Hot hatches

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

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

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

The Honda Civic Type R is the 2024 Auto Express Hot Hatch of the Year, with the Ford Focus ST Track Pack and Mercedes-AMG A 45 S commended

Suzuki plans to launch its first electric car in 2025, with more due to arrive by 2030

The updated Volkswagen Golf R is here, with more power and an all-new Black Edition trim

Audi’s updated hyper hatchback and saloon still features a 395bhp five-cylinder engine, and goes on sale at the end of August

The facelifted Golf GTI goes on sale on 20 June, while plug-in hybrid versions of VW’s family hatchback are available from 27 June

Volkswagen’s hottest front-wheel drive Golf gets an update, but no more power

The all-electric hot hatch lands in Europe in May 2025, but there’s no word yet on a UK launch

The all-electric family hatchback produces between 215 and 416bhp, and is likely to make it to the UK

Also part of the mid-life refresh are a revised infotainment system and new plug-in hybrid with 62-mile EV range

The wraps will come off the high-performance Cupra Leon alongside an updated Formentor next week