Everyone loves a good hot hatch, and 2009 has been a particularly good year for class heroes. From the Fiat Panda 100HP and Renaultsport Twingo 133 at the bottom of the scale through Renault’s corking Clio 200 and the mad Mini JCW to the ultimate iterations - Ford’s Focus RS being the most potent - we've driven tonnes of 'em. We’re celebrating the best we’ve come across recently with a gallery from 2009’s evo hot hatch tests a mere scroll down the page away. There’s also a list of links to our best hot hatch content below. Enjoy, and tell us about your favourites (or the ones you hate) on the evo Forum.
Video: Chris Harris pits the Megane against Focus part 1 and part 2 In detail: Ford Focus RS, VW Golf GTI, Leon Cupra R, Megane 250
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On track video: Hot hatches at Bedford Autodrome Group test: Twingo Cup v Panda 100HP v Abarth v Swift + more Car of the Year: Renault Clio 200 Cup and Ford Focus RS in detail Video: Renault’s Megane R26.R tackles Corsica’s rallying roads Group test: New Mugen Civic takes on its Honda Type-R siblings Video: Gabrielle Tarquini goes for hot lap in the SEAT Cupra R
Group test: Ford Focus RS takes on its dad, the Escort Cosworth
