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The Swift Sport is a faster and more mature machine than before, but growing up means some of the fun has been lost
The all-new Ford Focus ST will have plenty to prove against strong current and upcoming rivals
The Ibiza Cupra has always been the Polo GTI's more charismatic Spanish cousin, but was it a better hot hatch?
The best high performance superminis on sale now, offering hot hatch thrills in more compact and affordable packages
Vauxhall's aging Corsa is now available in warm GSi trim, but will it be good enough to take on newer rivals?
A hugely talented all-rounder, possibly a bit too grown up
It might be the entry-level car in VW’s GTI range, but the Up GTI has masses of charm
Not the most fun, but well-rounded and good value too
The Audi S1 brings speed, premium appeal and impressive build quality to the junior hot hatch segment.
The JCW is bigger and more sophisticated than ever, but some of the playfulness we expect from a hot hatch Mini has disappeared
Extra power extracted from the RS3’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine reduces 0-62mph time to 3.7sec
The ST was evo’s favourite junior hot hatch, hopefully the new one will be just as fun.
New LED headlights, Union Jack rear lights and an optional dual-clutch transmission constitute the Mini Cooper’s mid-life refresh
The RS3 is typically polished performance Audi with huge performance but it’s somewhat sanitized.
Stickers and stripes perhaps, but Renault Sport’s limited edition Clio R.S. does accrue extra appeal with a standard Akrapovic exhaust
They may look like sensible hatchbacks but these ten cars offer some of the best driving experience of any car at any price point
An exciting hot hatch with typical French quirks
You don't need 200bhp or more in a small hatchback to have fun – these ‘warm’ small cars are the proof
A new version of the Focus RS gets unique red paint, black wheels and an LSD, but no extra power
Easily the match of its rivals on paper, and entertaining to drive, but less exciting than some rivals
