Tag Archives: hot hatch

Is this rally-bred pocket rocket as good as everyone says it is? I don’t know about you, but I’m always a bit suspicious of a new car when it’s universally acclaimed and wins major awards before it’s even hit the roads. The Toyota GR Yaris is one such vehicle, but …

When Ford launched the fourth generation of its best-selling Focus in 2018 it was immediately clear that this was a superbly engineered package with huge potential. Now, the sporty ST version is proof positive that the Focus is back in the hot hatch game, ready to do battle with the …

When Kia launched the third generation Ceed family hatchback in 2018, it was a big step up from the previous model. In line with the South Korean’s car maker’s swift move up the rankings, the new Ceed improved in every way. So much so that it’s now a genuine rival …

When the latest Ford Fiesta was launched in 2017 it was a real step-up. Not only did it look sharper than the seventh generation car, but it was more spacious and updated with the latest, fully connected infotainment system. Most of all, it was still engaging to drive, so job …

Find out what happened when top precision driver Paul Swift was given the keys to Vauxhall’s new Corsa GSi and access to a closed test track… Naturally, Paul pushed the 148bhp pocket rocket – with VXR sports suspension and grippy Michelin rubber – to the limit.

Volkswagen, the company that gave us the first GTI in 1975, has decided to sprinkle some magic dust over its up! city car to create a pint-sized hot hatch… What is it? The up! has been around since 2011 and has spawned near-identical sister models; SEAT’s Mii and Skoda’s Citigo. …

The pocket rocket that is the Ford Fiesta ST has been crowned Parkers New Car of the Year 2019. There were also 18 category winners, ranging from the Best First Car to the Best Car for Thrill-Seekers, but it was Ford’s hot hatch that won the overall prize. It was praised …

Acts don’t get much harder to follow than the outgoing Suzuki Swift Sport – a near-legendary pocket rocket. Well, we’re pleased to report that the much-anticipated third generation Swift Sport doesn’t disappoint. Based on the standard five-door supermini launched last year, the new Swift Sport is quicker, lighter, lower and …

There’s a real buzz surrounding the new i30 N – the first car from Hyundai’s new ‘N’ performance sub-brand – but is it just hype or can it mix it with established hot hatch rivals? What is it? Based on the underrated i30 hatchback, the i30 N is front-wheel drive …

Meet Evald Jåstad – the Norwegian cabbie who drives a high-performance Ford Focus RS. In just 18 months Evald has clocked up an impressive 79,000 miles (127,000km) in his Focus RS, which is capable of 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 166mph. Regulars have nicknamed the …