45. I'm not a huge fan of Mercedes, but it might be worth a look, plus we have a couple of dealers closer than, say, Audi
• I've been mulling the idea of a Tesla for a while, but I think they fail on the "backup track car" requirement unless I bring a huge Diesel generator. I don't think there are useful charging points at Summit Point or VIR. As a pure daily for my wife and I, it would be much higher up on the list, and the Hyundai Iqoniq 5 would also be on the list.
• Re the STI - I'd rather avoid another Subaru as they're not exactly safe from going bang
• Volvo Polestar - tell me more? My Volvo lore kinda ends with the V70s and early S60s.

BoxheadTim said:

clutchsmoke said:

Black Type R and delete the wing?

I was thinking about that - at least in the UK, they sold a Type R touring model that had somewhat smaller rims (19" IIRC) and a ducktail instead of the big wing. Makes me wonder how hard it is to replicate something like that.

I think it is as simple as using the hatch or spoiler from a Civic Sport hatchback.  Can probably find a junkyard one in black and bolt it on.