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

The new Jaguar GT is lovely to drive, but that’s not enough for people to buy it
Jaguar GT
Opinion

The new Jaguar GT is lovely to drive, but that’s not enough for people to buy it

The Jaguar GT has the hallmarks of a deeply impressive luxury saloon. Whether it can turn the tide on slow demand for premium EVs is another matter
11 Mar 2026
Audi Q3 review – polished BMW X1 rival available with Golf GTI power
Audi Q3 review
In-depth reviews

Audi Q3 review – polished BMW X1 rival available with Golf GTI power

The Q3 confounded some of our middling expectations for it. This is a pleasant, neat-driving small SUV, albeit with a few flaws and catches
13 Mar 2026
Toyota's updated the GR Yaris again – and it’s confirmed for the UK
2026 Toyota GR Yaris
News

Toyota's updated the GR Yaris again – and it’s confirmed for the UK

New steering wheel, power steering and damper tuning for Toyota’s hot hatch
13 Mar 2026