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Carsales Staff24 Jul 2014
REVIEW

Pocket Rockets: Small Performance Car Comparison 2014

Ford Focus ST v MINI Cooper S v Renault Megane RS 265 v Subaru WRX v Volkswagen Golf GTI

Small Performance Car Comparison 2014

We would liked to have called this a Hot Hatch Comparison, but with Subaru now offering its WRX in sedan-only bodystyle, we’ve gone with the more mundane-sounding 'Small Performance Car' title.

Although, mundane isn’t exactly a word you’d normally associate with this fistful of fiery five-doors (er, yep... that doesn’t work either). With bang-for-your-buck ratios nearly as high as it gets, this quintet of high-powered heroes are an enticing proposition for any performance aficionado.

But, you don’t have to take our word for it. For in addition to our usual five-category comparison breakdown, we’ve enlisted the assistance of V8 Supercar driver and all-round nice guy, Luke Youlden.

Luke will put each of these competitors through their paces on-track while the remainder of the team focuses on the finer points of ownership, like build quality, value for money, technology and amenity levels.

We’ll also take each of the Small Performance Cars for a timed hot lap around our top-secret test track to see which one wins, and if indeed the fastest car here is the one you should buy.

words by -- Matt Brogan, Feann Torr, Adam Davis, Tim Britten, Nadine Armstong, Luke Youlden

motoring.com.au's 2014 Small Performance Car Comparison

High-performance hero history
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