Skip advert
Advertisement

Hot hatch special

Chris Harris's Renaultsport Megane 250 v Ford Focus RS video kicks off evo's hot hatch celebration

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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

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

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Land Rover Defender Octa review – the super SUV that’s more fun than sports cars
Land Rover Defender Octa – front
In-depth reviews

Land Rover Defender Octa review – the super SUV that’s more fun than sports cars

Put aside your SUV cynicism. The Land Rover Defender Octa is a triumph, with 911 GT3 levels of engineering making it an unexpected thrill to drive
8 Jan 2026
Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR is the 911 GT3 RS of hot hatchbacks
Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR
News

Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR is the 911 GT3 RS of hot hatchbacks

Limited run GR Yaris Morizo RR was inspired by its Nürburging 24 hour performance and championed by the company boss.
9 Jan 2026
Used Alpinas – four tuned BMW Bahnstormers from the end of an era
Used Alpinas
News

Used Alpinas – four tuned BMW Bahnstormers from the end of an era

Alpina is to be reinvented under full BMW ownership – the perfect excuse to buy into a used one
7 Jan 2026