Auto Reviewer

Tag: reviews

  • Hot Hatch Royalty: BMW vs Audi vs VW vs Mercedes

    Hot Hatch Royalty: BMW vs Audi vs VW vs Mercedes

    If you’re after a fast, premium German hatchback that blends pace, practicality and all-weather confidence, there are few better contenders than the BMW M135, Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3 and Mercedes A35 AMG. Each offers strong performance from a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine, four-wheel drive and the badge appeal that comes with a premium manufacturer. But how do they compare?

    The BMW M135 delivers 300 horsepower and hits 60 mph in under five seconds. It is one of the most economical in this group in real-world driving, with mid-thirties mpg achievable. The steering is precise, the xDrive system is confident in all conditions, and the chassis is composed enough for enthusiastic back road driving. The looks are more subtle than aggressive, with a bluff front end that divides opinion, but the shadow line trims and M Sport detailing help it stand out. Inside, the cabin feels well made and intuitive, with a straightforward layout and an infotainment system that remains one of the best in class.

    The Volkswagen Golf R sits at the top of the Golf range with 328 horsepower and even sharper performance, managing 0–60 mph in just over four seconds. On the road, it feels mature and controlled, making it a brilliant daily driver as well as a weekend fun car. Its appearance is conservative but clean, with quad exhausts and subtle R badges hinting at the power underneath. The interior is smart and minimal, although the touch-sensitive climate and infotainment controls can be frustrating to use on the move. Still, the materials feel good and the digital cockpit is crisp.

    The Audi S3 is the most understated of the bunch. With 306 horsepower and quattro grip, it flies off the line and provides a secure, planted drive. The ride is slightly firmer than the Golf but not uncomfortable. Styling is sleek and low-key, with a clean front end and discreet side skirts. The S3’s interior stands out for build quality and tech layout. The virtual cockpit and central screen are easy to use, and the driving position feels spot on.

    Then there’s the Mercedes A35 AMG. It brings flair with its aggressive grille, large wheels and sporty bumpers. The 306 horsepower engine sounds the most exciting and the drive is punchy, although it feels heavier and slightly less agile than the others. The cabin is a visual treat with sweeping screens, turbine-style vents and high-end materials. But while the tech is impressive, some features take a while to get used to and the ride quality can be less forgiving on poor roads.

    Choosing between them is tough. The M135 is for those who value sharp handling and efficiency. The Golf R blends performance with everyday comfort. The S3 offers refinement and high-quality tech in a sleek package. The A35 brings drama and presence, with an interior that looks and feels luxurious. Then of course, the look and feel of a car play a personal choice for us all. Each car delivers in its own way. For me personally, it would be between the M135 and Golf R.

  • Are Electric Hot Hatches the Future or Will We Miss Petrol Too Much?

    Are Electric Hot Hatches the Future or Will We Miss Petrol Too Much?

    For decades, the hot hatch has been a symbol of accessible fun: punchy performance, agile handling, and just enough practicality to justify it to your partner. Cars like the Mk5 Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTi and Focus ST have long defined this category. But now we are standing on the edge of a new chapter: the electrified hot hatch.

    Leading this charge is the upcoming Peugeot E208 GTi. Due in 2025, it is an all-electric take that channels the spirit of the original 205 GTi with 276 bhp, a 0 to 60 time of 5.6 seconds, and precision-focused chassis tuning. Peugeot promises the adaptive suspension and low centre of gravity will provide a driving purity that enthusiasts feared might disappear with combustion.

    But here is the real question: can an EV genuinely capture the essence of the hot hatch? And will we be willing to live with the limitations that come with electric power in exchange for new thrills?

    What we are gaining in this transition is a different kind of performance. Cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N have already demonstrated that electric vehicles can deliver raw excitement. With 641 bhp, a simulated gearshift and even artificial engine noise, it is surprisingly engaging. However, it is more of a high-performance EV than a classic hot hatch, both in size and character.

    The E208 GTi promises something closer to the traditional formula. Smaller than a Golf and lighter than most electric cars, it is aimed at delivering agility rather than brute force. Instant torque, direct front-wheel-drive response, and a compact footprint all point to a car designed for driver enjoyment rather than outright dominance.

    There are, however, inevitable compromises. The projected range of around 250 miles is respectable, but drive it with enthusiasm and you can expect considerably less. For most people doing short commutes or weekend blasts on back roads, that is manageable. But for those living rurally or regularly covering long distances, range anxiety remains a real consideration.

    Then there is the emotional aspect. A hot hatch has always been more than numbers on a spec sheet. The fizz of a high-revving petrol engine, the mechanical connection through a manual gearbox, and even the imperfections that give character — these are experiences that simulated gear shifts and synthetic engine notes struggle to replicate. The charm of a Peugeot 306 Rallye on full throttle is not easy to digitise.

    That said, the landscape is changing quickly, and the E208 GTi will not be alone for long. Other electric hot hatches are in the pipeline. The Abarth 500e offers characterful, if limited, thrills. The retro-styled Renault 5 E-Tech, due in 2025, is shaping up to be a charismatic contender. The latest Mini Cooper SE brings agile handling and strong acceleration in a compact package. Volkswagen’s ID2 GTI, expected in 2026, is perhaps the most direct challenger, promising to deliver on the GTI name’s legacy while adapting to the electric era.

    Yet on the petrol-powered side, models like the Toyota GR Yaris, Hyundai i20 N and, until recently, the Ford Fiesta ST, remind us what we are potentially giving up. There is something unmistakably alive about a small petrol car with a manual gearbox and a playful chassis.

    We are not quite at a crossroads, but we are approaching one. Electric hot hatches are arriving, and by most accounts, they are shaping up to be more exciting than many expected. But can they truly replace the experience of a great petrol hatchback?

    For now, there is still time to enjoy both worlds. Petrol hot hatches are still out there, still engaging, still worth owning. But for those looking ahead, the Peugeot E208 GTi and its electric rivals offer a glimpse of a different kind of fun — one that is quieter, cleaner, and no less involving.

    Would you trade your Focus ST or Polo GTI for an electric rival? Is a 250 mile range good enough for real-world use, or do you need the long-legged flexibility of a tank of unleaded? As the market shifts, those choices are becoming more real.

    And when the E208 GTi arrives, we will be finding out for ourselves just how much of the old hot hatch magic really makes it through the plug.