The theme of hot hatches continues - c'mon who doesn't like a hot hatch?! Right let's move on with the next batch of hot hatch. Like what I did there?
Abarth 695 Biposto
The 695 was by far one of the most popular cars of the day and there was always a wait for it. No wonder, when you have a car that offers 143 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds. Not bad considering it keeps the same dimensions as the Fiat 500 that it is based on - albeit with a bulging bodykit and no rear seats.
What is the performance like? Well put simply, it is savage. It's not a comfortable place to be as the seats are very firm and have no give but comfort has been sacrificed in order to make this little package as raw as possible. The car has great handling thanks to its short wheelbase and it goes like a stabbed rat. It's not hard to see why this car was so popular.
SEAT Leon Cupra and Leon Cupra R (older model)
I think it's safe to say I am a fan of SEAT, I own one for starters. Plus I like the way you are getting Volkswagen performance and engineering but with a cheaper price and sportier styling. I really enjoyed my time in the Cupra, I didn't think it would be on par with the Scirocco GTS or the Type R but it wasn't far off at all. The car was dynamic and responsive, with high levels of grip but it wasn't quite as thrilling as the Scirocco GTS, although it was more comfortable.
I then stepped into the the Leon Cupra R and Seat won't like me for saying this but I actually preferred the older model. It just felt more raw and exciting, from the engine note to the acceleration. The handling in both cars were sharp and there wasn't much in it, but for pure driving pleasure I'd have to go with the older model. The new model does look a lot better though, I was never a massive fan on the styling on the previous model.
Renault Clio RS
We move onto the car which made a bold move by offering a flappy paddle gearbox rather than a manual gearbox. A decision I still find bonkers but that's another story. I'll be upfront, I did not enjoy the Clio, the automatic gearbox just interferes too much and takes the driver away from the experience to be honest.
That is a real shame as the car gripped very well and the seats were up there with the most supportive - and comfortable - I sat in over the course of the day. Throughout the drive the gearbox seemed to have a mind of its own and it made the drive frustrating at times as it changed down when it didn't need to. Renault, put a bloody manual in it!
Skoda Fabia VRS and Octavia VRS (older models)
I returned to Skoda to have a go in the Fabia VRS, a car that I once looked to buy but the plain Jane put me off. I don't mind a subtle hot hatch but the Fabia VRS just felt a bit too serious. Aesthetics aside though, it was a nice car to drive, unlike many hot hatches the Fabia features a diesel engine but it still made a nice noise.
I drove the Octavia VRS and I was surprised how similar to my SEAT Ibiza FR but I suppose that shouldn't have come as a great surprise as it features the 1.8 litre turbocharged engine. I will say that the Octavia VRS made a nicer and louder turbo noise - that can only be a good thing right. I would say that this felt a bit faster than my Ibiza FR but the level of grip on offer was about the same.