Motoring
Loud, fast & a little gaudy: 4 outrageously-styled hot hatches
You can't help but look twice when one of these hot hatchbacks rumbles past
1. FORD FOCUS RS
Nothing stood out quite like the Focus RS Mk2 - especially when it was licked that outrageous shade of nuclear-fallout green. Massive wheels and a huge rear spoiler added to the visual drama while that fabulously fruity, five-cylinder engine kept things exciting behind the wheel with 224kW and a massive 440Nm.2. RENAULT CLIO V6 SPORT
Just in case the Clio 172 Cup wasn't quick enough, Renault built the Clio V6. Back seats were swapped for a 184kW V6 engine and power was sent to the rear wheels instead of the front. It was a hot and heavy handful with a mean streak - one that was reflected in its ultra-aggressive exterior styling makeover.3. MINI COOPER S JOHN COOPER WORKS GP
Never has such a small motor been given such a big name. Regardless, the GP remains one of the best performance Minis built. Like a 911 GT3 it was stripped of all fat, which helped burn about 50kg . A healthy power boost and mad bodykit made it feel like a street-legal racing car.4. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI W12-650
Unveiled at the GTI Festival in 2007, this was a concept car like no other. Unlike most concept cars, it actually ran. Powered by a 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine nicked from the Bentley Continental GT, it proved to be the fastest Golf ever made, with a top speed of 325km/h. 100km/h came in 3.7-seconds...
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