Which has the best performance?
On your marks... we rate our sizzling quartet of hatchbacks against the clock
With their impressive power outputs, the cars in this test are at the hyper end of the hot hatch market.
VW’s top performers in this sector traditionally stand apart from the GTI thanks to their six- cylinder engines and four-wheel drive. However, the fastest, most powerful derivatives of both the Golf and Scirocco use highly tuned versions of the same 2.0-litre TSI unit as the legendary hot hatch.
And while the Golf R has 4WD, the Scirocco R simply gets front- drive – but the XDS electronic diff helps deploy power more efficiently than the punchier Focus RS. Despite a wet test track, the VW scorched from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds – the only one of our contenders to break the six-second barrier. Our test car was fitted with the quick-shifting dual-clutch DSG box, which definitely helps against the clock: you only have to look at the strong in-gear figures to see how well it performs.
Although the Ford has more power and torque, the punchy TSI’s 261bhp and 350Nm helped make the VW the fastest car here in third and fourth gears. The Scirocco sounds the part, too, with an angry edge and a raspy exhaust note. Even so, its smooth throttle response gives the performance an effortless feel. The Focus RS, on the other hand, never lets you forget what’s under the bonnet. The gruff five-cylinder turbo is tuneful and characterful. Boasting 440Nm – that’s 90Nm more than the VW and Audi – it delivers a large slug of acceleration from just above 2,000rpm. And with 301bhp, it runs the Scirocco close in-gear.
Used - available now
2020 Volkswagen
Arteon
66,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L
Cash £16,600
2025 Vauxhall
Astra
26,656 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L
Cash £15,900
2021 Mercedes
A-Class
37,877 milesAutomaticDiesel1.5L
Cash £16,100
2020 Volkswagen
Polo
30,370 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £12,900The Ford is the heaviest car here, though, at 1,468kg. That, and the fact it struggles for traction on wet or bumpy surfaces, explains why it couldn’t match the Scirocco for raw pace: it trailed by four-tenths from 0-60mph with a time of 6.3 seconds. The Audi was a further two-tenths adrift, despite having four-wheel drive. In keeping with its low-key looks, the S3 also has a less aggressive exhaust note and even smoother responses, and this calmer set-up will appeal to buyers put off by its frenetic rivals.
Although the Renault is the odd one out here, don’t be put off by the fact its 247bhp engine sits at the bottom of the power table. In fact, the 2.0- litre turbo has the same manic nature as the old R.26R, with incredibly linear delivery.
The French model is also the lightest car on test. So, while its lower output means it recorded the slowest in-gear times and took the longest to accelerate from 0-60mph, it never feels sluggish compared to its rivals.
Volkswagen: 5/5
With a racy exhaust note and punchy turbocharged engine, the Scirocco R delivers serious performance. The DSG gearbox provides fast, smooth shifts for impressive standing starts.
Ford: 4/5
Packing 301bhp and a mighty 440Nm of torque, the Focus RS is a real powerhouse. However, it lacks traction, and the punchy Scirocco runs it close for in-gear responses.
Audi: 3/5
The reassurance of four-wheel-drive traction increases the real-world performance of the S3. It also just pips
the Renault for in-gear times, but it lacks drama.
Renault: 3/5
While the Mégane 250 Cup has the smallest power and torque outputs in this test, it’s also the lightest model. Its 2.0-litre engine has a racy character that thrives on revs more than any of its rivals.
