Hatchback Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Audi S1 Sportback with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the Renault Megane RS275 Trophy with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

City cars mean different things to different buyers, typified by the stylish Polo and the practical Jazz. James Stanford adjudicates

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Mini Cooper D 5-door with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Murray Hubbard road tests and reviews the Renault Clio RS Monaco GP with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Toyota Yaris has been given a big facelift, and has extra equipment at little or no added cost. It's doing a nice job of backing up big brother Corolla in the sales race, (Corolla looks like being number one again this year) but Yaris may well be all that many smart buyers need; particularly if only ever used to carry

The Abarth badge is unfamiliar to many, but most recognise the car as some sort of Fiat.The big difference between this car and either of the previous Abarth 695 specials is not in the amount of power they produce.Rather it's the fact that this Abarth can be had with a manual transmission, a feature that makes a world of difference to the overall drive experience.Even though the Abarth 595 Turismo packs less punch, it's still the pick and the fact it's cheaper is icing on the cake.DESIGNOur test car was stunning with two-tone, grey over red paint, twin big bore exhausts, and black wheels with red brake calipers - trimmed inside with red leather.The car is equipped as standard with Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions.ENGINEPerformance is a factor of power versus weight. The more power a car has and the less it weighs, the quicker it will be out of the blocks.With a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, the tiny Abarth is a perfect example. The engine delivers 118kW and 230Nm, figures that are impressive for a car this size.This compares with the 695 model that develops 132kW and 250Nm from the same engine, but in a slightly higher state of tune.At the end of the day, however, there is absolutely no difference in performance as both do the dash from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds.TRANSMISSIONAs appealing as either the Ferrari Tributo or Edizione Maserati may be, the MTA robotised manual gearbox they come with is a deal-breaker.Gear changes are jerky, and the car is prone to nose diving even though changes can smoothed out with a bit of practice.But why bother, not when you can have a five speed manual instead, a transmission that everyone is familiar with - and one that makes the car more fun to drive?CHASSIS17-inch alloys riding on Koni shocks with lowered front and rear springs, the Abarth is more of a go-kart than a Mini.The ride is firm verging on harsh at times and the car can become flighty when pushed hard on bumpy back roads, but you won't find any complaints here about the way it goes around corners.The standard the torque transfer control enhances traction without getting in road of the fun.Fuel efficiency is rated at 5.4L/100km, however we were getting 8.1 after about 350km.DRIVINGThe 596 would be more fun to drive if it wasn't so damn uncomfortable.The seating position is awkward with small short seat squabs and a steering wheel that does not provide any reach adjustment. Combined with high floor mounted foot pedals the driver always seem to be either too close or too far away from the wheel and the prone foot position can lead to cramps after a while.The answer could be to kick back and stretch your legs, but unfortunately the car is not fitted with cruise control.The pedals themselves are slightly offset to the right and it is possible to get stuck on the footrest when working the clutch (it's not the first Italian car that has this problem).The rear vision mirror is large, sits bang smack in the middle of the windscreen and obscures vision at times.Given the car is so small it is not surprising the back seat is tiny and fit only for small children.The engine has a surprising amount of torque, but fifth gear is strictly for freeway use.A Monza exhaust system provides the accompaniment, with a baffle that opens around 3000 revs to make it louder. It buzzes like a baby Ferrari.

One is a Continental favourite, the other a perennial top-seller down under.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?What is it?This is VW's most powerful and fastest Golf ever and is in fact Generation 4 of the R series.It's the top of the line Golf, and as such has all the kit you'd expect in such a car.How much?Pricing starts at $51,990 quickly escalating to $54,490 with the optional DSG gearbox. Three option packs can add a further $6000 to the bottom line.What are competitors?Ford's impressive Focus ST is far cheaper, nearly as much fun to drive but only front wheel drive. Subaru's WRX is similarly less money and has similar performance and outputs. WRX STi is more on the R money and out-points the Golf R on paper. It has a harder edge though. Then there's the Renault Megane GT220 five door hatch. Again, less money but less car too.What's under the bonnet?Gets a heavily revised version of the Golf GTi 2.0-litre turbo engine with dual direct injection system into the combustion chamber and also inlet ports. The turbocharger is different too, as are engine internals.Drive is 4motion system to all four wheels via an electronic haldex clutch and diff locks on both axles giving a torque vectoring effect. Outputs are 206kW/380Nm.How does it go?Absolutely awesome. Can't see any reason to spend more on a big booming V8-something when this car would have it for breakfast, especially if corners are involved. Clocks 0-100km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds (feels quicker), has a super direct feel to the steering, well planted and a stupendous exhaust bang on up changes.Is it economical?Amazing considering performance potential with 7.1L/100km achievable on 98RON.Is it green?Yes scores a four star rating on the Green Vehicle Guide.Is it safe?Yes scores a five-star ANCAP rating.Is it comfortable?Yes, offers plenty of luxury kit which contributes to the somewhat Golf R's 1435kg. Leather is optional though. The Golf R has sports seats, premium audio, touchscreen, the latest multimedia and connectivity, bi-xenon headlights, reverse camera, driving profile selector with 5 modes including 'Race', engine stop/start, satnav, electric park brake, dual-zone climate control, keyless access and so on.What's it like to drive?Great. Golf R is a hoot to drive, even down to the shops. There's a rush to get the keys if any driving errands are involved. Goes like a shot out of the blocks, has superlative roll on and corners like it's on rails. Engaging to drive, you go looking for the winding roads just to experience what real sporty dynamics are like.Is it value for money?OK, but gets expensive with all the options. Slightly lesser cars are a lot less money...

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Peugeot 308 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.