Is This The End For Porsche?

Cayenne proves if u install big tires and brakes and fancy roll bars on a Volkswagen you cam make it handle. The original 2 generations of the Cayenne were not shared platforms. The new platform is shared, yes, but no different than taking a 40k 5 series marking it up to 400k and calling is a Rolls Royce, LOL, if you can truly call it that. Fact is, the Cayenne and Macan are class leaders and are fanatic SUVs no matter which way you slice them. They also lead way to cars like the GT2/3/4 and hopefully upcoming halo car which are at any time likely the best car in the market. The original Cayenne was a Touareg/Q7, hell it was made at a VW production plant. Do you really think Porsche just developed an SUV on their own? All three generations share the same wheelbase as the Touareg and Q7. Obviously the Macan of both generations is the Q5 chassis.

The Astra has the substance to back up the style, meaning it well and truly deserves its place in our best hatchbacks list. The fourth generation Renault Megane, which arrived in 2016, is a serious contender in the hatchback class. It blends practicality, space, efficiency and comfort in a quality package. The car boasts a selection of familiar petrol and diesel engines, a wide range of trim levels and looks good, with the brand’s distinctive diamond logo flanked by a pair of headlamps and the now-recognisable C-shaped LED running lights. The rear has eye-catching LED tail-lamps running almost the whole width of the bootlid. Inside, the dash is modern and clutter free, while the 8.7-inch R-Link 2 Infotainment screen (an optional extra) groups together the sat-nav, driving modes and stereo controls in one clear display. It’s behind the wheel where the Megane is most attractive though as even a short drive is enough to know the Renault engineers have focused on comfort and refinement. The car rides well, noise levels are low and the range of engines offer impressive power delivery - although lower-powered models can feel a little lethargic at lower revs.

All in all the Megane is an impressive addition to this list and definitely worth considering. The Honda Civic has a history as long as the VW Golf, and over that time it has grown from a supermini to a full-size hatch. The latest model is the tenth generation, and it features arguably the most radical looks yet, and that's saying something after the space age Mk8. There's almost a coupe-like profile to the car, while the angular panels mean the Civic still stands alone in the hatch class with its unique looks. While the looks are a step on from the last model, interior space is just as good. Honda's patented Magic Seats are no more, but the boot still has plenty of room, and passenger space is good, too. Even better is the way the Civic drives. It has plenty of grip and corners keenly, while the engine line-up (both petrol and diesel available) delivers a decent mix of performance and economy.

We'd go for the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo, as it has enough performance for most needs and adds a sporty exhaust note. The Peugeot 308 is a family hatchback aimed at mainstream cars like the Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon and Ford Focus. It looks great, has an upmarket interior and feels good to drive, and offers a really attractive ownership proposition thanks to its excellent fuel economy and fast-improving dealer service. While you wouldn’t guess, it actually shares its underpinnings with the larger Citroen C4 SpaceTourer, but that means it benefits from the same lightweight construction. It’s up to 140kg lighter than the previous generation car, and capable of up to 80.7mpg, although back seat space could be better. With its bold looks, sharp handling, solid build quality and upmarket interior, the Mazda 3 has really taken the fight to hatchback rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and SEAT Leon. Mazda’s excellent SkyActiv technology is standard across the 3 range, bucking the downsizing trend that many other manufacturers are following.