The VW GTi is the default hot hatch, but Ford’s 225bhp Focus ST can't be ignored.
We have come a long way since the original 1.6 litre VW GTi from the mid 70s. Hot hatchbacks now deliver double the power and can stop in half the distance.
Power is a corrupting influence and while most modern cars can easily exceed the speed limit the Mazda 3MPS is the one you need if you're in a hurry to get penalty points. The Mazda 3MPS holds the title for most powerful GTi with 260bhp on tap.
The MPS has the usual stuff like big alloys and lowered suspension but it is not terribly striking to look at. 260bhp through the front wheels takes the whole debate about 'front wheel drive power limits' to new heights.
The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA's 250bhp proved to many that you could have too much power through the wheels that have to steer the car also. Mazda’s turbocharged 2.3 litre is super on the open road and you can drive it on torque all day long knowing most overtakes are on. But when driving with gusto on anything other than good dry roads you'll find the wheels scrambling for grip.
Sadly, when I park up the MPS I don't look back to sneak an admiring glance.
Another GTi pretender that fails to make my pulse rate soar when I pick up the keys is the Walter De Silva designed Seat Leon FR (Formula Racing).
The Leon FR from Seat is a subtle take on the whole GTi thing. In fact is a VW GTi in the sense that Seat is part of the Volkswagen Audi Group and the Spanish company uses the same 200bhp engine and 'parts bin' from the Golf GTi.
In a nutshell, the Spanish built car is a Golf GTi for less money. But while the Leon has its own unique styling it fails to deliver the same level of satisfaction a GTi can. The cabin is massive though, but the Spanish car gets the thumbs up. The dash needs a bit of work too.
The 225bhp Ford Focus ST is the best handling and driving hot hatch out there. Its ride is perfect and the five-cylinder turbocharged 2.5 litre engine sourced from Volvo is sweet enough to deliver the complete, if more mature GTi experience.
The three-door car can be a hooligan when provoked but unlike some more powerful hatches won't snap back. Unfortunately while the ST beats the pants off a VW GTi it fails to make me feel as contented. The GTi is a classier though technically inferior machine to the Ford, but I prefer it!
The new Civic Type R will feature in a full review soon and following a few fast laps in Mondello I have to say the high revving Honda is a brilliant bit of kit. The four-seat hatch is set up too soft for the track and promises to very interesting on Irish roads so the GTi debate looks set to continue.
Michael Sheridan
