TRACK AND RACE

2020. Hardly a belter of a year, eh? Back in the early summer, Germany seemed to be the only country doing anything right. Where was France? And come to think if it, where is France now? It’s only been a late run from the Far East that has saved 2020 from being a total shocker.

That’s right: hot hatches. Where have they all been? For months the only news story was the Mini GP, a car with all the dash, vim and vigour of a Chris Whitty press conference. But now look – there must be as many new ones as there are claimed vaccines. Two months ago, we wanted affordable heroes at Speed Week and the Mini GP and MkVIII Golf GTI were the only two we could rustle up. But now look: all-new Audi S3, facelifted Hyundai i30N and Civic Type R, a new version of the Fiesta ST and something called a GR Yaris… 2020 is going out on a high.

I know, the Hyundai has but an extra 5bhp, the Civic a reshaped gearknob, the Fiesta Performance Edition some new wheels and flashy suspension units and the S3 will do the exact same job as the old one. But at least the firms care enough to update these cars. The business is there for them.

But let’s