Depends on your requirements, I had a BAM engine Elise!

I'd say Mk5 Golf GTI, much better build quality than either an Ibiza or Fabia or perhaps a Cupra R.

Or free things up a bit and buy something else!

I only need a small car. Very occasionally I might take a nephew or niece in the car with a child seat and at the moment they arent supposed to be in the front. I guess a tt would be suitable but they are far too girly for me

You probably know what I'm going to suggest.....

There are some good deals to be had on the earlier 1.8t S3s.

Just get a well specced one would be my advice.

On the insurance front, mine is cheaper to insure then my Fab

was despite being much newer, more valuable and considerably faster.

But my mods were what pushed the insurance on the Fabia up I reckon.

They assume if you mod then you must also drive it like a tool...

Plenty of food for thought. I'll have a little look to see what's about

I take my children in mine all the time and in the front regularly too. They also like the Lotus - a lot!

My son (3.5 years) rides in the front of the GT-R.

Can't see the problem.

Seat is right back, away from the airbag and he is in an appropriate car seat.

No point having your copilot in the back. That's where Mum sits.

The rules about being a certain age went out with the car seat and bolster rules.

http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/law/index.htm

Oh cool, thanks for the info :-)