Reviews

The MINI One captures the spirit of Sir Alec Issigonis’s 1959 original, even though it’s a lot bigger and heavier to meet modern safety demands.

"The BMW 1 Series Sport is aimed at keen drivers. It has a larger engine range than the SE and looks the part too."

"The new 1 Series is a vastly improved car over the previous model, and in SE trim has all the equipment you really need.

"Audi’s VW Golf-based hatch has a terrific image and huge desirability. The Sport model is sharper to drive than the SE, but can't match a BMW 1 Serie…

"The Audi A3 is an upmarket, three-door hatchback, based on the VW Golf. Audi’s image means the A3 remains a desirable car."

The Renault Megane GT Line is a sportier Megane but it's still no hot hatch. You’d be better off in all respects with the Dynamique model.

"The Ford Focus Zetec S makes for an ideal sporty family hatchback, which is just as at home on a trip to the shops as it is being driven down twisty …

"The Ford Focus Titanium has equipment normally only seen in premium cars and the terrific EcoBoost engines inject some extra spark."

"The Mercedes A-Class Sport is a more tempting proposition over the spartan SE model."

"In Acenta Premium spec, the Nissan Juke makes more sense over the normal Acenta trim."

"The Mazda2 Sport is stylish and has excellent running costs."

"The Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport has tonnes of equipment and a sporty bodykit to boot. It is bordering on expensive though."

"The Nissan Juke Acenta has its benefits over the entry level Visia, but is priced against top-spec superminis."

"The Nissan 370Z NISMO is about as hardcore as the sports coupe gets."

"The Audi Q3 S line has loads of equipment and some sporty touches."

"The aggressive styling of the Honda Civic Sport and economical diesel engine really set the hatchback apart."

"The Mercedes A-Class AMG Sport brings some AMG glamour to the German hatchback – at a price."

"The Fiat 500 Cult has lots of equipment as standard and can be customised to your heart's content."