The alternatives

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

John-Joe Vollans assesses the evolution of the hot hatch through two very different examples

(1996-2002)

Why wait? Maximum driving fun can be yours from as little as £5k – go on, treat yourself this summer!

TYPICAL. Weeks of scorching summer weather, and as soon as we produce a rundown of our favourite second-hand convertibles, the heavens open. But all is not lost – thanks to modern drop-top technology,

From the depths of uncoolness, these four cars are bouncing back. Our resident arbiter of retro style finds out why they have – and others haven’t