Honda Civic Type R vs Cooper S vs Megane R230 vs Focus ST

With a hot hatch group test to blow away the post-Christmas blues, it was an exciting start to 2007 for the Auto Express road test team. The arrival of the new Honda Civic Type R was big news in the fiercely competitive sector, so we brought together an unrivalled line-up of muscular front-wheel-drive machines to take on the newcomer.

Starting with seven contenders, in true X-Factor style we whittled them down to three finalists, which were then left to take on the Type R. However, unlike the TV show, there really weren’t any cars that hit a bum note with our test team – and it’s a measure of how good the current crop of hot hatches is that it was so tough to come to a final verdict.

Yet the first to fall from the original seven were the Mazda 3 MPS, hard-riding SEAT Leon FR, frantic Renaultsport Clio 197 and hugely competent VW Golf GTI Edition 30. With 256bhp, the Mazda is the class’s fastest car, but it is dull both inside and out, and the driving experience is far from thrilling. A sprinkling of the MX-5 roadster’s magic wouldn’t have gone amiss.

While good value, the SEAT isn’t as polished as the Golf GTI, and although the VW is a brilliant all-rounder, the Edition 30 was pricey in this company. That left the Clio. With its rev-happy engine, edgy chassis and engaging handling, it has much in common with the Honda. However, it missed out on a place in our final four in favour of its big brother, the Mégane R230 F1 Team R26.

The hot Renault used to be something of a joke: fast in a straight line, but hopeless around corners. Yet now, with a stronger chassis and a limited-slip differential controlling power to the front wheels, it’s a far more convincing machine. Fun to drive, it flowed along rough roads nearly as well as the Ford Focus ST, although the ride was a bit lumpier. What makes the blue oval’s big-hearted hot hatch so good is its tuneful five-cylinder turbocharged engine. Responsive and relaxing, it delivers plenty of pace and backs this up with a truly talented chassis that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. That’s not enough to trouble our top two, though. The MINI Cooper S isn’t only a fashion statement. Its superb turbo motor, unrivalled desirability, quality, poise and sense of fun make it a firm favourite.

But we now have a new hot hatch champ. In one of the most important verdicts of the year, the Honda Civic Type R was a clear winner. The styling and cabin might not be to all tastes, but the Civic is attractively priced, well built and practical. And more importantly, it is sizzling to drive. The engine is a masterpiece, the gearbox a joy to use and the taut, positive chassis has been honed to perfection. Quite simply, everything works in harmony – and that’s what makes the Type R so special.