Which is the most practical?

In the performance car class, practicality isn’t always a prime concern. But hot hatches are different. Part of the appeal of these models is that, due to their sensible underpinnings, they don’t demand compromises like a traditional coupé or sports car. But which is the most user-friendly model in our line-up?

The S3 and Scirocco essentially share the same VW Golf platform. They have identical wheelbases – but that’s where the similarities end. The VW has the feel of a coupé, with its sloping roof, narrow side windows and tiny rear screen, and passengers may find the back claustrophobic.

Even though there’s space for four adults – thanks to the pair of individual seats – and similar legroom to the Renault, it’s not as airy as a regular family hatch.

The Scirocco has a deep, 321-litre boot – which can be expanded easily to 1,006 litres by folding the seatbacks. But the big rear bumper, thin tailgate and high lip make loading tricky. There’s no external boot release, either, and as the narrow screen cuts visibility, it’s a pity parking sensors are a £355 option.

In contrast, the Audi is very conventional; its larger windows make the rear much brighter. You can carry five adults, too, although the large transmission tunnel needed for the four-wheel drive means the middle seat occupant has to fight for foot space.

Even so, the Audi provides the most leg and headroom, and the front seats slide well forward to aid rear access. The S3’s luggage area is the smallest here, though. While front-drive A3s provide 350 litres of space, quattro cars have to make do with 281 litres.

The Focus is the ace of space in this test, with its 385-litre load bay expanding to a maximum of 1,247 litres. As it has the longest wheelbase, it also offers decent leg and headroom in the rear.

Yet that’s not to say the RS is perfect. Irritatingly, the front seats don’t slide forward as you pull the lever to tilt them to get in the back. Plus, as in the Scirocco, the rear is strictly for two.

Despite its racy profile, the Mégane can accommodate three adults in the back. The sloping roofline pinches headroom, but the thin design of the Recaro front seats boosts leg space.

A 344-litre capacity puts the Renault in second for luggage, and the rear seats split 60/40. Yet the fuse box hasn’t been moved in the conversion from left to right-hand drive – so the glove compartment is tight. Underfloor storage bins in the front footwells compensate.

Renault: 4/5
there’s plenty of stowage inside the Mégane, plus it has a decent-sized load capacity – only the Focus’s is bigger in the test – and fold-flat rear seats. Also, the Renault can realistically carry five people.

Audi: 4/5
SMART-looking Audi cabin has decent space for five, yet it’s let down by its limited boot capacity. The optional storage pack – which brings underseat stowage and map nets – will set you back a reasonable £90.

Ford: 4/5
The 385-litre boot is the largest here, and fold-flat rear seats add to the practical appeal. There’s lots of space for passengers in the back, but the sculpted chairs limit accommodation – as with the Volkswagen.

Volkswagen: 3/5
Scirocco owners have a decent load space to play with, and can carry four adults in their car. However, high load lip and sloping roofline mean the more conventional hatches in this test have the edge.