Hot hatches

We recently purchased a 2019 Renault Megane RS Cup 280. On arrival at the dealer, we did the obligatory walk around to check that the car was in good order. On inspection, we noted that the glass contained milky deposits in it, there was debris under the windscreen in the A-pillar, rust spots in the chrome trim, and there was paint damage in a couple of locations, including where the boot lid was misaligned and rubbing through. It looked as if they had tried to spot repair most of it. Not something you can do on their Red Metallic paint and not what you would expect on a new car. The solution put forward by them was to have a touch-up guy do more spot fixes. We advised this was not acceptable, and in agreement advised we would take it to a panel shop for appraisal on how to fix. This fix has now been returned and looks in the vicinity of $5000. Renault have stated they will give us $5000, but the warranty on the vehicle ends there in regards paint and panel. We responded, no way. Is this generally something they can do, and where would I be in three years time if the paint starts flaking-off or a tail light stops working?

Alpine has teased a new version of its Porsche Cayman-fighting A110, with a high performance model widely tipped to be revealed at Le Mans on June 15. The iconic French brand, which burst back onto the automotive scene after a long hiatus with the f

The world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine is on its way to the new-generation Mercedes-AMG A45 hatchback.

You've got about $30K and you'd like to buy a sporty hatch. Don't. Not until you've read our invaluable sporty-hatch comparison, as we crown a winner based on performance, practicality and price.

Alfa Romeo has released the limited edition Giulietta Veloce S 2019 model, which is based on the hot Veloce model and adds extra standard equipment and superior value, according to the company.Adding a claimed $6900 of extra value for an extra $3500 spend, only 30 units of the Giulietta Veloce S will be available in Australia priced from $45,400 plus on-road costs.Additional equipment over the regular Veloce includes dark 18-inch alloy wheels, red exterior badging with red exterior decals, carbon look exterior details including the grille, mirror covers and sideskirts and a Magneti Marelli 'Elaboraziono 1919' sports exhaust.Inside, the Giulietta Veloce S adds a Bose sound system, special ‘Veloce’ badge and premium floor mats with red model badging. The Giulietta Veloce S is otherwise identical to the regular Veloce, using the same 177kW/340Nm 1.75-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission drivetrain. The Veloce S adds onto the standard Veloce’s standard equipment list, which includes bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, leather and alcantara sports seats, rear privacy glass, Brembo brakes with red brake calipers, sports suspension and a sports bodykit.Equipment such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remains unavailable on any Giulietta. The Giulietta Veloce S is in dealerships now. 

Following the unveiling of the all-new third-generation BMW 1 Series, which is set to arrive Down Under in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Bavarian brand has revealed a list of M Performance upgrade options.

The latest iteration of Renault’s wild Trophy-R Megane – the most powerful and race-ready road-going variant offered by the brand – has again conquered rivals at Germany’s hallowed Nurburgring circuit.

Who hasn't dreamed about ignoring the speed limits and going nuts on a twisty driver's road. We've done it in Hyundai's performance-focused i30 Fastback N, while the police watched on with grudging approval.

Mini has revealed its updated John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman and Countryman, which have received a significant lift to performance thanks to a new engine borrowed from the mechanically related BMW X2 M35i.

The much-rumoured Hyundai i20 N has at last been confirmed, with the fire-breathing city car spied undergoing testing at Germany's famed Nurburgring.