Hot hatches Archives | The Car Expert

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Mini John Cooper Works

The Mini JCW is a petrol hot hatch with a good turn of speed and a high-quality interior, but its stiff ride quality makes it hard to recommend.

16 March 2026

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Mini John Cooper Works Electric

While the Mini Cooper JCW Electric offers an exciting driving experience, reviewers agree that it isn't a comfortable daily driver.

23 December 2025

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Alpine A290

The Alpine A290 takes the retro-styled, all-electric Renault 5 and turns up the performance. We have all the info you need right here.

21 September 2025

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Blistering speed and entertaining driving dynamics make the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N a proper driver's car, but its pricing is rather high.

30 March 2024

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MG 4 XPower

The high-performance MG 4 XPower has received a mixed bag of review scores, with praise for its pace and criticism for its driving dynamics.

4 August 2023

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Abarth 500e

The Abarth 500e is a compact electric hot hatch with agile handling and low running costs, though average safety and warranty scores limit its overall Expert Rating.

12 July 2023

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Ford Focus ST (2012 to 2018)

The third-generation Ford Focus ST wasn't the most agile hot hatch around, but its performance and practicality made it an appealing package.

18 May 2023

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Ford Fiesta ST (2013 to 2017)

Other hot hatches may have offered a better interior, but when it came to driving thrills, the Ford Fiesta ST was a unanimous reviewer favourite.

6 May 2023

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Hot hatches

Mini John Cooper Works

Mini John Cooper Works Electric

Alpine A290

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

MG 4 XPower

Abarth 500e

Ford Focus ST (2012 to 2018)

Ford Fiesta ST (2013 to 2017)

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