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Hot hatchbacks have to be one of my favourite breeds of car. Not only do they score highly on the “bangs for your bucks” scale, but they also make a very big “power to the people” statement. You do not need vast amounts of cash to go quickly, you do not need to sacrifice the rear seats for a sporty experience. They are cheeky, anti-establishment and always ready to put their more affluent rivals to shame. The Citroen DS3 Racing Cabrio enters the ring bringing with it some serious exclusivity.
Being 1 of only 100 in the world, and 1 of 10 in the UK, the Citroen DS3 Racing Cabrio is rarer than most Ferrari. In fact, you have a better chance of wining the lottery than having one of these park outside your house. Looking like Satan’s lapdog, this little car has some serious attitude. Matte paint, red door stripe and real carbon fibre makes this the most visually evil machine in its class. Sitting lower and wider than the standard DS3, the Racing Cabrio sheds the innocents of the car on which it is based and replaces it with a carbon splitter and burly exhausts. Clearly visible through the spokes of its 18-inch alloy wheels are large red contrasting brake callipers. This car is here to scare pensioners and burn rubber, and its all out of pensioners…
The hormonal teenage rebellion continues on the inside with two large man-eating racing seats dominating the cabin. Hyperbole aside, they really are fantastic seats with huge amounts of bolstering to hold you in place. Carbon fibre wraps itself around the steering wheel and console further amplifying the sporty feel. The red stripe addition also makes itself known on the dashboard. This DS3 Racing Cabrio seats five but with the two larger seats in the front, rear leg room is compromised slightly. Headroom is good and can be extended infinitely by opening the cars full-length roof. Its boot is of a good size but, like the standard Cabrio, it is flawed by a small pillbox opening. Overall the interior has a quality feel to it and a looks special enough to distinguish it from lesser models.
Fact: You can get 42MPG out of this car if you drive it like your mother would. Another fact: You will not drive this car like your mother. Turn the key and the 1.6 litre turbocharged engine awakens with crescendo settling into a deep bass idle. Blip the throttle and enjoy the rally car-like pops that emanate from the rear end. Setting off it is immediately noticeable that this car is much more taught than the standard DS3. Stiffer suspension means there is less body roll but at lower speeds compounding bumps in the road do shudder through the cabin. That said, this car was never designed to be a Rolls-Royce, it was designed to put a menacing grin on your face. Foot to the floor and a 0-62MPH time of 6.5 seconds will have you pulled back into your seat. With the roof open you can hear the induction and turbo noises fizzing under the bonnet whilst the exhaust crackers upon lifting off of the throttle. If you didn’t have an antisocial behaviour order before owning this car, you soon will as its brilliantly churlish nature will have you purposely dropping a gear at any opportunity. At about 4,000RPM the turbo is really on song and the Citroen DS3 Racing Cabrio pulls strongly. However, there are consequences to sending 207HP to the front wheels… Torque steer. From a standing start it is most obvious with the wheel twisting against you. It is rather unruly by modern standards, but in its own mad little way captures the spirit of hot hatchback of old. You must insure that the car is of relatively straight trajectory before putting your foot down upon corner exit as it will understeer whilst attempting to put those horses to the ground. The steering could also use a bit more feel. Off throttle the car has a good level of grip, but as mentioned, the amount of power and lack of a limited-slip-differential means you have to keep your wits about you when driving hard. Thankfully its 4 piston racing callipers at the front do a fine job of slowing the car down. Truth be told, the braking package on offer is one of the most impressive elements of this DS3R. Nice pedal feel allows them to be modulated more accurately and their ability to arrest the progress of this 145MPH car is confidence inspiring. With the windows up and the roof closed the DS3 Racing Cabrio is refined and easy to live with on a daily basis.
The Citroen DS3 Racing Cabrio is, as a friend elegantly summed it up, “bad ass.” It delivers the hot hatchback recipe beautifully, but also requires a level of respect or else it will simply spit you out wide for being overly abusive with its power. Being 1 of just 100 it obviously commands a premium price. £29,310 to be exact which is a lot of money for this sort of car considering the almost as quick Peugeot 208 GTI starts at £18,900. However, the Racing does feel much more special and will no doubt hold its value due to its exclusivity.
Unlike “geek chic” owning a people carrier has never really come into fashion. It is just one of those things in life that you have to accept. When you need seating for seven and plenty of space, your only choice is some form of MPV that is about as interesting as broccoli. However, Mazda reckon that just because the day has come to surrender to the necessity of being practical, doesn’t mean giving up on enjoying driving. This 2014 Mazda 5 1.6 Sport Venture proves people movers can be a bit more appealing than many think.
In Sport Venture trim cloaked with Meteor Grey Mica paint, our Mazda 5 looked very smart in comparison to some competitors. 17 inch alloy wheels compliment the contrasting wing mirrors in a quiet manor that matches the demeanour of this specific car. Flowing body lines grace the sides of the Mazda 5 creating a fluid appearance on its surface. This car does not look as tall as many other people carriers thanks to tapered design features that carry the eye from nose to tail. Whilst clearly not as extravert in its styling as a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, for some it will be the power of the understatement that will draw them to the Mazda 5.
The current model was introduced in 2010 and has been revised with small changes in 2013 and 2014. Its age does unfortunately show as soon as you enter the cabin. A red backlit display crowns the centre console displaying the air conditioning status and current MPG in a fashion reminiscent of an old DVD player. That said, just below, a touch screen infotainment system housing functions such as radio, Bluetooth and satellite navigation brings things a bit more up to date. The neat and tidy ethos of the exterior is carried over into the interior with uniform controls. Although there is a lot of hard plastic finding a home in the front of the Mazda 5, everything does feel durable and ideal for family life. In this Sport Venture is leather for all seven seats and a function that heats the front two. Its second row of seats allows for plenty of head and leg room meaning that comfort on long journeys isn’t a problem. Adding to said comfort is that these seats not only slide backwards and forwards, but they also recline. Foldaway trays and a deployable armrest/cup holder extend the list of creature comforts. An ace up the 5’s sleeve is its pair of sliding rear doors. They are perfect for such a machine as they allow for a larger aperture to fit children, prams and other bulky objects in as well as remove the fear of your offspring opening a door into the adjacent car. The rearmost seats are only really suitable for children as leg room is restricted, however, a larger than expected window lets in plenty of natural light. Its boot is of a good size, but it is here where some rivals get the better of this MPV.
A department where its classmates do not get the better of it is handling. Mazda have always instilled a little bit of a sporting feel to each of their models. Whilst I’m not going to say that this people carrier is anything like an MX-5, there are characteristic that will please those who enjoy driving. Responsive steering in tandem with a relatively short throw to its 6 speed manual gearbox makes for some enjoyable moments on twister roads. Pedal feel and weighting is well judged enabling more precise inputs. What really impressed me about this 2014 Mazda 5 1.6 Sport Venture is how well balanced the chassis and suspension is. There is very little in the way of body roll in faster corners but instead of making the usual trade of handling for comfort, the suspension is actually quite sympathetic to its occupants on British roads. Road, wind and engine noise are hushed around town but all three do pick up much more at motorway speeds. Visibility in the Mazda 5 is good with pleasantly thin A-pillars and a reversing camera. This 1.6 litre turbo diesel model averaged 39MPG whilst we were testing it. That isn’t bad considering the size of this car, but again, fresher competition can do better. The engine itself pulls cleanly throughout the rev range whilst producing 113BHP and 270Nm of torque.
At £22,415 for our top specification car, the 2014 Mazda 5 1.6 Sport Venture is good value for money. Bulletproof Mazda reliability and build quality are more reasons to put it on your shortlist, not to mention its pleasant driving manor. This generation might be showing its age in some areas, but has still proven to be a credible choice for the family man or women who enjoys driving with a bit of vigour.
What do canapés, garden pond ornaments and novelty tea pots all have in common? They are all a case of style over sustenance, more about appearance than function. This isn’t too dissimilar to many crossovers which sacrifice being a good all-rounder for more glamorous looks that will appeal to fashion conscious Mums on the school run. The restyled 2014 Peugeot 3008 Allure HDi 115 aims to not only entice potential owners with an updated visage but also provide a solid family workhorse.
As mentioned the Peugeot 3008 has undergone the surgeon’s knife for the 2014 model year and now sports new design elements. Whilst the previous incarnation was a bit of a love it or hate it Marmite car when it came to its looks, the new model is eye catching with a premium aesthetic. Slim front headlights and large chromed grill give the car an air of style. Its new rear taillights are very distinctive, especially at night when they glow in a three bar pattern. Chrome goes on to detail other elements of the car including fog lights and window surrounds. Our test cars set of 18 inch alloy wheels looked particularly snazzy in tandem with a white finish.
The interior of this highly specified Allure model felt light and airy thanks to the large glass panoramic roof. Although just like the updated Peugeot 5008, the centre console is dated, this cars high stack slopes down from the dashboard dividing the driver and passenger. A grab rail also features hinting that the high driving position it not merely to see over the traffic, but instead presents the opportunity to go off of the beaten track. Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone climate control and full leather seats all integrate with the cabin amongst the rather nifty aircraft toggle switches. In the second row the large windows with built-in sun blinds creates an environment that feels far from claustrophobic, even if leg room is a bit more confining than we would like. The boot is this cars masterstroke as it opens via a split tailgate. Not only does this make loading and unloading the 3008 a piece of cake, but also doubles up as a bench to sit on or somewhere to place items whilst helping one of your children with the zip on their coat. This Peugeot 3008 will happy swallow pushchairs and a good amount of shopping before the boot shows any signs of being full. A rechargeable torch is also cleverly tucked inside for those times when you might need one.
Its quiet 115BHP diesel engine really shines on the motorway. Once up to speed the 3008 cruises along beautifully making for a car that the family won’t mind spending a few hours in. Wind and road noise are kept at bay and the weight of the steering helps create a sense of sure-footedness. Set the cruise control and relax as you let the 3008 do what it does best. We saw 52MPG on the display proving this 1.6 litre engine to be reasonably efficient along with emitting 127g/km of CO2. Not only good when the road is straight, the Peugeot 3008 Allure HDi 115 handles well for the type of car that it is. Weight transferee whilst cornering does not result in the roll you might expect from a high riding car, obviously a firmer ride is the trade that has been made. The 270Nm of torque at your disposal enables this 3008 to have the get up and go when required. In fact, in the driver’s seat the Peugeot 3008 feels sprightlier than its 0-62MPH time of 13.6 seconds lets on. A progressive brake pedal is also welcome if you decide to drive with a touch of vigour. In an urban environment a reversing camera and parking sensors make parking in the high street a nonissue. However, we did experience a problem with the parking sensors on our test car resulting in them going off whilst driving for no reason at all. After inspecting them and checking there was no dirt or grime setting off the alert, I took the 3008 down to my local Peugeot dealership. It turned out that the radar and sensors had become misaligned and a new part was required to fix it. Whilst the service from Westover Peugeot was excellent, with them able to quickly diagnose the problem and fix the car within a day of the part arriving, a fault of this nature on a brand new car was less than impressive. I was assured that this was not a common problem and that the car was covered by its manufacturer’s warranty.
This was a bit of a shame as, electronic misdemeanours aside; the Peugeot 3008 is a very likeable car with plenty going for it. We are huge fans of the split tailgate and of the way this 2014 model looks. Our test car at £22,445 isn’t bad value either considering its specification. The Peugeot 3008 Allure HDi 115 is far from all show and no go.
Sometimes we have to make those long unavoidable journeys that result in us being on the road for hours on end. Taking the wrong car can be disastrous making you uncomfortable for the duration and highly irritable when you get there. Something else that might rile you is how much fuel said car may guzzle meaning the end result is that you arrive poorer, more tired and full of aches all before that all important business meeting. Although this journey to Cardiff from the south coast was not to organise an international peace treaty, it was a good three hours behind the wheel as well as three hours back. I was keen not to do it in a Perodua Kelisa. Luckily I had the keys to a Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC EX-Plus.
With looks that mimic those of its concept car, the Honda Civic Tourer does a good job of differentiating itself from the competition. Who said an estate car simply had to be a box on wheels? Swooping lines and a tapering glasshouse make this model look very modern. A set of smart 17 inch alloy wheels donned our Alabaster Silver test car which got a good level of attention from passersby. The contrasting black grill and trim further detail this unique shape.
The interior is identical to that of the hatchback in terms of console layout. A touchscreen navigation and infotainment system is the centrepiece with dual zone climate control finding a home just below it. Everything feels durable and of high quality, something that adds to the grownup attitude the cabin portrays. Electrically heated leather seats in the front provide good lateral support and adjustability for occupants of all shapes and sizes. Other toys on this top specification car include; blue ambient lighting in the door bins, keyless entry, alloy pedals, bluetooth, DAB radio and a DVD player. The second row offers plenty of head and leg room whilst also featuring Honda’s innovative “Magic Seats.” This allows for the base of the seat to be folded much like that of a cinema seat for high levels of versatility. With the seats flat the already large 624 litre boot boasts a class leading 1,116 litres of load space up to the windows, or if you jammed the car full up to the roof, 1,668 litres. Clearly the Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC EX-Plus is not just a pretty face.
Powered by Honda’s 1.6 litre diesel engine, this Civic Tourer utilises a power unit we have commend in the past. Push the starter button and away you go. My journey to Cardiff predominately consisted of motorways but began on some more undulating country roads. Here I could make use of this cars adaptive damper system which has three setting; dynamic, normal and comfort. The change between the three allows the car to be a tad more comfortable on lumpy surfaces, but firmer when the road gets twisty. Steering is precise and well weighted but does not offer too much in the way of feel. Throttle response is good and with 300Nm of torque pulling you along, the Civic is always a strong performer. Its 6 speed manual gearbox is well engineered with ratios that provided good utility as well as economy. From the cabin the experience is quiet and refined as the suspension soaks up some of the nasty ruts our British roads provide. Road noise only begins to build at higher speeds. Hitting the motorway the Cvic Tourer feels at home effortlessly cruising along the tarmac. The aforementioned torque aids in overtaking those slow coaches that would otherwise hold you up, but set the cruise control and the car is happy to motor along at a pace of your choosing. After a good number of hours on the road and a crossing of the Severn bridge, I arrived in Cardiff. As the streets became populated with pedestrians and other motorists I was not at all uncomfortable, in fact, on such a warm day the climate control regulated the perfect temperature. The Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC EX-Plus is a very well rounded car as it is just as easy to drive in the city as on the open road. It has the grunt when required to make a quick escape from a junction and good all around visibility. Parking this estate car is no problem either with parking sensors and reversing camera enabling you to squeeze into even the tightest of spaces.
The Honda Civic Tourer is capable in both petrol and diesel guise, however, this 1.6 litre diesel is our pick as it delivers both adequate performance and notable economy. We managed 65MPG without making a particularly conscious effort which is close to the cars official figure of 72.4MPG. Our test car came to £28,585 in top specification which is a good chunk of change. We would recommend choosing a different trim level as all models are well equipped whilst allowing for prices to start from £21,375 for this diesel. If it is practicality you seek but want a car that removes itself from mundane boxy design, then the Honda Civic Tourer might just be the car for you.
So you have just bought yourself a Ferrari 458 Italia and you can not wait to start putting its 4.5 litre V8 to good use. Whilst the prestige of owning such a car is more than enough to lure potential owners into making a purchase, the reality is that here in the UK you will never use a sizeable amount of its 562BHP without getting into serious trouble. It will more than likely become a weekend toy of which you feverishly protect against scratches and blemishes. Another reality check comes in the form of you not likely being able to afford the £178,491 price tag. Could the solution be a Peugeot 208 GTI?
Enter the hot hatchback… A power to the people machine that offers just about as much performance as you could use in “the real world” and all for around the same price as a pair of trainers. They are practical, reasonably economical and have a cult following in this country. On twisty country roads these cars can even put more purebred models to shame. One of the most loved hot hatchbacks of all time is the Peugeot 205 GTI, a car that the French company has tried to reincarnate several times without the same result. However, the 208 GTI claims to have rediscovered the formula of its ancestor and is more than willing to take on its very impressive competition.
I don’t think anybody can deny that the Peugeot 208 GTI is a good looking car. Whilst proportionally it retains the chic look of the standard 208, a shot of teenage adrenaline has been added to let mere mortals know that this is something a bit special. This car sits wider and lower on the road with more pronounced grills and swollen skirts providing a quietly sinister characteristic. Boot spoiler and a smattering of GTI badges, including one in an identical position to that of the 205, adds some boy racer charm. Whilst its ASBO inspired flare is more subtle than some rivals, the overall aesthetic works well.
The interior is a fantastically stylistic affair bringing together sculpted black surfaces with glossy red trim. Black and red heavily bolstered seats hold you in place whilst a pin striped seatbelt crossed your chest. A small thick rimmed steering wheel donning a centre line and GTI badge of its own sit below a highly detailed instrument cluster which glows an ominous red. This 208 GTI was equipped with a touchscreen display which gives you access to everything from DAB radio to phone connectivity. Overhead is a glass panoramic roof, trimmed with blue LEDs, which lets in healthy amounts of natural light. The rear bench offers a reasonable amount of head and leg room for occupants, although the central passenger will have to straddle in order to be comfortable. One of the beauties of owning a hot hatchback is that it is based upon a sensible everyday car. For the 208 GTI this means that its boot is very usable making this pocket rocket an easier sell to the wife or girlfriend.
So… It is good looking, practical, and whilst we are talking about the boring bits, we managed to get 42.7MPG out of the GTI whilst not driving like hooligans. But what happens when you light the fuse? What happens when you poke the Peugeot 208 GTI with a stick?
Step on the go faster pedal in this car and that is exactly what you will do! Possessing a 0-62MPH time of just 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 143MPH, this car has a good performance punch to it. Acceleration is strong from its 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine with a real surge once the turbo comes into play. With 197BHP on offer it is still possible to chirp the tyres when changing into second and even third gear. There is a small amount of toque steer upon quick getaways but not ferocious amounts. As you go though the 6 speed gearbox this 208 GTI bounds towards the horizon like an excited puppy. Throw the car into a corner and the vast amount of grip on offer becomes apparent. It is a very surefooted machine managing the weight transfer well and turning in with not fuss at all. The brakes are brilliant bringing confidence inspiring stopping power to the party. Its tiny little steering wheel and competent chassis makes this GTI nimble, although it could do with more feel coming through the steering. This car provokes some of the biggest grins your face is capable of wearing and is truly deserving of the legendary GTI badge. However, there is another side to this car once you have finished torturing the tarmac. Settle down and the Peugeot 208 GTI is a comfortable and very pleasant car to spend time in. The suspension, although firm, is far from back braking and its compact size makes it easy to park. That said, our test car was more than happy to park itself thanks to park assist. Visibility is good and as mentioned before, driven sensibly it is relatively economical.
Whilst we would like the Peugeot 208 GTI to produce a bit more exhaust noise, this well rounded hot hatchback appeals to not only those who crave something quick but also to people who need something that integrates with their needs. This car is a fantastic return for the French company that once dominated the segment. Our test car came to £18,900 including its option extras scoring highly on “bangs for your bucks.” The 208 GTI reminds the world that Peugeot have still got what it takes.
It has been 30 years since the first Peugeot 205 GTi was unleashed on our roads. A truly definitive hot-hatch in its day, under either 1.6 or 1.9 litre power, each subsequent incumbent of the Peugeot GTi throne has been dedicated to the very same pure, unadulterated driving thrills on a hot-hatch budget that characterised the unforgettable original. Competition has of course been pretty stiff over the years, with so many rival hot-hatches, the Fiesta ST, Clio Renaultsport and Polo GTI to name but a few, leaving a lasting impression in our hearts and childish grin on our faces.
Maybe this latest very special Peugeot GTi will have the same effect. Unveiled to celebrate this big milestone, the 208 GTi 30th is a limited edition optimised version of the popular 208 GTi which took to the road at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The headline grabber of the anniversary addition is undoubtedly the new 1.6-litre THP petrol engine which channels 221lb/ft of torque to the wheels and steps up the overall power to a symbolic 208bhp. The GTi 30th’s six-speed manual gearbox and Torsen diff are both borrowed from the sport-tuned RCZ R in order to squeeze out every last drop of performance possible from this more radical 208.
Other technical variations to the existing 208 GTi setup make this special edition a true driver’s hot-hatch. For example, traction control has been recalibrated and anti-roll reduced, whilst the GTi 30th also features a wider track and wheels, lower suspension and a new set of Brembo brakes. The end result is that this car hands control back to you. Your every input, reaction, and mistake are designed to be rewarded and punished in equal measure as automatic driving aid systems are dumbed down and replaced by pure pilot instincts. When 0-62mph is vanquished in just 6.5 seconds though, you will have no trouble in appreciating the stripped back and simplified Peugeot Sport engineering.
The 208 GTi 30th will be instantly recognisable sporting its two-tone livery, matt black at the front end contrasting sharply with the rear, finished in a glossy red. A similar design was first glimpsed on the Onyx Supercar Concept, but the GTi 30th is the first Peugeot production car to don this outfit. The same scheme is also available in pearl white and ruby red.
The matt treatment is also applied to the grille surround, door mirror shells, side skirts, wheel arch extensions and 18″ rims. At the rear, the rounded twin chrome exhausts are a nice upgrade over the standard GTi.
The 208 GTi 30th will make its official debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, with sales of this limited edition beginning in November.
Summer is indeed upon us and whilst here in the UK our blisteringly hot days are sporadically separated with sudden downpours at the moment, we are all still out in force down at the beach or lighting barbecues. It must be said that our weather can be a bit gloomy for the majority of the year but when the sun comes out, we make the most of it. Making the most of it is what the Citroen DS3 Cabrio DSport THP 155 is all about, providing refuge from the rain as well as some fun in the sun.
The Citroen DS3 relaunched the French businesses DS sub-brand back in 2009 and brought with it fresh design and a high quality interior. This hatchback aimed itself firmly in the direction of the very popular Mini, but whilst the Cooper harked back to its forefather, the DS3 was branded as being original and “anti-retro.” A few years down the line and sales have been good for Citroen leading to the expansion of the DS line, and more importantly for the companies future, a strong foothold in China. Again squaring up to the Mini, this convertible variant of the DS3 wants to be an object of desire.
Retaining the same funky aesthetic as its hatchback sibling, the Citroen DS3 Cabrio turns heads. Its highly stylised bodywork was finished in Arctic Steel on our test car and it looked great when teamed with its Infinite Blue contrasting roof. Ok, so the blue is a bit too purple for me but it stood out and that is what this car is about. It makes a statement about individualism and is proud to be different.
This Citroen DS3 Cabrio DSport THP 155 interior was also finished in the same blue/purple of the roof. Bolstered seating initiates a sporty feel to the cabin along with the carbon fibre effect dashboard trim. Just like the standard car, its insides are beautifully finished and things such as the instrument panel are as detailed as a Swiss watch. The centre console is starting to show its age a bit but still functions well in tandem with the large infotainment display. Hook your iPhone up to the premium sound system via Bluetooth and enjoy your summer playlist. Rear passengers have an adequate amount of space for their heads, all the same, leg room can be a bit confined dependant on who is sitting in the front. Hit the button just aft of the interior mirror and the fabric centre panel begins to retract. As it folds up upon itself you can treat it like a sunroof or have it open the whole length of the car. There is another position for the roof which also folds down the rear windscreen for the ultimate top-down experience, however, this reduces rear visibility to zero. The boot is plenty big enough, but what isn’t is its opening. Thanks to the roof design it opens vertically like a an old drinks cabinet revealing a small rectangular gap to put objects through. Whilst the boot is a good size, you are limited by what will fit into the postbox opening.
Power comes from a 153BHP 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine which gives this Cabrio a 0-62MPH time of 8.2 seconds. The car feels brisk under acceleration, particularly once the turbo has spooled up. There is a bit of turbo lag at low revs but nothing unforgivable. Whilst the sun beating down into the cabin is lovely, people in the know are aware that taking the roof off of a car tends to result in less favourable handling. This sin’t the case for the S3 as it retains its structural rigidity by keeping its pillars and roof frame. There isn’t a hint of flex in the chassis meaning that you can throw the Cabrio about just like you would the hatchback. A lack of understeer due to good levels of grip makes driving this car on some twisty roads enjoyable. The six speed manual gearbox has a nice throw to it and the brakes are responsive. On the motorway you might want to put the roof up unless you enjoy a hurricane in the cabin, there is only so much its little wind deflector can do above 50MPH. Set the cruise control and the Citroen DS3 Cabrio DSport THP 155 is happy to motor along all day. The roof stands firm and doesn’t flap at any speed. Heading back into a more urban environment you can appreciate its well weighted steering and good visibility, as long as you don’t have the roof fully retracted. Overall we achieved 45MPG which is actually very close to what Citroen claim the DS3 can do officially at 47.9MPG.
The Citroen DS3 Cabrio DSport THP 155 is a real feel good car. With the roof down on a nice day it is thoroughly enjoyable whilst wafting along the south coast. However, and arguable more important, it behaves itself when the weather becomes a bit more traditionally British.
Peugeot have made some iconic cars throughout its history. The 205 GTI and 106 Rallye are good examples of very honest French performance models that even today are regarded as being amongst the very best in class. Fast Peugeots used to be something young guns like myself aspired to own, but for a while the company has lost its “mojo” and their quick models have been distinctly middle of the road. However, this new Peugeot RCZ R could well be the moment we have all been waiting for. A red hot Peugeot that is capable of kicking some serious backside.
Immediately the RCZ R makes a statement of intent being the most powerful production Peugeot ever. The 1.6 litre turbocharged unit produces 270BHP and 243lb ft of torque which is sent to the front wheels via 6 speed manual transmission. 0-62MPH is completed in just 5.9 seconds and it will go onto a top speed of 155MPH. Make no mistake, this is not an ordinary RCZ.
The low slung coupe that we tested appeared sinister in its Mercury Grey metallic paint and black detailing. A fixed rear wing, red badging and a fantastic set of alloy wheels denote the R from a standard car, although it does retain its signature double-bubble roof which we love. It is a serious looking machine and as we found out, it’s not all show and no go…
Its not just the exterior that has had a good going over. Inside you will find a pair of chunky leather and alcantara racing seats that are sublime. They feel very substantial and take a good hold of your ribs and shoulders. Obligatory R badging highlights that this car was not just some back room project, but was actually the responsibility of the famous Peugeot Sport division. Contrasting red stitching finishes off the the cockpit.
The moment you turn the key this cars fruity exhaust note will please any ear it encounters, but potter about sensibly and you will notice that its a reasonably comfortable and refined ride. But let’s be honest, you don’t want to read about that. Mash the noisy pedal and you will be sucked back into those supportive seats charging though the gears with nice short throws. The RCZ is brisk throughout the rev range but above 2,000RPM when the turbo is completely on song, it absolutely takes off. A limited slip differential reduces torque steer allowing this machine to achieve those impressive aforementioned figures. Its not just rapid in a straight line. There is plenty of grip on offer, even in the more challenging road conditions we were faced with, which gives the driver great confidence in the cars ability. Another thing that will allow you to push the RCZ R faster are its responsive brakes that invite you to leave putting the stoppers on even later. There is very little lateral body movement as the car picks its way through sweeping corners, and the well weighted steering combined with keen turn-in means you can place it right on the apex of even the most demanding bends.
We were very impressed with the Peugeot RCZ R. This car exemplifies the turnaround from Peugeot we had been hoping for. Our car came to £32,000 which for the level of performance on offer and the handling to match isn’t too unreasonable. Peugeot even claim that it will return 44.8MPG. Conditions didn’t allow us to extract all of this cars potential on our first drive, but we hope to be back in the drivers seat for a full review at some point in the future.
One, two, three, four, I declare a hot hatch war! The past few years have seen some of the fastest and most furious front wheel drive performance cars since their heyday before the millennium. These feisty little cars may have started life as 
something your neighbour ferries the kids to school in, but in their bumped-up ASBO inducing state they are just are much fun to drive in the real world, on real roads, as a well sorted sports car. Here we have three of the best money can buy… Can the new 2014 Mini Cooper be the new kid on the block who conquers all? Will the Ford Fiesta ST be as impressive in comparison as it is in solitude? Can the Renaultsport Clio 200 Turbo really win this without a manual gearbox? Mini Cooper S VS Fiesta ST VS Clio 200 RS.
Although what is written on paper serves no other purpose other than fuelling bragging down at the pub, let’s take a look at the numbers. The Renaultsport Clio 200 RS churns out 197BHP from its 1.6 litre turbocharged engine and will hit 62MPH from standing in 6.7 seconds. Ford’s Fiesta ST gets 179BHP from its 1.6 turbo but that rises to 197BHP when on overboost. 0-62MPH in 6.9 seconds. The all-new Mini Cooper S splits the difference at 189BHP with the same capacity turbocharged engine and 62MPH in 6.8 seconds. Renault may claim an early victory here, but that is down to its quick shifting paddle gearbox and not its power advantage thanks to its weight.
Visually each car has its own unique image. This Ford Fiesta ST is your typical Essex boy racer affair, the Renault is more stylised and sophisticated. The Mini stands out, this being a key selling point of the car, and oozes character with its big wide eyed expression. This all comes down to personal preference and for me it is the Mini. It might be bigger than the last one, but there is something a bit “cheeky chappy” about the way it stands out. Some will disagree, but much like art, you are entitled to your opinion.
On the road all three are great fun to drive. All welcome a good spanking down a country road and each keenly turns in to complex bends. However, on the grounds of driver involvement the Clio takes third place. Whilst it does handle very well and is by far the most comfortable of the three, the lack of manual gearbox and clutch makes for a weaker link between man and machine. Yes, the paddles are good fun for when you want to feel like Sebastian Vettel, but there are just those times as a driving enthusiast when you want to heel and toe. The Mini comes a very close second with excellent body control and real shove upon corner exit. In its sportiest setting the crackling from the exhaust spurs you on as you drive into a sharp corner. It truly is a great bit of kit! However, it is the Ford Fiesta ST which is the undisputed king. With all of the drama of induction noise and that surge of torque, its sub-par cabin is soon forgotten about. Throw it into a corner and it dives in like a dog chasing a ball. Cocking one of its rear tyres, your menacing grin is clear proof that it is the the top dog of this pack.
The Fiesta is also the biggest bargain of the three at just £16,995. £18,655 will buy you all of the charm the 2014 Mini Cooper S has to offer and £18,995 for the most basic Clio Renaultspot.
Whilst each car has its merits, when it comes down to it, the thrill of driving a hot hatchback is what matters. Thrills are something that the Ford Fiesta ST delivers in buckets.
Check out our full review of all three cars here.
Some things in life will never be all that sexy. Concrete, potato peelers, your washing machine. They all just do a job and so have no desire to be eye-catching in any way, shape or form. Big people carriers can be added to this list as usually they are just a means to an end. If you need to transport 7 people there is no way around it, you will require one. Manufacturers have tried to make them more appealing by branding them “MPV” but in terms of not looking like a taxi driver, it might as well be R.I.P. That was until Citroen’s new Picasso came along… 2014 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso Exclusive e-HDi 115 Airdream.
Looking like some sort of spaceship or ornament in one of those trendy wine bars, the Grand Picasso sets itself apart from all of its rivals with its intriguing aesthetic. There is no getting away from the fact that this is a big car, but within this vast shape there are some fantastic details that make it look more upperclass as opposed to backstreet business. The thin band of of LED lights that join its chromed grill and interlinking badge gives this 7 seater a unique face that is instantly recognisable even in the dark. Its deep taillights on the cars rump are almost concept car-like in their intricacy. This sculpture is completed by a wrap around roof rail, again a brilliant blend of both form and function.
Inside this top specification Exclusive model is a cabin unrivalled by any other people carrier. Not only is there an immense amount of space on offer, but the intricacy of aluminium detailing on vents, soft touch surfaces and a large touchscreen display all reinforce this as a premium product. The shapely heated and massaging seats are reminiscent of what Citroen offer in their DS models. This cars big panoramic windscreen and glass roof allow endless amounts of natural light to enter and vanquish dark spaces. The middle row seats three in individual chairs that each recline. Leg room is plentiful and if you find headroom to be a bit on the cramped side you should medically be declared a giant. Its boot is more than capable of swallowing a couple of pushchairs as well as a big family shop, but neatly hidden in the floor are the final two seats which are erected with one clean easy movement. Whilst these are a bit cramped for adults, they are perfectly suited for children. The 2014 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso Exclusive e-HDi 115 Airdream treasure trove of toys including DAB radio, Bluetooth, internet capabilities, flooding tables and infinite storage spaces spoil occupants for choice.
With the key in your pocket all you have to do is hit the starter button and the 1.6 litre turbo diesel hums into life. At low speed the controls are light, perfect for manoeuvring such a big car around town, but the steering does have good weight to it through corners. Obviously we can’t expect sports car levels of feel through the wheel, but you get just enough to know what direction the wheels are pointing. Visibility is exceptional with the cars big windows, mirrors and skinny a pillars all working together. Our test car was also equipped with a 360 degree mode, that by using multiple cameras on the car, produces a birds eye view of the vehicle whilst parking. That said, if the space is particularly tight you could always let the Picasso park itself. Just tell it to measure the gap and it will happily do all of the steering required to get you into or out of even the trickiest parallel or bay park. Over bumps the Picasso remains composed even when confronted with the most vicious speed bumps. Around tight corners there is an expected level of body roll but a good amount of grip is also to be found. On the motorway the drive is tranquil and smooth. The the main noise you hear is the wind but it isn’t overly intrusive. Simply set the cruise control and relax, the Grand Picasso is perfect for long journeys. So, it all sounds peachy for this car then… Well, it does have one achilles heel. The 6 speed manual gearbox is quite notchy and sometimes pops back out of gear. This is a great shame as its the only real fault I could find with this car. My recommendation would be for the automatic of which we tested in the five seat Picasso.
Citroen have produced a very fine car indeed in the 2014 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso Exclusive e-HDi 115 Airdream. Once you get past the initial bit of turbo lag the diesel engine pulls well proving to be a good choice of power unit. With all of the toys our test car had the price tag came to £29,750. However, if you are feeling less extravagant the basic price is a more reasonable £25,655. Citroen continue their French revolution.
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