2008 Articles

Ford’s diminutive Fiesta ST has arrived with guns blazing to take on the competition in this year’s hot hatch shootout – will this pocket-rocket have what it takes to keep up with the stern competition?The Fiesta ST is propelled by the powerful 2,0-litre Duratec HE engine. This powerplant comes ...

Thankfully bereft of the ‘booty shaking’ connotations of the lesser models, the Mégane F1 R26 was built to commemorate the company’s 2006 Formula 1 success. Can La Regie’s halo Mégane relive these past glories on the track at Killarney?The R26 is distinguishable from other Mégane Sport models ...

Don’t let the understated looks fool you – with 190 kW surging through its front wheels, the Mazda3 MPS is a serious contender in this year’s hot hatch shootout.Mazda has dubbed this car the “wild child”, despite its somewhat conservative styling. The Mazda 3 MPS looks pretty understated as ...

Renault has fielded another F1-inspired hot hatch as part of its Killarney offensive this year; the Clio RS R27. Will this diminutive firecracker have what it takes to tear up the tarmac?Based on the existing Renault Clio Sport, the Clio Renault Sport R27 features a number of styling additions that distinguish ...

What hot hatch shoot out would be complete without the latest iteration of the Golf GTI? It’s been a presence in the segment for some time now – is it too long in the tooth to keep up with the competition?The GTI’s styling shows a subtle, but very effective, evolution from the standard Golf V with ...

While the rest of the motoring fraternity are contemplating the future of the auto industry and manufacturers are engaged in drastic cost cutting, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren prepare to unleash the most outrageous SLR yet – the Stirling Moss.By Kyle KockThe SLR Stirling Moss will be built to commemorate ...

A Volvo venturing into a hot hatch shoot out? It is rather difficult to grasp, but when the Swedish marque’s contender sports sharp, retro-flavoured styling and a powerful turbocharged engine, things begin to make a bit more sense.The C30 T5 may share its underpinnings with the conservative S40, but ...

The Mini Cooper S has always been a scintillating performer in terms of its go-kart like handling, zesty 1,6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine and head-turning boppity-bop exhaust note, but it got a dose of testosterone just in time for our January performance issue – in the form of the Mini ...

“You can only buy this car if you know how to drive!” said the tame racing driver, who wore a subtle, yet sinister grin, after piloting the Opel Astra OPC around Killarney. The same warning was given to those who dared to wrestle the savage Opel Kadett 200ts back in the 90’s, but the OPC’s not ...