Top 10 best pocket rockets 2020

2. Toyota Yaris GRMN

Tuned by Toyota’s motorsport division, Gazoo Racing, the Yaris GRMN is a unique proposition among its peers, namely because of what sits beneath that rather gaudily decaled bonnet. 

The supercharged 1.8-litre four-pot is a thing of effervescent magnificence; eager to be revved out and absolutely brimming with character. That it lends the little Yaris a pretty serious amount of punch is an added bonus. 

But for a handful of dynamic flaws, the Yaris GRMN could have grasped the top spot. Of the cars here, it’s arguably one of the most engaging to steer down a challenging road, but its tall stature and lack of front end grip can make it a bit of a handful at times. 

It’s expensive, too, though with only 80 examples of this particular pocket rocket available in the UK, it should at least hold its value. That is, of course, if you've managed to get hold one of, because all are now spoken for. Toyota obviously enjoyed this project, however, because the hugely powerful, four-wheel-drive GR Yaris homologation special will soon arrive to continue to banzai-Yaris story.

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3. Volkswagen Polo GTI

The latest Polo GTI is no longer just a spicier trim level for VW’s ever-popular supermini, there’s now a very credible performance car on offer here.

It shares its engine with the legendary Golf GTI - albeit here in a slightly lower state of tune - lending it a fairly potent level of performance, while the sophistication of its chassis allows for excellent composure and impressive dynamism on even the most battered British roads.

It is a car that handles with supreme confidence in its abilities but, for all of its strengths, does leave you wanting just a little bit more in terms of character. And that’s arguably what cars of this type are all about, isn’t it?

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4. Suzuki Swift Sport

This third-generation Swift Sport marks something of a departure from its predecessors. For starters, its previously zesty naturally aspirated motor has been swapped out for a more charmless turbocharged unit, while an increase in pricing now sees it facing off against the likes of Ford’s excellent new Fiesta ST, which is not only the better driver’s car, but more powerful too. 

Still, there’s plenty to like here. The Suzuki feels just as agile as you’d expect a peppy supermini to be, and responds nicely to mid-corner throttle and brake adjustments. The driving position is pretty spot on, too, and there’s a heap of standard kit for the money.

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5. Mini Cooper S

A more upmarket and refined take on what a compelling pocket rocket can be.

It’s a touch softer around the edges than the most focused cars in this class - the Fiesta ST and Yaris GRMN are far sharper packages in this respect - but as an all-rounder, it does itself a lot of favours.

It won’t be as taxing or tiresome to drive about town as those cars, while out on some proper B-roads there’s still an abundance of the go-kart handling characteristics that Mini has always been renowned for, despite the fact these BMW-era ones have grown considerably.

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6. Volkswagen Up GTI

The Up GTI is by no means the most powerful car to be included in this list, or the most sophisticated from an engineering point of view. In fact, most of the cars included here would likely run rings around it on a twisting B-road.

But to knock it down for such reasons would be to almost miss the point of its existence. The fact that it can extract a huge amount of laughs from its driver at reasonably low speeds - all for less than £14,000, we might add - is what the little Up GTI is all about.

Its rorty and eager three-pot motor is charming, and its willingness to be thrown about on twisty B-roads at speeds that’d pose no threat whatsoever to your licence is something you’d find difficult to get tired of. That it looks as great as it does is an added bonus.

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7. Abarth 595 Competizione

If there’s one thing the Abarth 595 Competizione isn’t short on, it’s character. On start up, its 1.4-litre turbocharged four-pot burbles into life, with an aggressive timbre that seems entirely at odds with the beefed-up Fiat 500’s rather cutesy image. That it lends the steroidal city car rather impressive straight-line performance is an added bonus.

However, there are a few flies in its ointment. For starters, it’s pricey next to more accomplished pocket rockets, and it’s not quite as dynamically well-sorted - often washing into understeer. The interior is also cramped, and the driving position isn’t great. 

It’s a bit of an exercise in form over function, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had here.

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8. Renault Clio 130 RS Line

Strange that on a list of the best pocket-rocket hatchbacks, arguably the greatest exponent of the breed over the past three decades can manage no better than eighth place.

In truth, the Clio 130 RS Line is merely a stopgap until Les Ulis gets its chance to set the record straight and right the percieved dynamic wrongs of the outgoing Renault Sport Clio with an all-new hot model expected to use the 1.8-litre turbo engine from the RS Mégane. We'd expect that car to manage quite a bit better than eighth, and even challenge the incisive handling and strong performance of the Fiesta ST.

None of which is to say the RS Line doesn't deserve consideration in the meantime – it's a supermini that feels likealbly light on its toes, and with 129bhp packs decent if not outstanding performance. You'll also benefit all the strengths of the fifth-generation Clio: seriously attractive design inside and out, and build quality that feels German.

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9. Kia Picanto GT-Line S

Kia’s funky little city car has received a sporty new exterior and punchy 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder motor in a bid to turn it into something of a Volkswagen Up GTI rival.

With just 99bhp on tap, the Picanto GT-Line S isn’t the fastest car on this list, but in this application that motor feels plenty punchy enough, while its short wheelbase and upright body don’t prevent it from feeling well tied down on the road.

While it’s not quite as fun on the road as the livelier Up GTI, but the Picanto GT-Line S still makes for a well-sorted, attractive pocket rocket.

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