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

GLB

2023 Mercedes

GLB

31,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £31,849
View GLB
Kuga

2019 Ford

Kuga

24,119 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,449
View Kuga
3-Door Hatch

2020 MINI

3-Door Hatch

36,396 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £15,149
View 3-Door Hatch
T-Roc

2021 Volkswagen

T-Roc

25,368 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,449
View T-Roc

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

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Volkswagen Golf review
Volkswagen Golf - main image

Volkswagen Golf review

In-depth reviews
18 Sep 2025
Used DS 4 (Mk2, 2021-date) buyer's guide: a great blend of value and style
Used DS4 Mk2 - front

Used DS 4 (Mk2, 2021-date) buyer's guide: a great blend of value and style

Used car tests
13 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

Road tests
11 Sep 2025

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025