There has not been a greater time in recent years for purchasing a relatively affordable, yet fun and efficient hot hatch. We made a list of all of them here, which includes the three cars reviewed together by British magazine AutoExpress: Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi and Renault Clio RS.

All three are driven on a variety of road environments, and measuring equipment is used to gauge their performance figures, and compare them to the ones claimed by the manufacturer. They are judged according to what matters most for prospective buyers: driving fun and handling capability, power, value for money and efficiency.

These cars are all worthy buys in the segment, so your choice really depends on the order in which you place the characteristics listed just above. If value for money and handling are at the top of your list, then the Fiesta is the one to go for, while if you are looking for a more “grown up” feeling and a bit more technology (and power) either of the French cars is your safer bet.

Still, the British crew testing the vehicles out was most impressed by the blend of qualities offered by the Ford. Find out why, in detail, by scrolling down and clicking play.

By Andrei Nedelea

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