Latest news with #hothatch
Auto Express
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Blistering BMW M135 for a bargain £301 a month
Near-300bhp power Four-wheel drive, adaptive suspension Only £300.90 a month Hot hatchbacks with a premium feel don't come much more complete than the BMW M135. Here is a car that mixes the compactness and ease of use of a 1 Series, with a fire-cracker engine and trick four-wheel drive system. What's not to like? There's plenty to love, to be honest, but this desirable package normally comes with a steep price tag. Not so through the Auto Express Find a Car service, because right now you can get the blistering BMW for just over £300 a month. Advertisement - Article continues below This deal, from is a real steal given that it's only £4 a month more expensive than the next cheapest 1 Series on the Auto Express platform – and that is the base-spec 120 Sport. It's a two-year deal and requires £3,960.79 to be put down first, while mileage is capped at 5,000 a year. Bumping this up to 8,000 per annum costs less than £16 a month extra. For just £300.90, you'll be taking the keys to one of the most engaging hot hatchbacks around. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 296bhp, and this is all kept in check with a clever xDrive four-wheel drive system. This latest M135 (which, incidentally, has lost the 'i' in its name to help differentiate it from BMW's electric offerings) has traded its eight-speed auto for a seven-speed twin-clutch semi-auto to deliver quicker shifts. It certainly works – it hurtles to 62mph in under five seconds, while top speed is limited to 155mph. Compared with the pre-facelift M135i, the new M135 has adaptive dampers as standard and the chassis has been stiffened. This means the pocket BMW is very engaging through the bends, plus you can soften the ride should you need a little more comfort around town. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top BMW M135 leasing offers from leading providers on our BMW 1 Series hub page. Check out the BMW M135 deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here…
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
End of the road for noisy boy racers? Car makers are axing their beloved hot hatches to go electric
The days of noisy boy racers flying past in souped-up cars with offensively loud exhaust pipes look numbered. That's because their beloved 'hot hatches' are accelerating towards demise as car makers cull them from their ranges as part of their transitions to electric vehicles. Two of the nation's most popular have been confirmed for the chopping block by their respective manufacturers in recent weeks. Ford says production of its much-loved model is due to cease in November - and it is no longer taking new order. And Honda has said its big-spoilered offering will disappear for good next year, bowing out with a final edition version that's just been unveiled to culminate its near 30-year lifecycle. Riotous petrol-engined hot hatches are now being replaced by a new breed of silent electric performance cars that are likely to cause far less offence, though might not provide the excitement craved by boy racers congregating in McDonalds car parks. Hot hatchbacks are high performance variants of run-of-the-mill family cars. While they're fast and relatively easy to customise with bigger exhaust systems and whooshing dump valves that when passing your house in the evening will make you leap out of your armchair - they are also practical enough to cope with the rigours of day-to-day life, with lots of space in the back and traditionally big boots. But as manufacturers brace for an electric future, they are increasingly being motivated to kill off their combustion engine vehicles at alarming pace to avoid Government-imposed fines for failing to achieve adequate EV sales between now and 2030. And its hot hatches that have become prime candidates to kill off earliest. Stricter emissions regulations due to come into force have also rendered many of these unleaded-gulping motors unviable for sale. Ford has reacted to these mounting pressures, confirming last month that its Focus ST is no longer available to order in the UK - ahead of production climaxing at the end of this year. The blue-oval brand had still been taking deposits on the ST until April, but on 26 May culled it from its updated dealer price lists. It ends a 23-year run for the hot hatch that's spanned four generations of Focus family cars, much to the upset of petrolheads across the country. Ford UK said that while it is no longer taking new orders, there are 'around 170 built and unsold' STs currently available within the dealer network. Just a week after Ford ditched Focus ST availability, Japanese rival Honda confirmed its Civic Type R - an icon among boy racer ranks for almost three decades - will bow out in the next few months. The Civic Type R has epitomised the boy racer scene for decades, thanks to its scintilating performance, big exhausts and even larger spoilers Unveiling an 'Ultimate Edition' version at the start of June, it said the Civic Type R's 28-year lifespan is being ended in 2026 by more stringent emissions regulations. Honda said it's removing the Type R from its line-up next year because 'the industry is changing and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation' being introduced in the next 12 months. Only 40 Ultimate Edition Type Rs will be made - and just 10 are guaranteed for UK customers, with prices likely to exceed £50,000. The Focus ST and Civic Type R's expiries come in the tyre tracks of a series of hot hatches being axed in the UK. Last year, Hyundai called time on its i20N and i30N, while Ford terminated its Focus RS in 2018. The Fiesta, which Ford lowered the curtain on in the summer of 2023, took with it the ST variant, while Peugeot's 308 GTi was terminated in 2020, having only been available for around a year. It means that very few front-wheel-drive hot hatches now remain, with the VW Golf and Polo GTI, Mini Cooper S, and Ford Puma ST among the increasingly limited options. Those wanting a four-wheel-drive performance model can still get their hands on a Golf R, Mercedes A45 AMG S, or Toyota GR Yaris - though these hot hatches are seriously under threat from the tightening EU emissions regulations due shortly. In the last few days, Toyota confirmed that production of its GR Corolla hot hatch will move from Japan to its Derbyshire factory in the UK to appease huge demand from US customers. Though despite being in Britain, the GR Corolla isn't a car that's sold here. Instead, brands are focussing on a new wave of electric performance models. Car makers forced to kill off their hot hatches over emissions regulations and the EV transition running towards the end of the decade, we're seeing the arrival of electric performance models, like Abarth's 500 Alpine's new A290 is a hot hatch version of the recently-launched Renault 5 E-Tech. It promises to be one of the best electrified performance cars we've seen so far The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is another electric hot hatch on sale currently. It's not cheap, though, starting from an eye-watering £65,000 The Abarth 500, Alpine A290 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N are all zero-emission - and zero noise - cars already on sale to fill the void left by the traditional hot hatchback. Though they're not cheap. The Fiat 500-sized Abarth rings in at £30k, Alpine's tuned-up take on the Renault 5 E-Tech starts from £33,500, and Hyundai's souped-up electric SUV is an eye-watering £65,000. On Friday, Peugeot unveiled its e-208 GTi on the eve of the Le Man 24 Hour race. It is the battery-powered spiritual successor to its legendary 205 GTi from the 1980s and '90s.
Forbes
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Farewell Honda Civic Type R: Hot Hatch Pulled From Europe
Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition After 28 years and six generations, the Honda Civic Type R is being pulled from the U.K. and European markets. However, to commemorate its long production run, Honda is building a limited-edition car. Honda said it will remove the Civic Type R in 2026. "The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation. However, Type R has always been Honda's ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead.' Sadly, the Honda Civic Type R does not comply with the stricter upcoming emissions standards set by the European Union and the U.K. The aforementioned special edition car, monikered the Ultimate Edition, will celebrate the Civic Type R's legacy as it bows out in Europe. Only 40 cars will be produced (10 destined for the U.K.), each featuring signature Champion White paintwork with contrasting red stripes, a nod to the model's traditional interior color. Honda Civic Type R There's no mention of extra performance, but the sixth generation car it's based on develops 324 bhp and 310 lb-ft, meaning 0-to-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and 171 mph flat out. The Honda Civic Type R also holds the crown for being the fastest front-wheel-drive car around Suzuka Circuit, Japan, with a time of 2`23". The Honda Civic Type-R joins other axed front-wheel-drive hot hatches like the Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30N. This leaves the Volkswagen Golf and Polo GTI, Mini Cooper S, and its spicier JCW sibling. Fortunately, the four-wheel drive hot hatch market is fronted by the Volkswagen Golf R, Mercedes-Benz AMG A45 S, and Toyota GR Yaris, and more manufacturers are releasing electrified alternatives. Honda Civic Type R EK9 Honda never sold the first-gen (EK9) Civic Type R in the U.K. However, Honda introduced its second-gen EP3 into the market as an indirect Integra Type R replacement. And, by God, it caused a storm. The Honda Civic Type R's 2.0-liter four-cylinder screamed to 8,000 rpm and developed 197 bhp at 7,400 rpm. This, combined with a stunning chassis and modest pricing, made it an immediate hit. They are a rarer sight on British roads today, but many fine examples still exist. The spaceship-like FN2 arrived in 2007, powered by the same engine. However, Japan received a more powerful and lighter variant; the U.K. car was 153kg heavier than the previous model. In 2015, the FK2 arrived with a turbocharged powerplant aimed at higher-powered machines; this was the first Type R to nudge nearly 170 mph. Finally, the fifth (FK8) and sixth (FL5) generation cars arrived in 2017 and 2023. Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition Many argue that the FK8 was the finest front-wheel-drive hot hatch of its time; some even said it was the best front-wheel-drive performance car full stop. Still, its styling unfavored against older models. Finally, the FL5. This is a sublime machine that you can take the kids to school in before hitting some backroads. The chassis was beautifully balanced, the brakes had bite, and the tires had more grip. We will be sad to see it go, but perhaps it is for the best. Cars are girthier now, which means more weight, and with stringent regulations, this could also result in less power. Type R's have allowed the driver to become part of the machine, and removing that engagement would break our hearts even more. Farewell, Honda Civic Type R.
The Independent
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Mini John Cooper Works Electric review: Worth the premium?
The John Cooper name and his famous signature has adorned Minis for over six decades, but this is the first time that we've seen a properly fettled electric Mini John Cooper Works model. As with the rest of the new Mini Cooper range, there are petrol and electric versions, but it's the EV we're focusing on in a world where electric hot hatchbacks seem to be taking off. An electric Peugeot 208 GTi is coming soon and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has received huge acclaim, while Tesla Performance models do what the name suggests – they go very quickly indeed. Mini hasn't focused entirely on performance with the John Cooper Works Electric. A 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds is fast by old-school hot hatch measures, but nothing special when it comes to EVs. In fact, the standard Mini Cooper Electric SE will do the same sprint in 6.7 seconds. And therein lies the problem that John Cooper Works is facing – it just doesn't offer that much more for the extra £5,550 (minimum) outlay. There are a few fun bits, like the boost button on the steering wheel that ups the power to an impressive 255bhp, but the sense of performance for the JCW Electric over a Cooper SE just isn't enough. Tweaks to the suspension have made the car even more grippy, but have also made the ride rock hard. And while the optimised aerodynamics look great, you have the alternative option of adding the John Cooper Works pack to the Cooper SE for a Mini that's not quite as aggressive looking but still very much looks the part. If the job of the John Cooper Works Electric is to remind you how good the standard Minis are, then job done. You can swerve the JCW Electric and still be smiling loads in any other Mini. How we tested We spent a few hours enjoying the Mini John Cooper Works Electric around Cotswold lanes, testing the performance and handling, but also how easy it would be to live with. All our reviews include real-world assessments looking at everything from the tech to the space and practicality. Mini John Cooper Works Electric: £35,455, Independent rating: 6/10 Mini John Cooper Works Electric specs Price range: £35,455 Battery size: 54.2kWh Maximum claimed range: 251 miles Miles per kWh: 4.4 Maximum charging rate: 95kW Battery, range, charging, performance and drive Mini has stuck with the 52kWh battery for the John Cooper Works Electric, which means a maximum claimed range of 250 miles – amazingly three miles more than a Cooper SE with the same battery, but less power. Fast charging is at the same speed as the Cooper SE at an unremarkable 95kW, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent charge would take around half an hour. You'll need to flick the boost button on the steering wheel to get the fastest 0-62mph time, which at 5.9 seconds is far from remarkable these days. With grippy tyres on standard 18in wheels and beefed-up suspension, the traditional go-kart feeling is ever-present, more so than on the Cooper SE. That's a blessing and a curse, upping the fun factor but dragging down ride quality. Put simply, it's too firm to be comfortable. There's no extra excitement from the noise the John Cooper Works Electric makes either. The standard synthesised noises – there are 39 so-called 'earscapes' in the car – are the same as before. They're great fun, especially in go-kart mode, which is entered via a rocker switch on the dash and a 'woo-hoo' sound effect. But there are no extra whooshes, pops or bangs to be heard in the JCW over the standard Coopers. The styling is beefed-up, though, with new spoilers at the front, sides and rear, with plenty of gloss black and John Cooper Works logos, plus splashes of red dotted around including on the brake callipers. Interior, practicality and boot space The cabin has had a John Cooper Works makeover, too, with the black and red theme going across the knitted surface on the dashboard and on the synthetic leather seats. At night you'll notice the ambient lighting on the headlining, too. Otherwise, it's standard Mini fare, which means excellent BMW build quality and more space than you might imagine. The Cooper is strictly three-doors these days, the five-door Aceman is there with the same batteries and motors for a very similar driving experience. It also gets a new John Cooper Works Aceman model. Access to the rear seats is okay through the long front doors, and the small 210 litre boot falls into the 'just big enough to be useful' category. Mini has thought hard about little practicalities. There's a long tray with useful dividers that sits between the front seats, plus usefully large door bins in the front doors. Technology, stereo and infotainment The star of the latest Mini range's tech is the 9.45in circular OLED screen that sits – as it always has in a Mini – in the centre of the dash. It's a lovely screen that's as responsive as it is crisp, and the interface is usable with 'hey Mini' voice control, too. Beneath the screen are rockers and buttons to control starting the car, selecting one of seven driver modes (Vivid, Core, Green, Timeless, Balance, Go Kart and Personal) and for gear selection. Everything else is on the touchscreen, although there are also steering-wheel mounted controls and a programmable fast button. There are a couple of pricey option packs, although they do pile on the kit nicely, that you'll have to plunder to get some of the best tech. That includes the head-up display and the digital key, which converts your smartphone into a car key. Standard are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – although they only display in a square in the screen, not across the whole circle – and there's wireless phone charging, too. A Harman Kardon audio system provides decent sounds, while clever and usable self-parking sits alongside a host of other driver assistance features. Prices and running costs The good news is that the Mini John Cooper Works Electric is efficient to keep running with a decent claim of 4.4 miles per kWh. The bad news is that unless you really want the most focused electric Mini to drive, we wouldn't pay the £5,550 extra over the already fun-to-drive Cooper SE. As with any Mini, the list price is only the starting price – in this case £35,455. Add in some of the options packs, stripes and different trims and you'll soon end up at the £40,000 mark. The Mini's quality and fun make it worth considering, but we'd stick with a lesser Mini that's just as much fun and save a bit of cash. Mini John Cooper Works Electric rivals FAQs What should I consider before buying one? Consider if the modest performance gain and firmer ride over the standard Mini Cooper SE justify the significant extra cost, and be mindful that the most desirable tech comes in pricey option packs. How long does it take to charge? Fast charging matches the Cooper SE's 95kW, taking about half an hour to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent. How much does it cost - is it worth it? The starting price for a Mini is £35,455. Including options packs, stripes, and different trims can increase the cost to approximately £40,000. There's a standard three-year warranty, plus eight years' cover for the battery Why trust us Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. The verdict: Mini John Cooper Works Electric The biggest problem with the John Cooper Works Electric is that every other Mini is just as fun to drive. The extra cash the JCW Electric costs gets you a bit more performance and a bit more focus, but the performance and driving benefits just aren't enough, while the ride is even stiffer than before. I'd stick with a standard electric Cooper SE with a few JCW extras added on.
Car and Driver
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a rare combination of performance and refinement for a relatively affordable price. This hot hatchback has been a staple of its segment for nearly a half-century, and time has only bolstered its position as the ultimate amalgam of driver enjoyment and boxy practicality. Motivation is delivered to the front wheels by a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that provides plenty of verve. While a manual gearbox is no longer offered, the GTI is still a hoot to drive with its quick-shifting seven-speed-dual-clutch automatic. The combination of twisty-road proficiency and spacious seating for five in a practical hatchback body is a formula that the GTI helped invent and continues to execute brilliantly. What's New for 2026? A refresh last year granted the GTI new headlights, taillights, and improved interior tech features, including a larger touchscreen, an improved voice assistant, and less-infuriating steering-wheel buttons. With that update still fresh, the GTI carries into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $43,000 depending on the trim and options. S $34,000 (est) SE $39,000 (est) Autobahn $43,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k Even the base GTI S benefits from a large 10.9-inch infotainment screen, an updated operating system, and navigation as standard equipment, which makes a case for going econo. True, the Autobahn features adaptive damping and some additional performance and luxury features, but the S successfully channels the classic GTI spirit in its purest form. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Volkswagen Golf GTI uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, which makes the same 241 horsepower as before. The only transmission choice is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which delivers quick shifts but is ultimately a bit less engaging than the discontinued six-speed manual transmission. Fortunately, even the automatic GTI is a fun car to drive, thanks to a firm brake pedal and an eagerness to change direction that makes it a blast to drive on a curvy road. During our test drive of a 2025 model, we found the GTI to provide the same entertaining dynamics as it always has, although its steering could provide more feedback for harder-core track driving. 0–60-MPH Times The previous GTI with a dual-clutch automatic got to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds in our testing, and we expect a similar result for the new model. We'll update this section with test results as soon as we get a chance to test it. View Exterior Photos ANDREW TRAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY LLC | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released fuel economy information for the 2026 Golf GTI yet, but without any significant changes, the newest model should deliver similar fuel economy as last year's model. The 2025 Golf GTI was rated to deliver 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. We haven't tested the automatic version yet on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, but the Golf GTI S with the six-speed manual previously returned 37 mpg in that test. We'll update this section with results when we get our hands on the updated 2026 model. For more information about the Golf GTI's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The GTI's cabin is modern and surprisingly airy for a car with such a minuscule footprint. While the interior materials are improved over previous versions, some touchpoints feel less premium than they probably should. We were previously annoyed by the unintuitive infotainment touchscreen and fussy touch controls, but both have been improved following the GTI's refresh last year. The steering wheel features real buttons rather than touch-sensitive sliders, and the infotainment system is snappy and responsive. As has been the case for years, the GTI has spacious front and rear seats, plus a surprisingly generous cargo area enabled by the GTI's boxy hatchback shape. View Interior Photos Volkswagen Infotainment and Connectivity The Golf GTI features a large infotainment screen that measures 12.9 inches and runs on Volkswagen's newest MIB4 software. A voice assistant can be used to give commands to the system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the front-seat area features a wireless charging pad and four USB-C ports. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The GTI comes with a host of standard driver-assistance technology as well as optional upgrades. Notably, VW's system is available on all trims and, in addition to traditional features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, includes Emergency Assist, which brings the vehicle to a stop and turns on the hazards in the absence of driver input. For more information about the Golf GTI's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage VW includes an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain protection trails behind most competitors. The company does sweeten the deal with complimentary scheduled maintenance that is similar to what Toyota offers. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback PRICE Base: S, $33,670; SE, $38,645; Autobahn, $42,105 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3 Power: 241 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 103.6 in Length: 168.9 in Width: 70.4 in Height: 57.7 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 51/41 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 35/20 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 3250 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 5.5 sec 100 mph: 13.3 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec Top Speed: 130 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 27/24/32 mpg More Features and Specs
