There’s a lot to be said for being part of a large family.

Take Volkswagen, Skoda and SEAT, all established names with the VW group and all have launched junior pocket rockets within the last twelve months that feature the same mechanical DNA. 

All three are built on the same platform, are powered by the same low-capacity 1.4-litre engine that’s both supercharged and turbocharged, and all get the slick seven-speed DSG gearbox. 

Yet, somehow, all manage to be the same, but have very different personalities at the same time.

SEAT Ibiza Cupra/Boccanegra

We kick off our hat-trick of hot-hatches with SEAT, the sporty arm of the Volkswagen group, who has built a reputation for producing cars with a dose of Spanish flair for motorists on a budget.

The Ibiza Cupra was the first of the v-dub group junior hothatches to break onto the scene, and was the first chance for the world’s motoring press to get behind the wheel of the peppy 178hp petrol unit with the sevenspeed DSG gearbox.

The Cupra doesn’t have a limited slip-differential, instead it’s got a clever XDS electronic system that limits wheel-spin and helps down the power when cornering. It’s a system that works impressively well, although approach a corner too quickly in the wet and the nose has a tendency to drift wide.

However, it’s considerably more sure-footed in the dry.

The previous generation Ibiza Cupra was widely criticised for having a ride that would shake your fillings out, but the latest incarnation is a far more viable proposition. It remains composed when pushed hard, but supple enough to absorb lumps and bumps at low speed. 

If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, then for another £700 there’s the option of the SEAT Ibiza Boccanegra (Spanish for ‘black mouth’) which features styling cues like sportier seats, different alloy wheels and a glossy front end.

Click here to see the SEAT Ibiza Cupra in action

SEAT Ibiza Cupra
Price: £15,995
Engine: 178hp 1.4-litre turbo/
supercharged
0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
Combined economy: 44.1 mpg

Skoda Fabia vRS

The latest Fabia is a major step away from the old model.

Firstly, and most significantly, is Skoda’s move to ditch the 1.9-litre diesel engine from its predecessor, favouring the low capacity turbo and supercharged power-plant instead.

The other main change is the styling, which is far more aggressive than the rather subtle looks we became accustomed to with the old model. It’s now available with the Fabia S2000 rally car inspired Rallye green, meaning you certainly won’t lose it in a crowded car park.

Other additions include LED running lights, a rear diffuser and lower suspension to help with handling. That reduction in the ride height means the Fabia is a hoot through corners at speed, especially when twinned with the accurate and well weighted steering and the XDS electronically limited slip differential.

Whereas the Ibiza Cupra is only available as a three-door, the Skoda is available as a five-door or as a sporty estate – handy for rush trips to the rubbish tip, which makes the decision slightly easier depending on how much practicality you need.

With prices starting at £15,700 the vRS represents the best value for money, undercutting the Ibiza by around £300 and the hot Polo by a staggering £2,300.

See the Skoda Fabia vRS for yourself at www.smokedout.co.uk

Skoda Fabia vRS
Price: £15,700
Engine: 178hp 1.4-litre turbo/
supercharged
0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
Combined economy: 45.6mpg

Volkswagen Polo GTi

THINK VOLKSWAGEN AND GTI AND only one car will ever spring to mind - the iconic Golf. But with the Polo GTi, Volkswagen has put together all the elements of the cult family hot-hatch and scaled it down. What’s left is a junior pocket rocket up there with the elite of its segment.

The Polo is certainly the best baby hot hatch offering to come from Volkswagen, with lots of styling elements more commonly associated with the hot Golf – one of the reasons it warrants such a hefty price tag. This is the most expensive hot-hatch of the trio, costing a whopping £2,300 more than the Fabia vRS - although the forthcoming hot Audi A1 is likely to cost more still.

It’s easy to see where the added expense comes from, a honeycomb grille, flat-bottom steeringwheel, those 17-inch alloy wheels and (optional) tartan seats really make the Polo feel like a baby Golf GTi. Performance wise, it slots inbetween the SEAT and Skoda, just 0.1 seconds slower than the Ibiza in the 0-60mph dash.

Unlike SEAT and Skoda variants, the Polo GTi is available with both three and five door bodystyles.

See it in action! Click here for a virtual road test of the Volkswagen Polo GTi

Volkswagen Polo GTi
Price: £18,000
Engine: 178hp 1.4-litre turbo/
supercharged
0-62mph: 6.9 seconds
Combined economy: 47mpg

Worth waiting for? – Audi S1

THAT’S NOT IT FOR THIS segment, as prestige brand Audi, who’s entered the supermini segment with its new A1 early in 2010, plans to launch a hot version that uses the 1.4-TSI powerplant and DSG gearbox, likely to be badged S1. Although it may be a more alluring badge, don’t expect it to be any cheaper than the Polo, more likely to be closer to the £19k price bracket – which is verging on VW Golf GTi money. The S1 is likely to be unveiled at the Paris Motorshow in September alongside a new convertible version, both of which will hit showrooms early next year.

Verdict

Whereas these cars are very similar, they offer something very different to each other, in terms of price, equipment and bodystyles, and with a fourth member of the VW family set to be launched soon, the choice is only going to get more complicated. One thing’s for sure.   These junior pocket rockets are great fun and easy for day-to-day living. But if it’s more extreme hot-hatch fun that’s top of your wish list, then the Renaultsport Clio 200 or MINI Cooper S should be your first port of call.

Nigel Swan

TO SEE MORE OF THESE HOT HATCHES check out www.smokedout.co.uk

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