Hot hatch battle: Focus RS vs Civic Type R vs M140i vs RS 3 vs Golf R vs AMG A 45

HOW HOT do you like your hot hatchback? Fast and furious or brisk and civilised? And what should it look like? Would you prefer it to be as discreet in a supermarket car park as any other family hatchback? Or should it grab attention like Donald Trump’s hair blowing in the wind?

Like eyeing the menu in an Indian restaurant, looking for the ideal hot hatch to suit your tastes can go one of two ways. Drivers will either know what they want, and wouldn’t entertain the idea of a Honda rather than a Ford. Or they’ll be open to trying something new.

With so many new models, it’s never been more tempting to put preconceptions to one side and take the plunge with something different.

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To help drivers decide, Driving valiantly assembled six of the latest models, slipped on its collective driving gloves and hit road and track, assessing each car for practicality, fun factor and value for money.

So sit back and enjoy the ride, as the Audi RS3, BMW M140i, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type-R, Mercedes-AMG A45 and Volkswagen Golf R slug it out.