ROAD TEST RIVALS

FORD FIESTA ST-3 3DR £21,495

Dominates rivals as plainly as ever, but doesn’t quite succeed its predecessor convincingly enough for a perfect score.

PEUGEOT 208 GTI BY PEUGEOT SPORT £22,000

Aggressive, stiff set-up makes for a proper hardcore hot supermini. Quick too.

MINI COOPER S £20,630

Boasts a broad range of talents for a supermini. Incisive to drive and with an unusually high-rent cabin.

VOLKSWAGEN POLO GTI £21,520

Newcomer impresses with its refinement and composure, but doesn’t thrill like some of the others here.

DS3 PERFORMANCE £24,000

Upmarket image doesn’t mean this is a softy in the performance stakes. Strong engine and communicative steering.