Ford Fiesta ST

Price: ?17,250
Specs: 180bhp, 177lb ft, 0-62mph 6.9secs, 137mph top speed, 47.9mpg, CO2 138g/km

An effervescent little hot hatch that's as good as we dared hope and better than its rivals. Sharp nose, accurate steering, energetic turbo and a tail that gets involved in the action.

Read Top Gear's full verdict on the Ford Fiesta ST

Mini Cooper S

Price: ?18,655
Specs: 192bhp, 207lb ft, 0-62mph 6.8secs, 146mph top speed, 49.6mpg, CO2 133g/km

Not the best looking thing, but who cares when it drives this well? Chassis balance is spot on, as is the comfort and handling balance. Only narrowly loses to the Fiesta ST.

Read Top Gear's full verdict on the Mini Cooper S

Peugeot 208 GTI

Price: ?18,900
Specs: 200bhp, 202lb ft, 0-62mph 6.8secs, 143mph top speed, 47.9mpg, CO2 139g/km

They claim it's a replacement for the 205 GTI. It isn't. But it never could be; it's far too safe and well built for that. But it is a very fine effort and for that we should be thankful.

Read Top Gear's full verdict on the Peugeot 208 GTI

Suzuki Swift Sport

Price: ?13,749
Specs: 136bhp, 118lb ft, 0-62mph 8.7secs, 121mph top speed, 44.1mpg, CO2 147g/km

This is how the Renaultsport Clio started out. Fizzing engine, chuck-it-around handling, cheap price, big fun. Nothing's faster through a city or down a narrow B-road.

Read Top Gear's full verdict on the Suzuki Swift Sport

Renaultsport Clio 200 EDC

Price: ?18,995
Specs: 200bhp, 177lb ft, 0-62mph 6.7secs, 143mph top speed, 44.8mpg, CO2 144g/km

Paddleshift gearbox, turbo, five doors. It's a Renaultsport folks, but not as we know it. Better in everyday areas, but the wild streak has been dialled out. Shame.

Read Top Gear's full verdict on the Renaultsp[/size]ort Clio[/size] 200 EDC[/size]
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