Coming in hot

The Civic Type-R might be a lairy-looking thing but here are four other hot hatches that failed to fly under the radar:

Clio V6 Renault Sport

Just in case the Clio 172 Cup wasn’t quick enough, Renault built the Clio V6. Back seats were swapped for a 184kW V6 engine and power was sent to the rear wheels instead of the front. It was a hot and heavy handful with a mean streak — one that was reflected in its ultra-aggressive exterior styling makeover.

Ford Focus RS

Nothing stood out quite like the Focus RS Mk2 — especially when it was licked that outrageous shade of nuclear-fallout green. Massive wheels and a huge rear spoiler added to the visual drama while that fabulously fruity, fivecylinder engine kept things exciting behind the wheel with 224kW and a massive 440Nm.

Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works GP

Never has such a small motor been given such a big name. Regardless, the GP remains one of the best performance Minis built. Like a 911 GT3 it was stripped of all fat, which helped burn about 50kg . A healthy power boost and mad bodykit made it feel like a street-legal racing car.

Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650

Unveiled at the GTI Festival in 2007, this was a concept car like no other. Unlike most concept cars, it actually ran. Powered by a 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine nicked from the Bentley Continental GT, it proved to be the fastest Golf ever made, with a top speed of 325km/h. 100km/h came in 3.7-seconds.