Latest news with #hothatchback
Auto Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
We asked if a hot Nissan Micra Nismo was on the way. Nissan didn't say no…
While driving a prototype of the new Nissan Micra, we challenged the brand's European top-brass about whether a high performance Micra Nismo was on the cards, and they didn't say no. Speaking to Nissan's European head of product planning Christophe Amblard, he constructively replied to our enquiry about a potential Micra Nismo hot hatchback, by telling us that Nissan is 'actively looking at all sorts of possibilities with its future product range, including widening the Nismo range. But nothing can so far be confirmed'. Advertisement - Article continues below Such a car would help bolster the Nismo name, which the Japanese company is using as one of the 'core' brands alongside Patrol and Juke. But beyond just being a branding exercise, it would also make full use of the new Micra's platform, which we know is capable of handling more power. And while Nissan isn't flush with development cash right now, the Micra's close alignment to the Renault 5 means the work that sister company Alpine's done to its A290 hot hatchback could be an efficient way of giving the Micra more power and a more focused chassis. Of course, you can't buy a Nismo Micra yet, but you can search for deals on the Alpine A290 via Auto Express's ' Find a Car ' service… The core of the Alpine's changes relate largely to the new e-motor's power, which is rated at a much more serious 217bhp in its GTS form, 69bhp more than the existing Micra. But it's not just the more powerful engine that's been fiddled with, as the chassis has also been given a wider track, bigger wheels, larger brakes and uprated suspension. So while we'll need to wait a little longer for absolute confirmation that another high performance Nismo model is on the cards, if Nissan deems it a solid business case, something built in homage to the original Nissan Micra Super Turbo could be just around the corner. That car, rather ironically, also had a secondary set of inset spot lights – just like you'll also find on an Alpine A290. Watch this space. Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews... Find a car with the experts MG4 and MGS5 EV prices slashed in reply to Government Electric Car Grant MG4 and MGS5 EV prices slashed in reply to Government Electric Car Grant In order to boost sales, MG is announcing its own a £1,500 grant for some of its EVs Chinese cars will take over as Britain's best sellers Chinese cars will take over as Britain's best sellers With a dramatic rise in sales, Mike Rutherford thinks it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars outsell all other countries in the UK Roll over diesel: EVs are now doing the big mileage in the UK Roll over diesel: EVs are now doing the big mileage in the UK The average UK electric car now covers more than 10,000 miles per year, a similar amount to the average diesel.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued
THE end is nigh for the Honda Civic Type R - which is set to be discontinued in the UK by the beginning of 2026. But while this iconic hot hatchback will be sorely missed by petrolheads, its swift return is already being talked up in the form of a performance EV. 4 4 4 4 The Civic Type R, adored for its powerful turbocharged engine, track-ready handling and sometimes-polarising design, has reached the end of the road after a mighty 25 years. It's being taken off the market by Honda across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations - particularly the Euro 6e-bis standards which come into effect in January 2026. But according to Auto Express, Honda has strongly hinted that the future of its sporty number will live on into the electric age. At the launch of the new Prelude, project lead, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said the Type R 'can be anything in future, depending on what the market demands', adding that the famous nameplate isn't necessarily dependent on its turbo powertrain. He added that the 'Type R badge is about the ability to enhance dynamic attributes to the max'. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Centre, hinted that the brand is heavily focused on the fun-factor when it comes to their EVs. He said: 'A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can't come up with something exactly the same as before. 'As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? "We haven't given up of course, but it's not just about power, it's about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. 'These are the joys of driving.' NEW AGE There was a time when the hot hatchback appeared to be dead and buried. The demise of icons like the Ford Focus ST, Renaultsport Clio and the petrol-powered Abarth 500 all pointed to the beloved sub-genre of performance cars slowly fading into obscurity. However, manufacturers seem determined to keep the spirit of the hot hatch alive in the electric age with a wave of sporty hatchbacks having been recently introduced. Hyundai was arguably the first to prove that a proper performance-focused EV hatchback was possible with the Ioniq 5 N, while the newly launched Alpine A290 is already being hailed as a future classic. Meanwhile, Honda isn't ready to bid farewell to its legendary Type R just yet, with an exclusive 'Ultimate Edition' heading to Europe - though only 40 units will be available. Currently, the Civic Type R is the sole model in the UK to carry the famous Type R badge. Over the years, however, other models such as the Integra Type R and Accord Type R have also proudly worn the emblem.
Motor 1
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Acura Integra Type S Isn't Worth the Extra Money: Video Review
When the Integra Type S debuted just two years ago, it was met with enthusiasm. It's the Civic Type R in Sunday slippers, a less hardcore, more road-focused Honda hot hatchback. The prospect was enticing, though I would argue the current-gen Type R is far from a hardcore, raw experience. Then, Acura released pricing and let journalists have a go. Suddenly, this new Acura became a $54,000 proposition, even more expensive than the already expensive $47,000 Type R, and it came with fewer performance features. For your extra money, you get heated seats that are practically lifted from the Integra A-Spec, a heads-up display, an ELS Studio 3D stereo, and a slight power bump over the Type R. The seats were apparently reprofiled specifically for the Integra Type S, but they can only be described as a downgrade compared to the Type R's incredible seats. Why couldn't they just put heating elements in the Type R's seats with some leather? Then, you lost the Type R's functional gauge cluster readouts for coolant, intake air, oil pressure, and boost, and the extremely cool shift lights. Rubbing that last granule of salt in the Type S paper cut is losing LogR, which stores detailed telemetry during track sessions. I can't help but feel it's an overall downgrade for even more money. The market spoke. Type Rs continue to be marked up and difficult to find at MSRP, while Integra Type S' trade below MSRP. Thus, I decided to re-explore the Integra Type S for our newest YouTube video to see if, at real-world cost parity, the Integra could truly compete with its stablemate. To find out, simply sit back and watch. More on the Integra Type S Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype Is Way Lighter Than the Standard Car 2024 Acura Integra Type S First Drive Review: Up To Eleven Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
