Hot hatches

Performance cars have reached new heights of speed and interaction - here’s a list of our ten favourites from the current crop

The Suzuki Swift Sport was axed last year as the brand cleared the way for its first of several electric cars

The stylish French hot hatch produces up to 217bhp, features Brembo brakes, bespoke Michelin tyres and a tuned chassis

Renault boss says sub-brand has “motivation” to produce an even crazier take on the limited-run R5 Turbo

Major reductions come after Fiat saw sales drop by 14 per cent in 2024 compared with 2023

VW’s legendary Golf is 50. We look at where it started, how it’s changed – and where it’s going

BMW’s four-wheel-drive M135 has received a major facelift. We put it up against the Audi S3 Sportback, which was also revised earlier this year

Our picks for the best used hot hatchbacks in the UK

The BMW 128ti and Volkswagen Golf GTI are great-performing, eminently practical hot hatches, but which is the best used buy

It’s “still too early” to know if Abarth will make a go-faster version of the new Fiat Grande Panda

The Auto Express team have cast their minds back to the scariest cars they’ve had to endure

These fun cars can put a smile on your face, as well as get you from A to B

The latest MINI John Cooper Works performance models join electric sibling in the brand's ever-growing line-up

If the standard MINI Cooper S isn’t racy enough for you, why not try an AC Schnitzer exhaust and bodykit on for size?

Hi-tech performance car based on Turbo 3E concept is still being considered

MINI finally reveals a spicy electric variant of the iconic John Cooper Works hatch

Kia UK’s latest one-off turns first ever British model into an EV to celebrate special anniversary

The first-ever electric MINI JCW features a suitably sporty bodykit and pumps out 255bhp

We rediscover the classic French hot hatch that still thrills today

VW has finally given its ID.3 electric hatchback some serious firepower, and it all goes to the back wheels

Pure cornering bliss! Here are the best handling cars that money can buy

The souped-up version of the new MINI Cooper will be offered with petrol or electric power

Audi’s highest performing hatchback is back to battle AMG’s A45 and the BMW M2

Skoda’s award-winning Octavia gains new variants in range, including top-spec vRS

The new VW Golf R is among the most powerful Volkswagens ever produced, and there’s still an estate version

Cupra’s heavily revised Leon comes with more kit, but at a higher price

The all-electric Cupra Born has picked up some serious added firepower and chassis upgrades, but it’s not cheap

MINI’s truly hot electric Cooper will be previewed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed