Unless you were hiding under a rock you’d know that the throwback Fiat 500 was receiving some special treatment from Abarth.

Visually attractive, the package has some substance with a Petrol 1.4L 16v Turbo engine, pumping out 135 bhp (99 kW) @ 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode (who cares about ‘normal’ mode specs). Suspension has also been overhauled with a change up with springs, dampers and rollbar. Abarth are also set to release a SS Assetto Corsa version of the Abarth so it’ll surely pump up the chest a little further.

Check out the TopGear article here, more pictures and the official press release available after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Auto Express have taken a couple of my favourite cars for a spin, the new LV Focus ST and the Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring edition.

As touched upon previously, the new LV Focus ST is essentially a design upgrade although it does sport some new touches with keyless entry and starter ignition button.

The VXR Nurburgring major tweaks include cosmetic updates such as carbon fibre accents internally, a brilliant white skin including 18″ alloys, chequered decals and an acoustic upgrade with a Remus sports exhaust.

Both are in the top echelon of the hot hatch race making each review well worth a quick squiz alongside plenty of pictures.

• Ford Focus ST - First Drive
• Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring - First Drive

Paul Maric of CarAdvice.com.au, a stellar online blog covering the Australian motoring industry has had the joy of taking The Stig’s favourite hot hatch for a spin around the block to gain some practical insight on the latest European built import, Honda’s Civic Type-R.

First impressions are very positive with a full report available @ CarAdvice. As with all hot hatches reaching the Australia shores (generally in small quantities), the Civic Type-R is going to sell quickly with it’s uniquely modern styling and pricing that slides right in with the competition, namely the Golf GTI, Mazda 3 MPS, Ford XR5 Turbo & HSV VXR.

Autocar.co.uk recently completed a super road test for the hot hatch class of 2007. This class included offerings from Honda, RenaultSport, Ford, Mazda, Seat, VW, Vauxhal, Mini, Fiat, Peugeot and Audi.

A solid viewing although unfortunately the 6:20 seconds doesn’t provide the time for further insight which I’m sure we all would have appreciated.

Auto Express have taken the new Peugeot 207 GTi for a spin commenting on it’s rather underwhelming attempt at being a hot hatch. Whilst priced competitively at £14,995 the 1.6L Turbo engine shared with the BMW Mini Cooper S is rather underwhelming in the GTi.

With a 210bhp variant coming from Peugeot in the near future those search for a GTi with heat in it’s bones would be best served to wait.

Full article available @ AutoExpress