Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiesta Mountune vs. rivals

Calling the tune? We see if Ford’s upgraded Fiesta is a hot hatch class leader – as it meets Vauxhall and Renault rivals

Nimble, fast and fun to drive – hot hatches provide more thrills per pound than most supercars. And the current crop of hot superminis is better than ever.

Leading the way is a tuned Ford Fiesta. Based on the standard 1.6-litre Zetec-S, it gets a raft of performance-enhancing modifications from the experts at Essex specialist Mountune. But with a modest 138bhp output, it won’t have an easy ride – as two more powerful rivals aim to beat it to the chequered flag.

Advertisement - Article continues below

First up is the Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup. It has just hit UK dealers with a striking new look, extra power and a more driver-focused chassis. The hot Clio promises to be even better than its 197 Cup predecessor – but will it see off a familiar face from Vauxhall?

The limited-run Corsa VXR Arctic Edition features bold styling and a new sports exhaust that claims to liberate even more power from its turbocharged engine. It’s the most powerful car here, as well as the most expensive – but is it the best?

Verdict

Our three hot hatches all aim to provide driving thrills in a small and affordable package, but they come from different directions. The line-up comprises a regular production model, a limited-run special edition and a car tuned by an aftermarket firm. So, which approach is the most successful?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Fabia

2021 Skoda

Fabia

21,461 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,950
View Fabia
Grandland X

2021 Vauxhall

Grandland X

33,859 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £14,900
View Grandland X
Sportage

2021 Kia

Sportage

41,016 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £14,000
View Sportage
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

69,798 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,800
View XC40

It’s easier to pick a loser than a winner, because in this test the brash Corsa VXR is outclassed. It is fast in a straight line, but simply doesn’t engage with the driver in the corners. Plus, the Vauxhall is expensive compared to its rivals.

Separating the remaining two cars is far less straightforward. While we’ve no complaints about the way the Mountune Fiesta steers or stops, the performance upgrade doesn’t put the Ford on the same level as the Renault. For all of its dynamic purity and neat styling, the newcomer doesn’t feel that much different from the Zetec-S on which it’s based.

That leaves the Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup to nip ahead and take the chequered flag. Its rev-hungry engine and snappy gearbox are a thrilling combination, plus it’s much faster than the Ford. For diehard enthusiasts it fulfils the hot hatch brief to the letter.

1st: Renault Clio
The 200 Cup is fast, frenetic and fun, but it’s not for the faint hearted. To get the optimum pace, you have to put up with uncompromising ride comfort and a no-frills cabin. However, we can’t think of many small cars that are as absorbing to drive.

2nd: Mountune Fiesta
Add Mountune’s upgrade kit to Ford’s styling package, and you have the hottest Fiesta available. The sweet engine, well balanced handling and grippy chassis make it great fun, but so is the standard Zetec-S. Still, this model has whet our appetites for a faster version.

3rd: Vauxhall Corsa
The limited-edition Arctic doesn’t live up to its billing. At £17,790, it’s much more expensive than its rivals, yet isn’t as polished. It’s fast, but let down by questionable styling additions, unruly handling and numb driving dynamics.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £5,330 off RRP*
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,788 off RRP*Used from £11,795
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

New Peugeot E-408 2025 review: Peugeot's best EV yet
New Peugeot E-408 2025 - front tracking

New Peugeot E-408 2025 review: Peugeot's best EV yet

Road tests
28 Aug 2025
Cupra Born review
Cupra Born - main image

Cupra Born review

In-depth reviews
19 Aug 2025
Used Skoda Fabia (Mk4, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: great value, comfy and spacious
Used Skoda Fabia - front

Used Skoda Fabia (Mk4, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: great value, comfy and spacious

Used car tests
22 May 2025

Most Popular

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried
BYD Seal 6 Touring - front tracking

New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried

BYD’s latest arrival isn’t an EV, but efficiency is still key
Road tests
3 Sep 2025
New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025