Hot Hatch shoot-out

The power struggle is over: let the mind games begin! Over the past couple of years we’ve witnessed a battle of bhp in the hot hatch class – but now it’s time for brains to triumph over brawn as pure fun and handling finesse are back at the top of the agenda.

And it’s going to take some clever thinking to come out in front in our definitive hot hatch group test. The last MINI Cooper S to benefit from John Cooper Works know-how was one of the best-handling performance cars of its type, and its successor intends to deliver even more smiles per mile.

Unlike the old-shape model, the new machine is built in the factory alongside standard Cooper S variants. And it aims to turn the hatchback’s driving appeal up to the max. To finish top of the class it will have to beat two very different competitors. Firstly, it must outwit our current champion: the Honda Civic Type R. The high-revving Japanese model is never shy of a challenge, and will not only stand up to the MINI on both road and track, but also offers practicality that’s tough to beat.

Our second car delivers a pared-back, top-value package with maximum pace per pound. It’s a manic performer for single-minded drivers – but can the Renaultsport Clio 197 Cup provide strength in depth at a bargain price?

We drive all three on fantastic British A and B-roads, as well as the tight twists of a go-kart track, to put the JCW through its toughest-ever test.