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CAR Magazine overall rating : 4

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Audi S3 (2013) CAR review

2.5

Ben Pulman, 10 April 2013 16:00

This is the new Audi S3, a near-300bhp four-wheel drive hot hatch that’s as quick as a Porsche 911 and a rival for BMW’s M135i and the forthcoming Mercedes A45 AMG. Is it a VW Golf GTI turned up to 11, or just a faster Audi A3? Read on for our first drive review of the new Audi S3… How ...

Renaultsport Clio 200 Turbo (2013) CAR review

3.5

Ben Pulman, 19 March 2013 09:00

This is the new Renaultsport Clio 200 Turbo, and for hot hatch fans it’s as controversial as the latest PDK-only Porsche 911 GT3. Out has gone the old RS Clio 200’s rev-hungry naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and manual gearbox, and in the pair’s place are a turbocharged 1.6 and dual-clutch transmission. Renaultsport is hoping the combination will appeal to a ...

VW Up GT prototype (2012) CAR review

Ben Pulman, 30 January 2012 09:00

This is the huge Volkswagen Group’s smallest hot hatch, the VW Up GT. First unveiled as a concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, CAR has just driven a prototype version of the 108bhp baby GTI. Click here for more news and details of the regular Volkswagen Up. How does a VW Up become a VW Up GT? At the moment ...

Audi RS3 Sportback (2011) CAR review

Ben Pulman, 17 February 2011 09:00

This is the Audi RS3 Sportback, a near-£40k hot hatch with 335bhp, four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It’s the smallest, cheapest RS model ever produced by Quattro GmbH, and is a final hurrah for the A3 with a new model just around the corner. Can it combine S3 Sportback practicality with TT RS attitude? Read on for CAR’s first ...

Honda Civic Type R Mugen (2010) CAR review

3.5

Ben Pulman, 21 October 2009 10:00

The Honda Civic Type R Mugen is going into production. Yes, it might have been the worst kept secret in the world, but now Honda and Mugen have officially announced that they will produce a limited number of tuned and tweaked Euro-spec Civic Type Rs for the UK. Just 20 will be made, each will cost £38,599, and if you ...

Seat Leon Cupra R (2009) CAR review

3.5

Ben Pulman, 16 October 2009 14:20

The new Seat Leon Cupra R is the Spanish manufacturer’s most powerful production model ever, packing 261bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. And just how has Seat squeezed 261bhp into the Leon Cupra R? The R has the same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine found in the 237bhp Leon Cupra, but over and above it the R gets a revised ECU, ...

Renaultsport Twingo 133 Cup (2009) CAR review

Ben Pulman, 05 October 2009 11:45

Renaultsport does a rather fine line in hot hatches. The outgoing R26R is amazing, the Clio 200 is brilliant, and we’re all fans of the tiny Twingo 133. And now there’s a new Renaultsport Twingo 133, the Cup. But I can already spec a Cup chassis on the Renaultsport Twingo 133, so what’s new? Pen and paper at the ready, ...

Ford Focus ST (2008) CAR review

Ben Pulman, 06 May 2008 16:00

The Ford Focus ST is back, and the good news is that alongside new looks inside and out, the excellent dynamics remain unchanged. Ford has spent the mid-life nip/tuck money freshening up the visuals and left the chassis and engine alone. That means the Focus ST still comes with a characterful turbocharged 2.5-litre five-pot producing 222bhp. Think of the Ford Focus ...

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