1Mercedes-AMG A45
HOT HATCHES ARE first and foremost about having fun, and no other model in this class is as much of a riot to drive as this 416bhp rocketship from AMG. Not only is it absurdly rapid in a straight line, but it’s also agile and entertaining through corners. It may not be quite as comfy as the rival Audi RS3, but the A45 is barely any less practical or easy to live with than a regular A-Class. You’ll need deep pockets to buy and run it, though.
Our pick S Plus List price £63,285 Target Price £63,285 MPG 30.7 CO2 208g/km For Savage acceleration; immense grip; entertaining handling; quick-shifting automatic gearbox Against Very expensive to buy; Audi RS3 is more comfortable; infotainment controls could be easier to use WHAT CAR? SAYS
2Hyundai i20 N
Our pick 1.6 T-GDi 204 List price £26,530 Target Price £25,589 MPG 40.4 CO2 158g/km For Friendly handling; comfier than closest rivals; relatively affordable Against Less playful than some rivals; smallish boot; sluggish infotainment WHAT CAR? SAYS
3Audi RS3 Sportback
Our pick Carbon Black List price £60,665 Target Price £60,665 MPG 31.0 CO2 206g/km For Bonkers acceleration; sounds fantastic; comfy; easy to use every day Against Pricey; some rivals are more agile; limited options for UK buyers WHAT CAR? SAYS
4Volkswagen Golf R
Our pick 2.0 TSI 320 4Motion List price £44,550 Target Price £42,099 MPG 36.7 CO2 176g/km For Agile handling; comfy ride; strong performance; easy to live with Against Woeful infotainment and dash layout; quality doesn’t befit price WHAT CAR? SAYS
5Ford Fiesta ST
Our pick 1.5 Ecoboost 200 ST-3 List price £27,380 Target Price £26,314 MPG 42.2 CO2 151g/km For Fun to drive, with loads of grip and a cracking engine; supportive seats Against Easily upset by bumps; interior feels ordinary; not the value it once was WHAT CAR? SAYS
6Audi S3
Our pick Black Edition List price £44,090
