Skip advert
Advertisement

Which has the best styling?

We take our pick in class where looks really count

The definition of a coupé is more blurred than ever. Three-door hatches and four-door saloons all pose as one – and no matter how you categorise the Scirocco, it looks the business.

A razor-thin grille and twin-lens headlamps give a purposeful face. At the back, the pronounced wheelarches and sloping roof provide a sporty stance.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen’s designers haven’t felt the need to meddle with the Scirocco, so the R isn’t much different. To give it a tough look, there’s a new front bumper with LED daytime running lights, while sill extensions and gloss black mirrors help mark it out.

Completing the changes at the rear are smoked light clusters, a discreet R badge, a small wing and twin exhausts. The car looks superb (our model’s optional 19-inch alloys add to the appeal), but some buyers might find it a bit too restrained.

Potential

That’s not a criticism you can level at the Focus. With its huge rear wing, swollen wheelarches, 19-inch alloys and gaping grille, the RS isn’t for shy and retiring types. This is a hot hatch that shouts about its performance.

But where the Scirocco occupies the middle ground between a pure coupé and a stylised hatch, the conventional shape of the three-door Focus leaves the RS looking a bit bulky.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Polo

2021 Volkswagen

Polo

2,240 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £15,649
View Polo
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

19,303 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,245
View Golf
Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

24,924 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,849
View Juke
Vitara

2020 Suzuki

Vitara

12,649 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £14,999
View Vitara

The Mégane only highlights this – as Renaultsport had the advantage of using the curvy shape of the three-door as a starting point for its latest hot hatch. It’s added muscular flared wheelarch extensions, a large rear diffuser and prominent centre exhaust to make the 250 Cup look like a serious performance car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s plenty of neat detailing, too, with the gloss black finish on the nose, subtle RS badges and contrasting door mirrors adding to the sense of occasion. Our more focused Cup model stands out further with its satin black 18-inch alloys and red brake calipers.

A £766 visibility pack brings xenon headlamps and distinctive LED daylight running lights. The latter in particular look great, and can be ordered separately for £153.

Even without them, the Renault runs the VW close on style. But for badge kudos, the Audi is peerless. While the regular A3 is showing its age, the S3 has the understated, classy look we expect from the firm’s fast models.

Its alloy-effect mirrors and subtle badges are clues to the performance on offer. It isn’t as striking as its rivals here, but for some people that’s key to the Audi’s appeal.

Volkswagen: 5/5
The standard version of the Scirocco looks fantastic, and the subtle updates on the R work well. The wide track and sculpted body give the range-topper a squat stance.

Renault: 5/5
Take one of the most attractive three-door family hatchbacks and add pumped-up go-faster goodies, and this is what you get. The 250 Cup strikes a tasteful balance between aggression and style.

Ford: 4/5
Motorsport inspiration behind the RS is obvious, and the Focus is a real attention grabber. However, in this company it appears bulky, and its brazen approach might put some buyers off.

Audi: 4/5
The S3 has the strongest badge kudos in this test, but it’s a low-key design. It relies on small details to stand out from the hot hatch crowd – and while the result is solid, it’s not exactly inspiring.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £15,876
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,500 off RRP*
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025