Three Hot Hatches We'll Never See, Which Do You Want On The US' Shores?

There is always a mythical aura that surrounds cars that never cross the pond.

For instance, there is something about an Opel OPC that just makes me squirm in excitement, but I am not sure if it is because I have never piloted one OR I have surrendered to its gorgeous looks. Then there are the bevy of hot hatches we do not get the privilege of driving.

In this go-around we have the Volkswagen Golf R, the Renault Megane 250 and a Ford Focus RS. They are all powerful and good looking, but which piece of kit would you have and why?

Let us know in the comments below.

Autocar reports:

"This is a showdown test between three mega hatchbacks, the VW Golf R, Ford Focus RS and Renault Megane 250.

First impressions

The first thing that strikes you when you see the cars together is how different they look, notes Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe.

The Focus RS positively leaks bravado. It looks extraordinary on the public road, considering that it also wears number plates and a tax disc - and a price tag of £27k.

Yet, in its way, the Renault appears just as flamboyant, even if its overall personality is marginally less cartoonish and, therefore, slightly more elegant.

It's the Golf, however, that looks the most surprising to begin with because, for a while, it would seem to be a complete misfit beside the other two. You wonder, in fact, if it's even the right model.

That's what makes this group test so interesting. All three of the cars intend to achieve broadly similar results, but they go about attaining their goals in very different ways..."


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Willis - 1/25/2010 5:43:04 PM

+1 Boost

That Renault Megane looks interesting. I mean that in a beautiful and flowing kind of way.

Agent00R - 1/25/2010 5:55:01 PM

+4 Boost

My heart says VW Golf R but my soul says The Focus RS would be the most wild and nutty of the group.

Focus RS, when will we ever meet?

Bmw8ter - 1/25/2010 7:03:35 PM

+1 Boost

The Megane is smooth looking. I saw a video review a few months ago(can't remember if it was fifth gear or not) where they were comparing the New Focus RS and the Megane 250. When the Focus had room, it was able to pull away from the Megane. But as soon as they hit twisties, the Megane would catch right up. And the Focus couldn't shake it.

91z4me - 1/25/2010 10:12:50 PM

+1 Boost

We may actually get the next Focus RS in the states. The question is what will it be badged as?

sdcarguy - 1/26/2010 2:15:07 AM

+1 Boost

Is it confirmed no Golf R for US? Say it ain't so.

2ndbimmer - 1/26/2010 11:01:57 AM

+2 Boost

I hope the hot hatch segment does take off. It is all about price point. The Audi A3 isnt taking off because it gets to the price point of $40k. You can get an A4 sedan for less than that, therefore, people wont buy the A3.
Now, the VW GTI does well because it is in the $20's. Reaching in to the $30's isnt attractive for hatch buyers. Hatches are purchased for practicality, buying a vehicle in the $30's isnt considered "practical" yet.

Spectator - 1/26/2010 3:10:25 PM

+1 Boost

Ya know...I kinda agree with that generalization. I can't see myself spending in the mid to upper $30's for a small hatch. No matter how much it can do.

Though I wish Ford would give us a detuned SVT version that was similar to the RS yet priced more reasonably. That may be interesting.