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FORD

THE Fiesta ST is still the best model in its class – and with it, one of the best cars on sale today. It’s fast, supremely fun to drive, usable every day and above all great value for money. Few sports cars are as much fun as the Fiesta ST on British roads, let alone hatchbacks. It’s just a shame the engine isn’t an all-time great, as this could have been a true fast Ford legend.

MINI

WITH all the praise being heaped on the Fiesta ST, it would be easy to dismiss the MINI Cooper S. But it’s nearly as much fun as the Ford, while the punchy 2.0-litre engine is brilliant as well. It loses out a little due to higher running costs and pricey option packs that reduce its value for money. It lacks practicality, but if you can afford one, the MINI is a great fun choice.

VW

IF you’re looking for a hot hatch you can drive easily in comfort every day, the Polo is worth a look. It’s practical, fast and mature, but in pursuit of those goals, the Polo is missing a sense of humour that’s desperately needed in a car like this. The others are brilliant fun all of the time, while the Polo is refined and relaxed – but for us that misses the point of the supermini hot hatch.