Trading Places - Hot Hatches

Audi S3 vs BMW 130i M Sport vs Volkswagen Golf R32

Decided that you want something a little smaller than that SUV? Then what could be more fun than buying a hot hatchback – especially as trading down doesn’t mean going without those little luxuries you’ve come to expect. In fact, the market for the ‘posh GTI’ is really beginning to take off thanks to the recent arrival of players from Audi, BMW and Volkswagen...

Given current uncertainty over Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and the media feeding frenzy pillorying anyone who with the temerity to choose to drive an SUVs or executive saloon – it’s no surprise that many customers are contemplating downsizing to a performance hatchback.

With premium players now confidently entering this market with their weapons of choice, there’s never been a better time to by a prestige hot hatch and, for anyone who thinks modern cars are becoming more alike as manufacturers come up with the same solutions to age-old problems, then looking at the spec sheets of our three protagonists will be a real eye opener.

BMW’s offering – the 130i M Sport – uses the age-old formula of allying a grunty large capacity engine, and taking its drive to the rear wheels only. Volkswagen’s Golf R32 uses a similarly well-endowed engine, but it delivers power through a clever four-wheel drive transmission system. The quattro drive train Audi S3 does that, too, but its engine is more mainstream – a blown four-pot, based on the TFSI power unit of the well-regarded Golf GTI.

So, given such a wide range of delicious motors with the right amount of pace and prestige, is choosing the right premium hot hatch for you a straightforward process?

Audi S3

The trouble with creating an all time icon only really occurs when the time comes to replace it. Don’t believe us? Then consider the fortunes of the fast Audis since the Ur-quattro was phased out in 1990 after a long and glorious career.

A succession of hot saloons wearing the ‘S’ badge have come and gone, and all of them seem to have lived in the shadow of the original car. However, this time around the S3 promises to up the game significantly, and following hard on the heels of the fantastic new TT, it’s looking a good bet that the S-Series Audi will finally shed itself of the reputation for aloof dynamics that has plagued the company for so long.

Before it even turns a wheel – the S3 deeply impresses. Static quality is something that Audi has never struggled at, but with its new entrant, the company has raised the bar yet again. Exterior styling is tough and distinctive – and clamber inside, you’ll enjoy an ergonomic master class that places the S3 at least a sector above the opposition gathered here…

However, not only does the S3 walk the walk, but it talks the talk – powered by a modified version of the turbocharged 1984cc TFSI motor as used in the Golf GTI, the addition of stronger internals, a new head and harder pushing turbo, power is boosted to 261bhp at 6000rpm. Reining in all that power, are an updated Haldex four-wheel-drive system, toughened suspension, along with bigger wheels and brakes.

It works too – on the road, the S3’s visual promise is exceeded. Straight line performance is excellent, with a 0-60mph time of 6 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph, but the confidence inspiring chassis means that the driver can cover ground exceptionally quickly, once the going gets tougher.

You’ll always be reminded of the S3’s sporting pedigree – thanks to the firm suspension settings – but it’s a price worth paying when one considers the dynamic genius on offer on the menu.

At £27k new, and with pre-owned examples still commanding near-list it’s not a cheap option, but as a replacement for your two-year old X5, it’s going to seem very reasonably priced, without feeling as though you’re trading down in any one area… As a performance car for the real world it has a huge range of appeal. It’s fast, handles way better than we expected, looks good in a subtle kind of way and oozes desirability from every corner. You can’t lose.

BMW 130i M Sport

Within any sector of the premium market, it’s a fair bet that BMW will have it covered with the predictably driver focused option. Despite being a relative newcomer to the hatchback market, the company has already firmly established itself in this enviable position with the 1-Series.

However, unlike the premium option from Audi, which has all the style and elegance of a catwalk model dressed in Chanel, the 1-Series is closer to a school dinner lady in last week’s tabard. Undoubtedly, it’s a challenging looking steed, with odd proportions, but don’t let that put you off, if you’re into good old-fashioned rear wheel drive fun.

And how. Ever since the boys combined the smallest BMW with the latest 3.0-litre straight-six engine producing 258bhp, and added in a chassis dialled-in by the most talented automotive engineers, we’ve been looking at the re-definition of he term ‘hot hatchback’. In reality, it’s no such thing, because in layout and design, it’s more like a coupe with four doors – if only it wasn’t so damned ugly.

Inside, it also seems to lack the immediate class of the Audi, but the fundamentals are absolutely fine, with a perfect driving position and faultless ergonomics. However, it’s a bit plain to look at, so make sure you take a long test drive before deciding you’ve been put off.

Do this, and you’ll not be disappointed. The engine is a gem, pulling strongly from low revs, and delivering real punch whenever you need it – with a satisfying soundtrack to boot. It’s a smooth beast though, and that might lull the driver into thinking that this car isn’t that quick – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Acceleration is a match for the rapid Audi, and the top speed is identically limited.

The driving experience is heightened by superb dynamics, too – the controls are all beautifully weighted, but don’t feel you need to pay extra for the Active Steering, as it limits driver feedback, despite being too clever for its own good. The M Sport suspension set-up is uncompromisingly firm and harshly damped, so if you’re citybound, bear this in mind – despite the obvious advantages when you start to press on.

New, it’s not cheap either, especially once you start ticking boxes on the options list, but go down the Approved Used route, and you can get behind the wheel of a good example from around £19,000. Despite that, we love the 130i M Sport – and unlike the polished S3, you’re buying into a flawed work of art. It’s utterly brilliant in places, and hopeless in others.

Volkswagen Golf R32

GTI: here are three letters that can cause the heartbeat of any car enthusiast to flutter just a little more intensely. Stick those on the boot lid of a Volkswagen Golf, and even a grown man will cry in appreciation. However, before the current turbocharged version appeared, the car was getting ever lardier, and the brand was suffering as a result. So much so, that when a Mk IV V6 powered Super- Golf turned up, they decided to call it the R32 instead.

This time around, the GTI has proved to be a real firecracker, and that’s meant Volkswagen has needed to work doubly hard to brew-up a worthy R32 Super-Golf – otherwise, what would be the point? The ingredients are all there – a 3.2-litre V6 engine, 4Motion four-wheel drive with a Haldex clutch and the resulting cocktail is the fastest, most powerful production Golf ever.

It’s a subtle looker though, if you can get past the chintzy chrome-laden front end, and it has to be said, the Zolder-style 18-inch alloys look lovely. But somehow, it lacks the va-va-voom of the GTI, and that counts at this price level. Inside there are no such problems – its ergonomics, driving position and build quality are pacesetting – and although some people don’t view Volkswagen as a premium manufacturer, they will soon be convinced otherwise when they climb aboard the R32.

Powered by a 3189cc, alloy headed and quad-cam V6, maximum power is a rather useful 250bhp – enough to result in fine performance. Acceleration is up with the Audi – initially – with a 0-60mph time of 6 seconds dead, although the 1550kg kerb weight blunts the thrust as the speeds rise.

Handling is exemplary – it’s stiff, grippy and adjustable – and can shift into full rear-wheel drive mode thanks to the clever 4x4 system. If anything, it could do with more power, as it feels almost too urbane for its own good – excellent news at the end of a hard week in the office, but not so good if you want to play.

The R32 has been around for a couple of years now, but prices are still pretty strong, with Approved Used versions coming in at round £18,000. Like the alternatives here, it’s stiffly priced new, although unlike the BMW and Audi, you don’t need to go mad with the options. Another advantage for playing Golf is this – you have the choice of the wonderful six-speed DSG dual-clutch automated manual – a boon for those who like the additional sophistication.

Worth the premium?

These cars are fast, able and deliver all the badge you’d ever need, but with talented mainstream stuff on the market, such as the Focus ST (pictured), Megane R26 and Astra VXR coming in at well under £20K new, are the Germans really worth paying the extra for?

One drive of the Ford Focus ST should have you reaching for your chequebook straight away, because it’s fast and tuneful, and handles beautifully. The Astra VXR is even quicker, while the Megane can out handle the lot, too… points worth bearing in mind. However, the Focus remains at the top of the hot hatch pack in overall terms, but is it good enough to have potential 130i, S3 or R32 buyers away from their super hatches?

In terms of dynamics, you’d have to say yes – but open up the criteria to include the more real-world issues such as cabin quality, dealer back-up, residual values… and sheer feel-good factor, then the short term buzz provided by the Ford starts to go a little flat. Sometime there is no substitute for class.