The Ford Fiesta ST has a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 200hp and 320 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual, and it’s the lightest car here at 1,283 kg. Imagine the sensation of launching in this car: it’s like a terrier yanking at its leash the moment the clutch pops, eager and energetic. New, it costs about £27,000.
Next is the Volkswagen Polo GTI, with a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 207hp and 320 Nm. It uses a 7-speed automatic that drives the front wheels, weighs 1,296kg, and costs just over £31,000.
The MINI Cooper JCW is up next. It also has a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine, producing 231hp and 380Nm. Power goes to the front wheels through a 7-speed automatic; it weighs 1,330kg, and starts at £33,000.
The Alpine A290 GTS is the first electric car here. It uses a single electric motor that drives the front wheels, delivering 220hp and 300Nm. It weighs 1,479kg and costs about £37,000.
Now for the most powerful and most expensive car here: the Abarth 600e. It has a single motor with 280 hp and 345 Nm, all sent to the front wheels. It weighs 1,640kg and costs about £38,000.
Will one of the electric cars take an easy win, or can an ICE-powered car steal the show? There’s only one way to find out—let’s race!
Key Points…
- Ford Fiesta ST: Compact Performance: The Ford Fiesta ST features a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 200hp and 320 Nm, with a lightweight design of 1,283 kg and a starting price of about £27,000.
- Volkswagen Polo GTI: Strong Competitor: Equipped with a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 207hp and 320 Nm, the Polo GTI uses a 7-speed automatic transmission, weighs 1,296 kg, and costs just over £31,000.
- MINI Cooper JCW: High Power Hatch: The MINI Cooper JCW boasts a 2-litre turbo engine delivering 231hp and 380Nm, with a 7-speed automatic transmission, weighing 1,330kg, and starting at £33,000.
- Alpine A290 GTS: Electric Entry: This electric model has a single front-wheel-drive motor producing 220hp and 300Nm, weighs 1,479 kg, and is priced around £37,000.
- Abarth 600e: Most Powerful Electric Car: The Abarth 600e has a 280hp and 345Nm motor, weighs 1,640kg, sends power to the front wheels, and costs approximately £38,000.
