From Mini To Renault: Five Small Cars Over 200 Hp

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

Have you always wanted to drive a sports car? But was a Porsche too expensive for you? Then you should take a look at these five small cars that we have selected for you.

Serious sports cars like the Porsche 911 or BMW M4 are now simply too big for a spontaneous chase on country roads after work. And somehow impractical in city traffic on the way to work.

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It's good that there are now many small cars that easily crack the 200 hp limit.

The strongest: Mini John Cooper Works

The “characteristic go-kart feeling” that Mini propagates generation after generation in all of its models can probably be experienced most directly in the current John Cooper Works. Under the hood sits a two-liter turbo, which is superior to the 1.6-liter motors of the competition in terms of sovereignty and torque alone. The 170 kW / 231 PS also make it the most powerful small performance car. There is also a perfectly balanced chassis and a fine interior in BMW quality. But the whole thing has its price: At least 31,000 euros have to be put on the table for the JCW.

The pursuer: Renault Clio RS Trophy

When the fourth generation of the Renault Clio RS started in 2012, the knobbly five-door with its small turbo engine was quickly decried as a mistake compared to its legendary predecessor. But over the years the Clio RS, with the Trophy version and a small facelift, has developed into a more than useful racetrack toy with 162 kW / 220 PS and a perfectly balanced chassis. With its five doors and the lightning-fast double coupler, an excellent balancing act between sport and everyday life. At least 25,000 euros are due for a “Trophy”.

The extraordinary: Toyota Yaris GRMN

In 2017, for the first time in almost 20 years, Toyota was represented on the stage of the World Rally Championship for the first time. Around the same time as the premiere of the competition vehicle, the Japanese announced a civilian version for the road: the Yaris GRMN. The abbreviation stands for "Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring" and pays homage to the Toyota motorsport program.

The Yaris GRMN is fired by a 1.8 liter engine that is revved up by a compressor. With 156 kW / 212 PS, the Toyota swims well in the pool of sporty small cars, only Mini and Renault offer more power. A six-speed transmission brings the power to the front axle onto the road. By the way: The Yaris GRMN is limited to just 400 copies in Europe, starting at 34,000 euros. The crux? The Japanese is already completely sold out. However, there are plenty of second-hand copies online.

The underdog: Peugeot 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport

The great-grandson of the legendary Peugeot 205 GTi goes by the name of the 208 GTi and ideally comes as an "by Peugeot Sport" with additional spiced hardware. Then the 153 kW / 208 PS strong turbo gasoline engine meets a nimble suspension and a lovingly designed interior with cozy sports seats. The DNA of the 205 GTi is particularly noticeable in tight corners and on uneven terrain. The currently most fun performance mini. It starts at around 28,000 euros.

The long-running favorite: VW Polo GTI

Modern interior, solid workmanship and the engine from its big brother, the Golf GTI: With the new Polo GTI, VW has mixed everything that makes a performance mini suitable for everyday use. Although not as playful as the Yaris GRMN or the Peugeot 208 GTi, the Polo, with its double clutch and broad network, is aimed more at drivers who don't want to miss out on a dose of sportiness in everyday life. The two-liter turbo pushes a good 147 kW / 200 PS on the front axle, the purchase price is around 24,000 euros. (SP-X)