Latest news with #hotHatch
Auto Express
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota is lining up its rally-bred GR Corolla for UK launch in the next 18 months, with the four-wheel drive hot hatch expected to join the much-lauded GR Yaris on UK roads. The Japanese brand has previously confirmed that the 296bhp Corolla will enter production at Toyota's UK plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire next year to help address lengthy global waiting lists, but is yet to say that the car, currently built only at a single factory in Japan, will be sold in Europe. Advertisement - Article continues below But talking exclusively to Auto Express, Toyota's European COO Matt Harrison dropped thinly veiled hints that British hot hatch fans won't be disappointed. 'We have a philosophy that you build where you sell, so to build in Europe and not sell in Europe would be counter to that,' he said. 'The gap between supply and demand is now, so it's about how quickly we can get it. We need to act fast.' The Burnaston site was chosen because, as well as its factory capacity, the UK has motorsport expertise that aligns with the specialist nature of the low-volume performance hatchback. 'The GR Corolla is bespoke, it doesn't go through the normal processes', Harrison told us. The GR Corolla was originally launched in 2022 in selected markets outside Europe, and it uses the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive and torque vectoring system that has made the GR Yaris one of the hottest performance properties of recent years. Subject to the expected green light, prices for the GR Corolla are likely to kick off from over £40,000, although we'll have to wait until 2026 for full pricing and specification. Fancy a Corolla of your own? Take a look at our latest Toyota Corolla deals ... Find a car with the experts New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it's for China only Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too Audi's not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Volkswagen's 400-HP EV With In-Wheel Motors Could Preview Future Golf R
It Would Rewrite The Hot Hatch Performance Rulebook Volkswagen is said to be working on a hot version of the ID 2 small hatchback, likely to be known as the ID 2 R. While VW doesn't sell a hatchback smaller than the Golf in the United States, the ID 2 R could pave the way for the future all-electric Golf R, and VW seems to have come up with a clever way of integrating electric motors. These plans were revealed by Autocar, with its sources suggesting the ID 2 R will use electric hub motors situated in the rear wheels. As we'll see, this layout has multiple benefits. 0:06 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More A Cut Above The Source: Volkswagen VW is already expected to debut the electric in 2026, but the new ID 2 R will be a lot more advanced. In addition to the front-mounted electric motor in the GTI, the R model will get independently controlled motors within the rear wheels, dramatically increasing performance and enabling all-wheel drive, which has traditionally been associated with the Golf R. By not going the more conventional dual-motor route, VW will be able to save weight and reduce the impact on trunk space, both important considerations in a compact car. Whereas the ID 2 GTI will make around 286 horsepower, a more likely output in the three-motor ID 2 R will be about 400 hp. This, together with the torque vectoring made possible by the hub motors, should make for a shockingly quick and agile hot hatch. Even more performance could be extracted from the larger Golf R EV with the same setup. Pros And Cons To Hub Motors Source: Volkswagen While hub motors have many advantages, they can also increase unsprung mass – the weight of the components not supported by the suspension – which can negatively impact handling and grip. On the upside, the ID 2 R's tech has the potential to filter through to other small VWs with all-wheel drive. It would also allow cars with FWD, RWD, and AWD to be more easily built on the same platform, reducing costs and complexity. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. For now, the Golf R will soldier on as a potent ICE hatchback with its 328-hp turbo engine, snappy dual-clutch transmission, and dependable AWD system. But the potential of an electric successor looks bright – don't expect it to arrive much earlier than 2029 or 2030, though, especially with multiple brands backtracking on their EV plans. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Britain's most popular car brand is launching groundbreaking hot hatch with 4-wheel drive & blistering 400bhp engine
BRITAIN'S most popular car brand has announced plans to create a groundbreaking new hot hatch. The 4-wheel drive car has a ferocious 400bhp engine, injecting some power into your drive, while Volkswagen takes on some stiff competition in the market. 4 Volkswagen have become known over the years for their dependable motors and relaxed driving experience. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf have seen overhauls over the years but have largely remained similar with each new model. That model has allowed Volkswagen to become the UK's favourite car brand, selling 166,000 models in Britian in 2024. However, the German manufacturer has announced plans to shake-up its slow-and-steady reputation. Executives are exploring giving a green light to producing the high-performance ID 2 R. The car would be the brand's first model to use in-wheel motors and would come fitted with a blistering 400bhp engine. Having two additional electric hub motors, alongside the standard ones within the rear vehicles, will boost the cars performance - without sacrificing boot space. According to Autocar, the German manufacturer is considering using a Balkan partner to develop the ID 2 R. It will also use dynamic drive modes, brake-based yaw control and predictive torque distribution. Volkswagen's R division hopes to ensure that the car remains light and responsive, despite the added weight. The hothatch would be going head-to-head with the turbo-charged Renault 5 Turbo 3E in the market for high-powered family cars. Inside the Volkswagen ID Renault's Turbo 3E can reach 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and can reach high speeds of 168mph. When announcing the high-end vehicle, a spokesperson for the brand said: "In 1980, Renault 5 Turbo was the 1st French production car with a turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 160 hp. "In 2025, Renault 5 Turbo 3E gives the legend a boost with a dual 540 hp¹ electric powertrain and far superior performance. "Precision engineering, responsive handling, and next-generation innovation: the turbo spirit is back. 1,980 cars produced globally, with extreme customisation options, right down to tailor-made solutions from our designers." It is also an EV, meaning it emits far fewer emissions than most vehicles. Volkswagen have been approached for comment by The Sun. 4
Auto Express
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Stunning new Peugeot 208 GTi revealed, and just look at those wheels
One of the most iconic names in motoring history has returned, with a splash of retro backing up its modern powertrain. The Peugeot E-208 GTi brings agile hot hatch handling, plus more power and more aggressive styling than the already mean-looking Peugeot 208 supermini. Unveiled at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans 24 race, the E-208 is the first Peugeot to get the 'GTi' branding since the old petrol-powered 208 GTi, which made its debut in 2016. Since then, Peugeot has identified its performance models under the 'Peugeot Sport Engineered' umbrella, instead. The E-208 is certainly a return to form if the numbers are anything to go by; the new GTi develops 276bhp from its front-mounted electric motor – identical to the output of the GTi's platform-sharing sibling, the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce, and more than twice that of the original 205 GTi from the eighties. With more power comes more torque – the GTi produces 345Nm – with the hot E-208 getting from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds – roughly three-and-a-half seconds faster than the standard electric hatch. The top speed is rated at 112mph. Advertisement - Article continues below Complementing the extra power are performance upgrades exclusive to the GTi model, the most notable of which is a front-mounted limited-slip differential, which should improve the car's cornering ability. The same can be said of the GTi's 30mm lower, stiffer sport suspension, revised rear anti-roll bar and larger front brakes, complete with red four-piston calipers. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below In order to make the GTi more engaging to drive than the standard 208, Peugeot Sport has also made its steering more responsive, and has fitted what is described as 'a unique onboard immersive sound experience', which plays through the internal speakers and can be turned on or off. A unique Sport drive mode also automatically disables some of the driver-assistance systems. That said, while the E-208 GTi promises to be fast, you won't necessarily be able to go all that far; despite the sporty E-208 getting a larger 54kWh battery pack than the 51kWh unit currently offered on the standard, top-spec E-208, the range is down from 268 miles to just 217 miles – marginally less than even the 50kWh base model offers. Charging is the same as the standard car's, meaning speeds will top out at 100kW when plugged into a public rapid charger; Peugeot says a 20-80 per cent top-up will take 'less than 30 minutes' – which is roughly the same as the GTi's main competitor, the 254bhp MINI JCW Electric, which is slightly less powerful, but offers around 30 miles of additional range. Peugeot describes the E-208 GTi as 'a friendly and humble car, for those who know'. For those that don't 'know', however, there are several design elements that separate the GTi from lesser versions of the French supermini and also echo the past. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The standard E-208 already boasts aggressive styling, yet the GTi takes things up a notch with a new front splitter and rear diffuser (complete with racecar-style foglight), as well as a larger roof spoiler and a smattering of red accents in and on the badges, headlights and wheelarches. Most distinctive, however, are the E-208 GTi's 18-inch 'Hole' wheels, which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber and recall the design of those used on the classic 205 GTi 1.9. Along with a wider track, they provide a slightly more purposeful stance overall. The themes of red and retro continue inside, where the E-208 GTi gets two-tone upholstery reminiscent of the 205 GTi 1.9's. Patches of Alcantara are dotted throughout the cabin for a more premium, yet sporty, appearance, while things are brightened up with flashes of red on the stitching, seatbelts, carpets, air vents, digital dials and ambient lighting. Keen drivers will be able to make use of performance data pages hidden within the car's touchscreen, while GTi-specific kickplates and steering wheel badges should help remind the passengers that they're sitting in something fairly special. Standard equipment is plentiful. All UK GTis will get a central touchscreen that's larger than on the standard E-208, with TomTom navigation, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while an eight-year warranty will also come as standard, thanks to Peugeot's new 'Allure Care' package, which is dependent on main dealer servicing. We expect the new Peugeot E-208 GTi to go on sale towards end of 2025, almost certainly costing a substantial chunk more than the current 54kWh GT Premium's £34,800 base price. Considering that the larger, arguably more premium Alfa Junior Veloce starts from just over £42,000, a price of around £38,000 seems likely for the GTi – slightly more than the MINI JCW. Auto Express Find A Car can help you find the best deals out there on a new Peugeot E-208 or top prices on used Peugeot E-208 models... Find a car with the experts New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range Car Deal of the Day: A Volkswagen Golf R Estate for less than a GTI Car Deal of the Day: A Volkswagen Golf R Estate for less than a GTI The Golf R Estate is one of the best performance estates around – and right now it's criminally cheap. It's our Deal of the Day for 9 June. Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results The best new cars to own in the UK right now according to the people who already do. It's the 2025 Driver Power results!
Auto Blog
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Upcoming VW Golf GTI Edition 50 Crushes Golf R's Nurburgring Time
New Performance Pack Unlocks The Best Of The GTI Volkswagen has proved yet again that it's one of the hot hatch authorities, with its new Golf GTI Edition 50 setting a new record for production VWs around the Nurburgring. Referred to as a 'near-production test vehicle' by VW, this special GTI set a time of seven minutes and 46.13 seconds. That surpasses the time of seven minutes and 47.31 seconds set by the Golf R 20th Anniversary edition, a time achieved in 2022. GTI's Time Impressive For A Front-Wheel-Drive Hatch Unlike the all-wheel-drive Golf R, the GTI sends power to the front wheels only, yet it's always remained fun to drive despite its FWD setup. The record-breaking time was set across the 12.9-mile route of the course, and an even quicker time of seven minutes and 41.27 seconds was achieved over the slightly shorter 12.8-mile stretch. The GTI 50 was not quite able to dethrone the Honda Civic Type R, which remains the FWD hot hatch king. The hottest Civic completed the 12.9-mile lap in a time of seven minutes and 44.88 seconds. Although we don't know if this GTI improves upon the normal GTi's 241 horsepower, it's highly unlikely to match the Type R's 315 hp, which is more Golf R territory. Still, the GTI 50 gets close, thanks to an optional Performance package with lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tires from Bridgestone. These are wrapped around lightweight forged wheels, which lower unsprung and rotating masses. A performance-tuned chassis is also part of this package, which was equipped to the GTI that completed this latest effort at the Green Hell. Racing Driver Raves About GTi's Precision Benny Leuchter was behind the wheel of the GTI Edition 50 for this run, and was left blown away by the car. He was a good choice for the job, having driven the Golf GTI Clubsport S for the brand's first lap record nearly a decade ago. He did the same in the Golf R 20 Years in 2022. 'The entire setup of the Golf GTI Edition 50 means you can drive the ideal line of the Nordschleife with high precision,' said Leuchter. 'If you really want to be fast on the track known as the 'Green Hell', the car also has to compensate for the typical bumps in the ground and reach very high cornering speeds. This is exactly what the Golf GTI Edition 50 achieves in perfection. The aplomb with which it masters the peculiarities of the legendary Nordschleife is cool: the GTI is instantly stable over the entire 20.8 kilometers.' Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Leuchter said he would never have believed he could beat the Golf R's lap time in a FWD GTI. A full reveal of the record-breaking GTI Edition 50 is set for June 20. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
