Skip advert
Advertisement

Mini GP vs Audi A1 quattro vs Focus RS500 vs Megane R26.R

Tiff Needell and Richard Meaden test the new Mini JCW GP on track against the Audi A1 quattro, Ford Focus RS500 and Renault Megane R26.R

Two hardcore hot hatchbacks - the new 215bhp Mini John Cooper Works GP and 253bhp Audi A1 quattro - have just made it to UK shores. Both are the hottest versions yet of their particular breed, and with tiny production runs (2000 GPs will be made and a scant 333 quattros, 19 of them getting British number plates), they'll always be in demand.

Advertisement - Article continues below

They face each other in a track battle, with Tiff Needell and Richard Meaden in charge of laptimes. But could they be outdone by two other extreme hot hatches of recent years, the 227bhp Renaultsport Megane R26.R and monster 345bhp Ford Focus RS500? Both also enjoy cult status and rarity, but which of our fast four proves quickest around Blyton Park circuit?

Get a feel for some of the best ever hot hatchbacks via the video. And for more evo films and footage, join our Evo TV YouTube channel here…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Driving America’s Nürburgring and upsetting the law – car pictures of the week
Mini JCW on the Tail of the Dragon
Features

Driving America’s Nürburgring and upsetting the law – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we sample the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee to find out whether it’s among the world’s greatest driving roads. These are…
14 Feb 2026
Mini JCW convertible 2025 review – softer JCW adds appeal but also compromises
Mini JCW convertible
Reviews

Mini JCW convertible 2025 review – softer JCW adds appeal but also compromises

The JCW convertible is usefully less aggressive on the road than the hatch, but suffers the usual soft-top compromises too
12 Aug 2025
Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good
Mini JCW – front
Reviews

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good

The petrol-powered JCW lives on – for now. But in its latest incarnation, has this supermini survivor become too hardcore?
6 Jul 2025
Mini JCW Electric 2025 review – the Alpine A290 has nothing to worry about
Mini JCW Electric – front
Reviews

Mini JCW Electric 2025 review – the Alpine A290 has nothing to worry about

Mini has given its new-generation electric hatch the JCW treatment, with Alpine’s A290 in its sights. The results are… mixed
4 Jun 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Thought you couldn't improve on the Alpine A110? Ravage had other ideas and we've driven the result – car pictures of the week
Ravage A110 Group 4
Features

Thought you couldn't improve on the Alpine A110? Ravage had other ideas and we've driven the result – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we drive Ravage’s stunning A110 Group 4 in the French Alps – these are our favourite shots
21 Feb 2026
2026 VED car tax: what you'll be paying
2026 car tax
Advice

2026 VED car tax: what you'll be paying

The latest car tax changes explained, including new pricing for EVs and hybrids and increased prices for higher-emission vehicles
19 Feb 2026
The all-new Audi RS5 is a practical estate car with McLaren power
Audi RS5
News

The all-new Audi RS5 is a practical estate car with McLaren power

The RS4 might have met its end, but now Audi Sport has launched its replacement with the all-new V6-powered RS5
19 Feb 2026