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

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

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Lotus Emira Turbo SE 2025 review – a rebranded sports car with detail tweaks
Lotus Emira Turbo SE
Reviews

Lotus Emira Turbo SE 2025 review – a rebranded sports car with detail tweaks

Amidst all the current hullabaloo at Hethel, a faster, sharper Emira four‐cylinder has emerged. Could it be the new pick of the range?
11 Sep 2025