![]() ![]() This four-wheel-drive car is far removed from the consumer line of Renault Clio models, as its specs sheet shows, with its roll cage, steel monocoque body, large rear wing, and 260-horsepower engine that produces 415 Nm of torque. The Clio Rall圓 first made an appearance at the French Gravel Rally Championship and has performed well in multiple rallies in Western Europe. However, if you want that extra bit of thunder in the saddle, you may wish to pay extra for the Mini John Cooper Works performance. The Mini is the ultimate reimagining of a classic vehicle, so if you like the idea of a 1960s icon with all the technological features and engineering excellence of a modern machine, you need to look no further than a Mini. There is even a cool-looking UK flag rear light cluster alluding to its British heritage. John Cooper Works models are also powerful, with a 228-horsepower engine in the standard two-door and a 301-horsepower block in the larger Countryman and Clubman options.Īs far as features are concerned, you can opt for F1-style paddle shifters, a bespoke ergonomic steering wheel, a racing body kit, sports exhaust, and a fully-adjustable Nitron suspension. However, this minor quibble aside, they are a good match when it comes to build quality and performance, having recently been acquired by BMW. While it is marketed as "the original street-legal go-kart," one thing that strikes us about the new Minis is that they are not especially small, especially when compared to their original counterpart. ![]() Its bucket racing seats oppose the AMG performance steering wheel, augmented reality navigation provides advanced traffic data on a 10.25-inch screen, and a premium sound system all let you know that you are driving something extra special in the AMG A 45 S. It is still very much a Mercedes, no matter how much you customize it, with its clean, sculpted lines and premium build quality, which extends to its interior. It quickly becomes apparent that this is no run-of-the-mill hatchback, as evidenced by its red racing flashes, large AMG livery, and even larger roof-mounted rear spoiler.ĭespite its racing heritage, sport features, and AMG badge, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S retains a good degree of elegance, as befits a brand of this heritage. With multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, the A 45 S will not disappoint when it comes to sheer driving pleasure, and its silky-smooth eight-speed dual-clutch transmission can be adjusted to change its characteristics to suit your driving style. Last but by no means least, it has a standard stick-shift transmission, which will please purists. It does have a slightly more sculpted exterior than its base model, with a spoiler, a large 13.2-inch touchscreen display on which you can prioritize high-performance instruments, and the always-present racing seats, so you know you are sitting in a faster vehicle. On the face of it, the Focus ST is, well, a Ford Focus, and it lacks the panache of top marques within the same segment. Its slip differential allows for fast cornering without loss of traction, and multiple driver modes cater to many road conditions and sporting pursuits. These include a 2.3-liter engine that produces 420 Nm of torque and reaches 62 mph in under six seconds. ![]() While it doesn't meet the same high standards as its German rivals Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, the Focus slips neatly into a fast-yet-affordable niche for those that want all the practical and fun benefits that hot hatches deliver without paying a premium price. ![]()
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