What a Car - UK - (2020-04)

CAR

OF THE

YEAR

2020

Hot hatch

Go to whatcar.com/new-car-deals for the most up-to-date Target Prices^ April 2020 109

Hot hatches

LESS THAN £23,000

Abarth 595

Our pick 1. 4 T-Jet 145

List price £16,96 0 Target Price £16,96 0

MPG 39.2 CO 2 162g/km

For Exquisite design details; straight-line

performance; nimble on twisty roads.

Against Rivals are more involving to drive;

odd driving position; expensive to buy.

WHATCAR?SAYS

Suzuki Swift Sport

Our pick 1.4 Boosterjet

List price £18,999 Target Price £17, 2 4 9

MPG 47.1 CO 2 135g/km

For You get plenty of equipment as standard,

plus it’s relatively quick and cheap to run.

Against It’s not the bargain that the previous

one was and not as much fun to drive.

WHAT CAR?SAYS

Ford Fiesta ST

Our pick ST-2 Performance Pack 3dr

List price £22,395 Target Price £20,958

MPG 40.4 CO 2 136 g/km (NEDC)

For Strong, characterful engine, engaging

handling, fun at all speeds.

Against It’s easily upset by bumps and the

interior feels a bit low-rent.

WHAT CAR? SAYS

BEST

BUY

£23,000-£28,000

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Our pick 2.0 TSI +

List price £23,520 Target Price £21,9 93

MPG 39.8 CO 2 160 g/km

For Comfortable in everyday use, with lots of

grip; quicker than the Fiesta ST.

Against Not as agile as its rivals; relatively

unexciting to drive; auto gearbox only.

WHATCAR?SAYS

Ford Fiesta ST

Our pick Performance Edition 3dr

List price £26,495 Target Price £24,792

MPG 40.4 CO 2 136 g/km (NEDC)

For A better ride quality than other Fiesta STs

and the same magical handling.

Against The interior isn’t as classy as the

Polo’s and the steering is low on feedback.

WHAT CAR?SAYS

Hyundai i30 N

Our pick 2.0 T-GDi 250

List price £25,9 95 Target Price £25,9 95

MPG 34.9 CO 2 185g/km

For Responsive engine, great exhaust note,

awesome B-road ability and decent kit.

Against Steering feel could be better and

real-world economy disappoints.

WHAT CAR? SAYS

BEST

BUY

MORE THAN £28,000

Renault Mégane RS

Our pick 280 Cup

List price £29,495 Target Price £29,495

MPG 35.8 CO 2 178 g/k m

For Incredible agility; sweet-sounding

engine; cheaper to buy than the Type R.

Against So-so performance; rm ride;

you will want to add a few options.

WHAT CAR? SAYS

Ford Focus ST

Our pick 2.3 Ecoboost

List price £32,495 Target Price £ 3 0 ,128

MPG 34.4 CO 2 187g/km

For Strong engine, a great driving position

and it’s grippy and balanced.

Against Rivals have classier interiors and

the steering is too keen to self-centre.

WHAT CAR? SAYS

BEST

BUY

NORIVALSHAVEdestroyedallcomerslikethe

Civic Type R. Believe it or not, the fact that the

Type R can corner faster than some supercars

and feels like a road-legal touring car racer

aren’t the only reasons why it wins. It wins

overall because it’s so multi-dimensional,

being one of the roomiest, most comfortable

and best-equipped hot hatches you can buy,

as well as one of the quickest.

Our pick 2.0 VTEC Turbo GT

List price £33,870

Target Price £ 32,982

MPG 33.2 CO 2 178 g/k m ( N E D C)

For Handles brilliantly, yet surprisingly

comfortable and easy to live with.

Against Infotainment system is poor and

the engine could sound more special.

WHAT CAR? SAYS

Honda Civic Type R