Potholes "are road security priority" - Confused.com

29/04/13

By David Clement

Drivers frustrated by the increasing issue of potholes on Britain’;s roads should not necessarily blame their regional authority, according to investigation by a road security charity.

Improving road surfaces and lowering the number of potholes is the best road security priority for councillors, according to the survey carried out by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

But the majority of nearby councillors said price range cuts are having a unfavorable influence on roads.

3-quarters (74 per cent) of councillors placed potholes in their leading 5 road-security priorities.

Yet 61 per cent consider the budgets for repairing them will reduce or remain the identical.

Fifty-8 per cent of regional councillors agree that price range cuts are obtaining a damaging effect on roads and road security, with 1 in 4 strongly agreeing.

And even though councillors named transport as a priority, half of them thought their transport spending budget would reduce in the subsequent year.

The charity’;s chief executive, Simon Best, mentioned the benefits showed the key political parties provide the electorate various transport priorities.

Conservative councillors are much more likely to focus on road building, road surfaces and automobile parking.

Labour councillors seem to be much more most likely to prioritise road security and the use of public transport.

Liberal Democrats are much more likely to concentrate on cycling and walking.

Some 59 per cent of councillors assistance 20mph speed limits (with 15 per cent supporting 20mph for most urban roads) and 29 per cent think the government’;s policies have been bad for road security.

IAM located those elected in the north of England have been more likely to be anticipate cuts, with their counterparts in the south much less most likely to report reductions in their transport budgets.

Mr Greatest stated it was excellent that so a lot of local councillors identified potholes as a priority, as this reflects the concern felt by motorists.

He called on councillors to put up a stronger fight to shield road safety budgets.

And he warned: “More have to be completed to repair our roads just before the backlog of repairs becomes unmanageable.”

Potholes "are road security priority" - Confused.com

Fall in Christmas drink-drivers - Confused.com

17/01/13

By Angela Rees

The Christmas anti-drink-drive message appears to have got through to motorists as fewer men and women failed a breath test than the year ahead of.

Regardless of police testing a lot more drivers in England and Wales in December than the identical period in 2011, the failure or refusal price fell from 7,124 out of 156,569 tested (4.55 per cent) to 7,123 out of 175,831, down to 4.05 per cent.

The figures incorporated a fall among young drivers aged 20-24, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) stated. Far more than 1,000 much more drivers in the age category have been breath-tested in December 2012 compared with 2011, but with 104 fewer young drivers failing tests.

Even so, the 2012 figures all round have been nonetheless larger than in December 2010 when 6,662 (3.91 per cent) failed or refused out of a total of 170,552.

ACPO’;s roads policing head, deputy chief constable Suzette Davenport, said: “It’;s good to see that however once more the majority of drivers are accountable and sensible. Our outcomes show that by far the majority of drivers stopped did not drink or take drugs and drive. We made it definitely clear to drivers ahead of Christmas that we would be stepping up our efforts to breathalyse them. It is encouraging to see the message has got by means of to even a lot more drivers than final year.”

Regardless of the achievement of the Christmas campaign, she pledged that police would continue to concentrate on the “modest but considerable” number who believe they can risk their own lives, and the lives of other individuals, by driving under the influence.

AA president Edmund King stated numerous campaigns appeared to have had a positive impact more than Christmas but issued a note of caution, saying the number of young drivers failing breath tests was nonetheless as well higher and police tactics varied considerably up and down the nation.

“Even though there was a reduction in the quantity of below-25s testing optimistic, the proportion of optimistic tests (5.27 per cent) was higher than for the over-25s (3.39 per cent),” he said. “The North Wales force, which represents a population of 675,000 men and women, tested much more than 18,000 drivers. In comparison, the South Wales force, which represents 1.2 million men and women, only tested 3,703.”

Road security minister Stephen Hammond warned motorists that they should be in no doubt that if they get behind the wheel after drinking they danger losing their licence, as nicely as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

He mentioned the Government is organizing to streamline enforcement and tighten the law so drink-drivers will have “nowhere to hide”, and that the figures show the police are “cracking down on the irresponsible minority who continue to ignore the law”.

Fall in Christmas drink-drivers - Confused.com

Fall in Christmas drink-drivers - Confused.com

17/01/13

By Angela Rees

The Christmas anti-drink-drive message appears to have got through to motorists as fewer people failed a breath test than the year prior to.

In spite of police testing more drivers in England and Wales in December than the very same period in 2011, the failure or refusal rate fell from 7,124 out of 156,569 tested (4.55 per cent) to 7,123 out of 175,831, down to 4.05 per cent.

The figures incorporated a fall amongst young drivers aged 20-24, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) mentioned. A lot more than 1,000 much more drivers in the age category had been breath-tested in December 2012 compared with 2011, but with 104 fewer young drivers failing tests.

Nonetheless, the 2012 figures overall were still higher than in December 2010 when 6,662 (3.91 per cent) failed or refused out of a total of 170,552.

ACPO’;s roads policing head, deputy chief constable Suzette Davenport, stated: “It’;s excellent to see that but once more the majority of drivers are responsible and sensible. Our results show that by far the majority of drivers stopped did not drink or take drugs and drive. We produced it definitely clear to drivers prior to Christmas that we would be stepping up our efforts to breathalyse them. It is encouraging to see the message has got by way of to even far more drivers than last year.”

Despite the achievement of the Christmas campaign, she pledged that police would continue to concentrate on the “little but important” number who think they can risk their personal lives, and the lives of other people, by driving under the influence.

AA president Edmund King mentioned different campaigns appeared to have had a good effect over Christmas but issued a note of caution, saying the quantity of young drivers failing breath tests was nonetheless too higher and police tactics varied significantly up and down the nation.

“Even even though there was a reduction in the number of below-25s testing constructive, the proportion of optimistic tests (5.27 per cent) was larger than for the over-25s (3.39 per cent),” he mentioned. “The North Wales force, which represents a population of 675,000 men and women, tested much more than 18,000 drivers. In comparison, the South Wales force, which represents 1.2 million folks, only tested 3,703.”

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond warned motorists that they should be in no doubt that if they get behind the wheel soon after drinking they danger losing their licence, as properly as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

He said the Government is organizing to streamline enforcement and tighten the law so drink-drivers will have “nowhere to hide”, and that the figures show the police are “cracking down on the irresponsible minority who continue to ignore the law”.

Fall in Christmas drink-drivers - Confused.com

Fall in Christmas drink-drivers - Confused.com

17/01/13

By Angela Rees

The Christmas anti-drink-drive message appears to have got by means of to motorists as fewer people failed a breath test than the year before.

Despite police testing far more drivers in England and Wales in December than the same period in 2011, the failure or refusal rate fell from 7,124 out of 156,569 tested (4.55 per cent) to 7,123 out of 175,831, down to 4.05 per cent.

The figures incorporated a fall amongst young drivers aged 20-24, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) stated. A lot more than 1,000 much more drivers in the age category have been breath-tested in December 2012 compared with 2011, but with 104 fewer young drivers failing tests.

Nonetheless, the 2012 figures overall were still greater than in December 2010 when 6,662 (3.91 per cent) failed or refused out of a total of 170,552.

ACPO’;s roads policing head, deputy chief constable Suzette Davenport, said: “It’;s great to see that however once again the majority of drivers are accountable and sensible. Our outcomes show that by far the majority of drivers stopped did not drink or take drugs and drive. We produced it completely clear to drivers ahead of Christmas that we would be stepping up our efforts to breathalyse them. It is encouraging to see the message has got via to even far more drivers than final year.”

Regardless of the achievement of the Christmas campaign, she pledged that police would continue to concentrate on the “modest but important” quantity who believe they can risk their own lives, and the lives of other individuals, by driving below the influence.

AA president Edmund King said a variety of campaigns appeared to have had a optimistic effect over Christmas but issued a note of caution, saying the quantity of young drivers failing breath tests was nevertheless too high and police tactics varied significantly up and down the country.

“Even although there was a reduction in the quantity of beneath-25s testing good, the proportion of good tests (5.27 per cent) was larger than for the over-25s (3.39 per cent),” he said. “The North Wales force, which represents a population of 675,000 men and women, tested more than 18,000 drivers. In comparison, the South Wales force, which represents 1.2 million individuals, only tested 3,703.”

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond warned motorists that they ought to be in no doubt that if they get behind the wheel right after drinking they danger losing their licence, as properly as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

He mentioned the Government is organizing to streamline enforcement and tighten the law so drink-drivers will have “nowhere to hide”, and that the figures show the police are “cracking down on the irresponsible minority who continue to ignore the law”.

Fall in Christmas drink-drivers - Confused.com

Fall in Christmas drink-drivers - Confused.com

17/01/13

By Angela Rees

The Christmas anti-drink-drive message appears to have got through to motorists as fewer men and women failed a breath test than the year prior to.

In spite of police testing far more drivers in England and Wales in December than the identical period in 2011, the failure or refusal price fell from 7,124 out of 156,569 tested (4.55 per cent) to 7,123 out of 175,831, down to 4.05 per cent.

The figures integrated a fall among young drivers aged 20-24, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) stated. More than 1,000 much more drivers in the age category had been breath-tested in December 2012 compared with 2011, but with 104 fewer young drivers failing tests.

Nonetheless, the 2012 figures general were nevertheless larger than in December 2010 when 6,662 (3.91 per cent) failed or refused out of a total of 170,552.

ACPO’;s roads policing head, deputy chief constable Suzette Davenport, said: “It’;s great to see that yet again the majority of drivers are responsible and sensible. Our outcomes show that by far the majority of drivers stopped did not drink or take drugs and drive. We made it totally clear to drivers ahead of Christmas that we would be stepping up our efforts to breathalyse them. It is encouraging to see the message has got via to even a lot more drivers than last year.”

In spite of the good results of the Christmas campaign, she pledged that police would continue to concentrate on the “small but important” number who think they can threat their own lives, and the lives of other individuals, by driving beneath the influence.

AA president Edmund King said numerous campaigns appeared to have had a constructive effect more than Christmas but issued a note of caution, saying the number of young drivers failing breath tests was still also high and police tactics varied considerably up and down the country.

“Even although there was a reduction in the quantity of under-25s testing optimistic, the proportion of optimistic tests (5.27 per cent) was greater than for the more than-25s (3.39 per cent),” he stated. “The North Wales force, which represents a population of 675,000 men and women, tested a lot more than 18,000 drivers. In comparison, the South Wales force, which represents 1.2 million individuals, only tested 3,703.”

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond warned motorists that they ought to be in no doubt that if they get behind the wheel following drinking they threat losing their licence, as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

He mentioned the Government is preparing to streamline enforcement and tighten the law so drink-drivers will have “nowhere to hide”, and that the figures show the police are “cracking down on the irresponsible minority who continue to ignore the law”.

Fall in Christmas drink-drivers - Confused.com

UK drivers left behind on LPG vehicles - Confused.com

01/05/13

By Ian Lewis

British motorists are being left in the slow lane when it comes to being supplied vehicles that can run on cheaper liquid petroleum gas (LPG), it really is becoming claimed.

Autogas Ltd, an LPG provide firm, says if producers made LPG-capable automobiles much more extensively accessible in the UK the move could aid drivers reduce their motoring fees by up to 40 per cent, as effectively as boost sales and advantage the atmosphere.

Though drivers in Europe can buy new LPG-capable vehicles direct from numerous showrooms no makers are providing new ones on this side of the Channel, regardless of the fuel becoming sold for not considerably much more than half the cost of diesel, according to Autogas.

And with LPG-capable cars also capable to run on standard unleaded petrol motorists would have an unlimited mileage range regardless of some garages not stocking the fuel.

An Autogas survey suggests that 97 per cent of the UK drivers who have had their cars converted to run on LPG are organizing to at some point replace them with one more than can advantage from the lower fuel bills. Despite the fact that the fuel doesn’;t give motorists as numerous miles to the gallon as traditional fuel the price tag distinction would still produce huge savings, the firm says.

Its general manager, Linda Gomersall, mentioned companies have been overlooking UK motorists by only providing petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid models as an alternative of the LPG-capable choice extensively accessible to millions of drivers on the continent.

She mentioned that manufacturers had been failing to give British drivers the exact same option as their European counterparts in spite of investing millions of pounds a year on establishing electric and hybrid automobiles.

She added: “By offering these automobiles here, drivers would be capable to benefit from reduced operating charges, the impact to the environment would be decreased and companies could sell a lot more vehicles. It really is a win-win predicament!”

UK drivers left behind on LPG vehicles - Confused.com

AA reports lull as fuel fees rise - Confused.com

21/06/13

By James O’;Brien

The AA has revealed fuel costs are after once more on the rise, with diesel motorists suffering far more than drivers who fill up with petrol.

The typical expense of petrol in Britain has gone up from 133.35p per litre in the middle of Could to 134.61p in the middle of this month. In the course of that time, the price of diesel has increased from 138.17p per litre to 139.16p.

The most pricey petrol can be located in Northern Ireland, with a litre normally costing 135.8p. Drivers in London benefit from the cheapest petrol, which fees 134.61p per litre on average.

Northern Ireland is also home to the most expensive diesel at 139.8p per litre, with London and south-west England at the other end of the scale with a common price of 139.1p.

The AA has described the steady enhance in typical petrol prices as “something of a lull” following significant modifications in costs in the final year. Even so, it stated retailers have usually been “creaming up to £1 a tank additional off diesel automobile drivers and up to £1.40 a tank additional off diesel van owners” in 2013.

The AA added: “At present, the 1p-a-litre premium that fuel stations are generally adding to the price of diesel adds 5,500 miles to the break-even point for a new car buyer who chooses diesel rather of petrol.

“Diesel automobiles generally price £1,500 far more but the saving from much better fuel efficiency must at some point recoup that.”

AA president Edmund King pointed to “considerably greater variation” in the price of diesel rather than petrol, from retailer to retailer. Nevertheless, he mentioned the profit margin on diesel tends to be a minimum of a penny greater.

“The clear message to diesel drivers is to take advantage of the higher range of costs locally. Some forecourts are more diesel-friendly than others,” added Mr King.

AA reports lull as fuel fees rise - Confused.com

AA reports lull as fuel costs rise - Confused.com

21/06/13

By James O’;Brien

The AA has revealed fuel prices are as soon as once again on the rise, with diesel motorists suffering much more than drivers who fill up with petrol.

The typical price of petrol in Britain has gone up from 133.35p per litre in the middle of May to 134.61p in the middle of this month. For the duration of that time, the price tag of diesel has elevated from 138.17p per litre to 139.16p.

The most high-priced petrol can be discovered in Northern Ireland, with a litre typically costing 135.8p. Drivers in London advantage from the cheapest petrol, which costs 134.61p per litre on average.

Northern Ireland is also property to the most high-priced diesel at 139.8p per litre, with London and south-west England at the other finish of the scale with a typical price of 139.1p.

The AA has described the steady enhance in average petrol rates as “some thing of a lull” following considerable changes in prices in the final year. However, it stated retailers have usually been “creaming up to £1 a tank further off diesel automobile drivers and up to £1.40 a tank added off diesel van owners” in 2013.

The AA added: “At present, the 1p-a-litre premium that fuel stations are typically adding to the cost of diesel adds 5,500 miles to the break-even point for a new auto buyer who chooses diesel instead of petrol.

“Diesel vehicles usually expense £1,500 far more but the saving from far better fuel efficiency should ultimately recoup that.”

AA president Edmund King pointed to “much greater variation” in the expense of diesel rather than petrol, from retailer to retailer. Even so, he said the profit margin on diesel tends to be a minimum of a penny higher.

“The clear message to diesel drivers is to take benefit of the higher range of prices locally. Some forecourts are more diesel-friendly than other people,” added Mr King.

AA reports lull as fuel costs rise - Confused.com

The very best hot hatches ever made - Confused.com

Do you favor the raw 80s hatches or their much more refined modern counterparts? Motor journalist Rob Griffin counts down the 6 best hot hatches of all time.

For petrolheads with much more modest budgets, the hot hatch has lengthy been the cost-effective dream.

Their effective engines and uprated suspensions have provided adrenaline-fuelled driving excitement for decades.

The term hot hatch first appeared in the 1980s when the trend began for giving rather pedestrian 3- and 5-door household hatchbacks a grittier edge.

It was an instant hit and these racy machines have been a part of the landscape ever since. We count down 6 of the ideal.

The greatest hot hatches no.6: Suzuki Swift Sport

It may possibly not be the most beautiful auto in its class but when it comes to functionality and worth for cash then Suzuki’s Swift Sport is quite difficult to beat. With a 1.6 litre engine – and selection of 3- or 5-door models – it can hit 60 mph in a respectable 8.7 seconds and has a prime speed of 121mph. The expense, based on the model selected, is around £13,000 and for that you will get loads of standard characteristics, such as keyless entry and climate manage.

The very best hot hatches no.5: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 265

This is what a modern day-day hot hatch is all about. Hard styling married to a punchy 2. litre turbo engine, with terrific handling thrown in for good measure. It has a rugged, muscular appeal with overall performance to back it up as it can carry you from -60mph in 6 seconds, up to a prime speed of 158 mph. The Mégane variety has been earmarked to appreciate a major facelift soon but you can still get your hands on 1 of these handsome machines for about £26,000.

The very best hot hatches no.4: Ford Fiesta XR2

An usually-overlooked member of the hot hatch loved ones. The second generation Fiesta arrived in 1983 and the XR2 version of this car featured a fashionable bodykit and a decent 1.6 engine. Okay, it wasn’t the quickest machine on the road but it definitely looked the portion and was a lot of entertaining to drive. There are not many accessible these days though if you appear cautiously it’s still possible to choose up a decent example for around the £3,000 mark.

The very best hot hatches no.3: Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1

In numerous people’s eyes this is the original hot hatch. Volkswagen’s beautiful Mk 1 Golf set the benchmark when it arrived at the back finish of the 1970s. It enjoyed mass-industry appeal and was quickly in a battle for supremacy with rivals from the likes of Ford, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall. There are still some obtainable for a couple of thousand pounds, though actually great examples have been changing hands for an eye-watering £25,000.

The very best hot hatches no.2: Ford Focus ST

If you want the edginess of a conventional hot hatch combined with the modern day day creature comforts then the Ford Concentrate ST might fit the bill with its effective 2. litre EcoBoost engine and a variety of state-of-the-art characteristics such as climate manage and USB connectivity. There are 3 versions available – ST, ST-2 or ST-3 – based on how equipped you want it to be with costs ranging from £22,000 to £26,000.

The very best hot hatches no.1: Peugeot 205 GTi

Merely the granddaddy of hot hatches. This car had it all: speed, style and handling – and it appears just as good right now as it did back in 1984. Accessible in both 1.6 and 1.9 versions, the 205 GTi was a smash hit although sales had been hit in the early 90s as these wonderful machines have been also well-liked with thieves and joy riders. To relive these glory days will cost you among £2,000 and £20,000 – depending on how a lot enjoy and focus it has enjoyed.

Buy & enter for your chance to win a million pounds!Buy vehicle insurance coverage & enter the draw

Ends 30th Sept. Selected merchandise. GB only (excl NI). 18 yrs+. T&Cs apply.

The very best hot hatches ever made - Confused.com

The greatest hot hatches ever produced - Confused.com

Do you choose the raw 80s hatches or their far more refined modern counterparts? Motor journalist Rob Griffin counts down the 6 best hot hatches of all time.

For petrolheads with a lot more modest budgets, the hot hatch has long been the reasonably priced dream.

Their strong engines and uprated suspensions have provided adrenaline-fuelled driving excitement for decades.

The term hot hatch 1st appeared in the 1980s when the trend began for providing rather pedestrian 3- and 5-door family hatchbacks a grittier edge.

It was an immediate hit and these racy machines have been a portion of the landscape ever because. We count down 6 of the very best.

The greatest hot hatches no.6: Suzuki Swift Sport

It may possibly not be the most lovely vehicle in its class but when it comes to performance and worth for money then Suzuki’s Swift Sport is fairly difficult to beat. With a 1.6 litre engine – and decision of 3- or 5-door models – it can hit 60 mph in a respectable 77 seconds and has a best speed of 121mph. The expense, based on the model selected, is about £13,000 and for that you will get loads of regular functions, such as keyless entry and climate manage.

The greatest hot hatches no.5: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 265

This is what a modern day-day hot hatch is all about. Hard styling married to a punchy 2. litre turbo engine, with terrific handling thrown in for great measure. It has a rugged, muscular appeal with performance to back it up as it can carry you from -60mph in 6 seconds, up to a best speed of 158 mph. The Mégane variety has been earmarked to appreciate a significant facelift soon but you can still get your hands on a single of these handsome machines for around £26,000.

The best hot hatches no.4: Ford Fiesta XR2

An frequently-overlooked member of the hot hatch household. The second generation Fiesta arrived in 1983 and the XR2 version of this vehicle featured a stylish bodykit and a decent 1.6 engine. Okay, it wasn’t the fastest machine on the road but it definitely looked the component and was a lot of enjoyable to drive. There are not numerous available these days though if you look cautiously it’s nonetheless feasible to choose up a decent example for about the £3,000 mark.

The ideal hot hatches no.3: Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1

In many people’s eyes this is the original hot hatch. Volkswagen’s beautiful Mk 1 Golf set the benchmark when it arrived at the back end of the 1970s. It enjoyed mass-market appeal and was quickly in a battle for supremacy with rivals from the likes of Ford, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall. There are nevertheless some obtainable for a few thousand pounds, despite the fact that actually excellent examples have been changing hands for an eye-watering £25,000.

The ideal hot hatches no.2: Ford Focus ST

If you want the edginess of a traditional hot hatch combined with the contemporary day creature comforts then the Ford Concentrate ST may match the bill with its effective 2. litre EcoBoost engine and numerous state-of-the-art characteristics such as climate manage and USB connectivity. There are 3 versions accessible – ST, ST-2 or ST-3 – depending on how equipped you want it to be with prices ranging from £22,000 to £26,000.

The best hot hatches no.1: Peugeot 205 GTi

Just the granddaddy of hot hatches. This auto had it all: speed, style and handling – and it looks just as excellent today as it did back in 1984. Obtainable in both 1.6 and 1.9 versions, the 205 GTi was a smash hit though sales had been hit in the early 90s as these fantastic machines have been also well-liked with thieves and joy riders. To relive these glory days will price you among £2,000 and £20,000 – depending on how much adore and consideration it has enjoyed.

Get & enter for your likelihood to win a million pounds!Buy vehicle insurance & enter the draw

Ends 30th Sept. Chosen products. GB only (excl NI). 18 yrs+. T&Cs apply.

The greatest hot hatches ever produced - Confused.com

The greatest hot hatches ever made - Confused.com

Do you favor the raw 80s hatches or their much more refined modern day counterparts? Motor journalist Rob Griffin counts down the 6 best hot hatches of all time.

For petrolheads with a lot more modest budgets, the hot hatch has extended been the inexpensive dream.

Their powerful engines and uprated suspensions have supplied adrenaline-fuelled driving excitement for decades.

The term hot hatch 1st appeared in the 1980s when the trend began for providing rather pedestrian 3- and 5-door family hatchbacks a grittier edge.

It was an immediate hit and these racy machines have been a portion of the landscape ever because. We count down 6 of the best.

The best hot hatches no.6: Suzuki Swift Sport

It might not be the most stunning automobile in its class but when it comes to functionality and worth for money then Suzuki’s Swift Sport is quite hard to beat. With a 1.6 litre engine – and option of 3- or 5-door models – it can hit 60 mph in a respectable 77 seconds and has a prime speed of 121mph. The cost, based on the model chosen, is around £13,000 and for that you will get loads of common functions, such as keyless entry and climate control.

The best hot hatches no.5: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 265

This is what a modern day-day hot hatch is all about. Tough styling married to a punchy 2. litre turbo engine, with terrific handling thrown in for excellent measure. It has a rugged, muscular appeal with functionality to back it up as it can carry you from -60mph in 6 seconds, up to a prime speed of 158 mph. The Mégane range has been earmarked to get pleasure from a significant facelift quickly but you can still get your hands on one particular of these handsome machines for about £26,000.

The very best hot hatches no.4: Ford Fiesta XR2

An usually-overlooked member of the hot hatch family. The second generation Fiesta arrived in 1983 and the XR2 version of this car featured a stylish bodykit and a decent 1.6 engine. Okay, it wasn’t the fastest machine on the road but it undoubtedly looked the component and was a lot of fun to drive. There are not a lot of accessible these days even though if you look carefully it’s nevertheless achievable to choose up a decent instance for around the £3,000 mark.

The ideal hot hatches no.3: Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1

In numerous people’s eyes this is the original hot hatch. Volkswagen’s lovely Mk 1 Golf set the benchmark when it arrived at the back end of the 1970s. It enjoyed mass-marketplace appeal and was quickly in a battle for supremacy with rivals from the likes of Ford, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall. There are nonetheless some accessible for a few thousand pounds, despite the fact that actually very good examples have been changing hands for an eye-watering £25,000.

The greatest hot hatches no.2: Ford Focus ST

If you want the edginess of a traditional hot hatch combined with the contemporary day creature comforts then the Ford Concentrate ST could fit the bill with its potent 2. litre EcoBoost engine and numerous state-of-the-art characteristics such as climate control and USB connectivity. There are 3 versions obtainable – ST, ST-2 or ST-3 – depending on how equipped you want it to be with rates ranging from £22,000 to £26,000.

The best hot hatches no.1: Peugeot 205 GTi

Simply the granddaddy of hot hatches. This vehicle had it all: speed, style and handling – and it looks just as good today as it did back in 1984. Accessible in each 1.6 and 1.9 versions, the 205 GTi was a smash hit even though sales had been hit in the early 90s as these great machines had been also common with thieves and joy riders. To relive these glory days will price you amongst £2,000 and £20,000 – based on how considerably love and focus it has enjoyed.

Get & enter for your chance to win a million pounds!Get vehicle insurance coverage & enter the draw

Ends 30th Sept. Selected goods. GB only (excl NI). 18 yrs+. T&Cs apply.

The greatest hot hatches ever made - Confused.com