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Update 16 April 2024: You just gotta love the Italians. After having been launched as the Alfa Romeo Milano, an Italian government official declared that the use of the name 'Milano' is banned by law. So folks, here we have the Alfa Romeo Junior. Compact controversy indeed! Sean and I were having a chat about Alfa Romeo the other day. I mentioned that if it was not for the fact that sedans and hatchbacks don't sell as well today, Alfa Romeo would build a hot-hatch successor to the Giulietta if they had their own way.
Happenings

Compact Controversy - Launch Of The Alfa Romeo Junior

IN Alfa Romeo, Alfa Romeo Junior, Alfa Romeo Milano, Compact, Controversy, Giulietta, Hot hatchbacks, Is the, Junior, Milano, Mito, Successor

The <s>Alfa Romeo Milano</s> Alfa Romeo Junior is the Giulietta and Mito hot hatchbacks' successor.


Alpine has been fine-tuning the A290's low grip characteristics since the start of the year, in the most extreme weather conditions with temperatures that can drop below -30°C. Alpine's technical teams test the prototypes on tracks and open roads in these conditions to ensure excellence across the board. All the technical parameters are subject to full-scale tests to guarantee the required performance levels are achieved.
Happenings

Alpine A290 Electric Hot Hatch Undergoes Cold Weather Testing at Arctic Circle

IN Alpine, A290, 5-seater, Electric, Hatchback

Prototypes are being cold-weather finalised before going into production.


Toyota has taken its already scorching GR Yaris and turned up the heat. This little dynamo, which has already found its way into the hearts of hot hatch aficionados, is back from the workshop with some serious tweaks.
New

Evolved GR Yaris Makes World Premiere

IN Toyota, GR Yaris, Toyota GR Yaris, Tokyo Auto Salon, Burnpavement

The rally-bred Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch gets an extra dose of power and more race goodies.


Some cars are just meant to get you from point A to B, but a truly exceptional car is the one that makes you want to hit the road again as soon as you arrive. Enter the Volkswagen Golf R – a beast propelled by a 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, distributing its spectacular urgency to all four wheels. This isn't just your run-of-the-mill powerhouse. In the bustling landscape of today's car market, the Volkswagen Golf R emerges as the undisputed everyday hot hatch icon. Its winning formula of value for your monthly investment combined with extreme real-world performance creates an unstoppable force on the asphalt.
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2023 Volkswagen Golf R Review - Running Riot

IN 2023, Volkswagen, Golf R, Review, Running Riot, Burnpavement

The Volkswagen Golf R is about as sensible an all-rounder as a 316bhp hot hatch can be, and that’s why it’s absolutely awesome.


This new FL5 is the 6th generation of Civic Type R after the EK9, EP3, FD2/FN2, FK2 and FK8, and is based on the 11th-gen Civic that was launched last year. The reveal comes after plenty of teasers with camouflaged prototypes, and a video of the car setting a new FWD lap record around Suzuka Circuit, 0.8 seconds faster than its predecessor: Other than that though, Honda has disappointingly not made any performance claims nor given any engine specs, only stating that it has “an even more powerful” iteration of the K20C 2.0-litre turbo i-VTEC engine, and that it’ll be the fastest Civic Type R ever.
Happenings

FL5 Honda Civic Type R breaks cover

IN Honda, Civic, Type R, Civic Type R, Hot hatch

6th generation Civic Type R aims to be the hottest of hot hatches


Toyota also revived the Supra to much acclaim, but although it’s the flagship of a now thriving Gazoo Racing sub-brand, one thing about it stood out compared to its lesser brethren: it was not available with a manual transmission.
Happenings

Toyota GR Supra to get manual transmission

IN Toyota, Supra, GR Supra, Gazoo Racing, Save The Manuals

Toyota goes doubles down on the #savethemanuals movement, but what does this mean for BMW?


But alas that’s not to be. As we covered recently, the Subaru WRX STI is gone. Dead. Finito. Thankfully however, Toyota has taken that same rally-inspired recipe and - as celebrity chefs like to say - gone and given it its own little twist, and it is as glorious as the STI’s demise is sad. Say hello to the Toyota GR Corolla.
Happenings

The Toyota GR Corolla is the WRX STI that Subaru won’t build

IN Toyota, GR Corolla, Gazoo Racing, Corolla, Hot hatch, Manual

The latest addition to the Gazoo Racing family is the rally-inspired manual hot hatch of our dreams. But will it come to Singapore?


For me though, the Golf GTI has always been a bit of a letdown. Granted, most of my experience has only been with the Mk7 and Mk7.5, but for all the myth and legend surrounding those three letters, and the accolades heaped upon it by automotive media everywhere, most of my encounters with a GTI has left me feeling distinctly unenthused. As an unabashed lover of fast driving, hot hatches are definitely right up my alley, but the Mk7.5 just didn't serve up enough thrills. It didn't help that it debuted in something of a renaissance period for hot hatches, with the FK8 Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30N, Mk4 Renault Megane RS, and even its corporate cousin the Skoda Octavia RS245, all muscling in on the GTI’s turf.
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1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8

IN VW, Volkswagen, Golf, Golf GTI, Hot hatch, Hatchback

Amongst hot hatches, it’s always been the VW Golf GTI that’s left BP’s resident racer, Jon, the coldest. Can the feistier new Mk8 change his mind?


No matter, the A3 got a pass for the rest of the (rather competent) package. ‘The S3 will be better,’ I thought, and boy was I right. Stealth Rocketship
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Potent Weapon | Audi S3 Sedan

IN Audi, S3, Audi S3, S3 Sedan, Premium Automobiles

There’s no need to give up hot hatch thrills even after you’re all grown up.


As a result, it’s not surprising that we almost never get the chance to present to you, dear readers, the kind of daydream-inspiring metal that our UK counterparts regularly do; today is different, however. Apart from the VW Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R, no other cars can lay claim to being as indelible a part of the 21st Century hot hatch zeitgeist as the reincarnated Mini and the Renault Megane RS. The three generations of each have generally been fabulous even in standard form, but it’s their apex, most focused iterations that have most vividly captured the imagination - the John Cooper Works GPs in the British/German corner, and the R26.R and Trophy Rs in the French one.
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The Winners’ Circle | Mini JCW GP & Renault Mégane Trophy

IN MINI, JCW, JCW GP, MINI JCW, MINI JCW GP, Renault, Megane, RenaultSport, Renault Megane, Renault Megane RS, Megane RS

We round up two of the rarest hot hatch icons in Singapore - the MINI JCW GP and Renault Mégane Trophy - in search of the ultimate front-wheel drive thrills.


COVID restrictions meant we only had an hour with the car during the launch event of the new Mk8 Golf and Golf GTI (and that included time for photography as well), so we can’t give you much more than the most fleeting of first impressions. Oh, and conspiring against us further still was some truly appalling weather. But even so, there are signs that VW has turned up the aggression slightly in the Mk8 and made it a more willing entertainer than its forebears.
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FIRST DRIVE: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Golf GTI, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Volkswagen Group Singapore

A brief taster of the new Golf GTI suggests that Volkswagen has injected a bit more sportiness back into the long-reigning hot hatch king.


In this latest eighth-generation model, the Golf’s tried-and-tested recipe been enhanced, refined, and modernised both inside and out. What’s new outside? The Golf’s exterior – though not always the most exciting – has always been pleasant and easily identifiable as a Golf. That hasn’t changed, with the signature chunky, forward-leaning C-pillar still present.
Happenings

Eight-gen Volkswagen Golf tees off in Singapore

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Golf GTI, Golf R, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Volkswagen Golf R

The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s iconic hot hatch is now in Singapore with more power and an all-new digitalised interior


The official figures are 181 bhp, 270 Nm of torque and a 0-100 km/h timing of 7.3 seconds. But in reality, the car feels a lot more lively than the numbers suggest. But the beauty of it all is that the fine handling characteristics of the MINI have been retained and the little electrified hatch is still a fun runabout to pilot. Taking it around a series of bends feels like you're driving an electric go-kart (with music and air-con!).
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Electrified hot hatch | MINI Cooper SE

IN MINI, Electric, Singapore, Hot hatch, EV, MINI Cooper SE, Cooper, SE

The new MINI Electric, or otherwise known as the Cooper SE is proof that the new era of electric cars is here to stay.


The most powerful production Fiesta ever, the Fiesta ST200 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7sec, and will feature an exclusive specification including a unique Storm Grey exterior, distinctive machined matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing. Production of the Fiesta ST200 starts from June with customer deliveries this summer. “The Fiesta ST is truly beloved by owners and critics. The ST200 takes this special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “I think it’s a future classic in the making.”
Happenings

Ford's Hot And Compact ST200 Unveiled

IN Ford, Fiesta, ST200, Fiesta ST200, EcoBoost, Ford EcoBoost, 1.6-litre, Turbocharged

The most powerful production Fiesta in Ford's history also features exclusive specification with unique Storm Grey exterior, matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing


Cliche as it may sound, power is nothing without control, and if great handling is what you want, handling is what you get. Upon plonking yourself hurriedly in the driver's seat, and fretting about your future wives reaction, ooops a typo there, 'wife's' I mean (bit of a Freudian slip eh?) the first thing you’ll want to do is push the Start button, and with that, the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine burbles into life with a bassy note to boot. The next button you would want to push would be the 'Mode’ button next to the gear lever and select from the available settings of Comfort, Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. The changes affect the suspension, steering and throttle response of the car and in Sport, performance is aplenty as the car settings are adjusted to be more dynamic. In fact mashing the accelerator is a treat, as the car resonates with a rich burble and a near instant response that eggs you on to push it harder. And with the reworked and improved sport suspension, grippy Continental ContiSportContact 2 tyres and a steering wheel that offers great feedback, indulging in a bit of necessary spirited driving results in your best man going
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Golly, That's Insane! | Mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTI

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Mk7

The all-new Mk 7 Volkswagen Golf GTI has got it all covered as the best all rounder hot hatch. Pavement burner or wedding car, the GTI does it all!


Let's take a look at this not-so-subtle Edition One-specced A45. With it's rear wing, side canards and matt black livery, this little car looks fast without even moving, if a little ostentatious. That said, without the Edition One add-ons, the A45 could pass off as a regular A-Class with a Sport kit. Only upon closer inspection, will you notice the
New

A Star | Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

IN Mercedes-Benz, A45, A Class, Hatch-back, AMG

The A45 is Merc's entry-level AMG model. But there's nothing basic about this premium hot hatch at all.


Setting the R apart from other Golfs are different bumpers front and rear, as well as a diffuser and quad chrome-tipped tailpipes. 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ wheels are standard, 19s an option, and the R gets a unique paint colour called Lapis Blue metallic. Inside, you get sports seats trimmed in alcantara or Nappa leather, stainless steel pedals and door sills, as well as a smattering of R badges throughout the interior, including on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Happenings

Rated R for Rapid

IN Volkwagen, Golf, R, VW, Hot hatch

Not long ago, the Golf R32/Golf R had its corner of the market to itself, its power and price elevating it above tamer hatches. But with new rivals from premium brands, is the Golf R still the daddy?


Well, I took it out on a nice long drive to find out. With the wife in tow, we drove up north to Malacca to see how the GTI cabriolet performed on the long North-South Highway stretches, along winding B-roads through the connecting towns, and even slow city drives through busy lanes like Jonker Street. This is my verdict.
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Roller Coaster | Golf GTI Cabriolet

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, GTI, Cabriolet

A convertible Golf GTI? Is there really a market for one? Is it really a compelling option? We drive one to find out...


Then again, it doesn’t necessarily have to out-drag the competition, because Kia is pitching the GT as a brisk all-rounder designed for “everyday usability and civility, not a track special” (although its chassis was developed at the Nurburgring). So even though it gets re-tuned springs and dampers, a thicker rear anti-roll bar and larger brakes, its multi-link suspension should ensure a tolerable ride.
Happenings

Still Very Reasonably Priced

IN Kia, Hot hatch, Ceed, GT, Cee'd

The name is still ridiculous, but this hot hatch looks set to be a credible and value-packed alternative in the market.


The exterior of the Fiesta ST has several alterations that include a large grille (that may have been inspired by a certain British Marque) that dominates the front fascia, a new front splitter, and a rear fascia shaped to resemble a rear diffuser. To further distinguish the ST from the normal Fiesta, the ST has a dual exhaust outlets, a new rear wing and tricked out 17 inch alloy wheels. Of course, a hot hatch is meant to scream in your face, and what better way to do it then to paint it in a bright Orange specifically made for the car?
Happenings

‘Hot’ Fiesta Launched!

IN Ford, Fiesta, ST, Hot, Hatch, Manual

Ford bolts a turbo on a Fiesta and turns it into a Euro-hatch killer. Let's hope it makes its way here!



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