We have decided to do a comparison test on three of the latest and fashionable of today's hatchbacks.



The three hatchbacks being studied today consists of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR, the Mini Cooper S and the Renault Clio 2L.

It would appear from initial investigation that the new Vauxhall has design features and an overall impression that is way and above earlier models.

Developing 188bhp from a 1.6 L turbocharged diesel engine perhaps this is the first Vauxhall for some time to start actually marrying up power with good looks.

It is a sign of the times and an indication of how important the market is that he competition however is quite serious.

From an inauspicious start the Clio does start perform and with 194bhp coming from a 2 L engine once underway to car starts to fly (so to speak).

Producing 173bhp from a 1.6 L engine that is turbocharged, the Mini Cooper S. has more than enough grunt.

From a drivers perspective the Mini has stunning performance and lightning reactions. With regards to the Renault, it does appear to perform better the faster you go. Finally the Vauxhall has loads of performance and handles extremely well.

On the inside the poor plastic facia of the Mini Cooper does tend to let itself down whereas in the Renault though the interior may be a quality it was difficult to get yourself comfortable. With regards to the Vauxhall the interior design was great but at the cost all of compromised visibility.

One of the definitive issues that we needed to take a look at what's how much value for money was there actually in any of these cars. With a very small depreciation and a strong second hand price the Mini was a definite attraction as far as second-hand owners were concerned. The Vauxhall would have performed better being the cheapest car to purchase and potentially being better equipped but this was marred by sharply increased quite steep running costs

All three cars represent quite good value for money with possibly the Mini Cooper S edging it overall. The overall handling speed and performance of the Mini makes it very popular despite the fact that the interior plastics look cheap and the rear seats are tiny and the boot is negligible. One of the additional factors is that most of the extras for the Mini are quite expensive.

Set against this the Vauxhall is a good old rounder with excellent performance superb handling and an interior of excellent quality. Set against this unfortunately is the other role compromised visibility and the fact that they're all quite as many safety benefits and features as the other two.

Lastly the Renault comes in third which is a shame as the handling of the grip of the co-op is amazing, the engine performance and power of the car is quite outstanding once it's going. It is solidly built but you really have to work the car and engine hard to get the best out of it.