Pocket Rocket gallery

With a lightweight body and a 99bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the Charade GT-ti was a true pocket rocket. It raced from 0-60mph in just 7.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 116mph. Launched in 1987 it's now a cult tuning classic, with some owners even taking the track in their models, as this picture proves.

The Visa never fully recieved the appreciation it deserved. The sporty little hatchback borrowed its 1.6-litre engine from the Peugeot 205 GTi and had precision handling to match its pace.

It was one of the 80's most iconic cars and the GTi model is still regarded by many as the best hot hatch ever. Purists prefer the less powerful 1.6 version over the 130bhp 1.9 but both are fantastic to drive – if rather tail-happy if you lift off the throttle!

Fast, furious and more than a little fragile, the Uno Turbo first arrived in 1985 with a 105bhp 1.3-litre turbo unit, which was then replaced in 1991 with this facelifted model which boasted a 118bhp 1.4-litre engine. Neither had the chassis to match the class leaders but they certainly made up for any shortcomings with storming acceleration.

The ’Sud’ as it was affectionately known, was one of Alfa’s most successful models of all time. When it wasn’t rotting like fruit in the tropics, it was showing off its handsome lines and tearing up the streets with its punchy little boxer engine.

Hardly the coolest pocket rocket of the 80s, but certainly the most fun Metro ever, it boasted a 95bhp 1.3-litre turbo unit which propelled the supermini from 0-60mph in around nine seconds and onto 110mph. Straight line pace was its forte though – the handling left a lot to be desired.

The original pocket rocket. The Mini was the style icon of the 60's and has inspired so many superminis since. Power for the Cooper S came from a 1275cc engine which propelled the little car to Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967. it was pretty fast round a track too.

This French flier was originally desined for rallying, but the road version was an instant hit. Inspired by its F1 cars of the time, Renault turbocharged a 1.4-litre engine for the GT. And with even the first editions making a punchy 115bhp, there was plenty of pace on tap.