Hot Hatch Drag Race and Track Times - i30N vs Megane RS vs 308 GTi vs Mini JCW vs Octavia vRS

Starting from the magnificent Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales, we take the latest and greatest sub £30,000 hot hatch cars to Llandow Circuit to see how they fair, all under the watchful eye of ex racing driver Tiff Needell, with a drag race and lap times.
Ryan Cullen delivers some interesting track times and the team have a drag race with surprise results with the Hyundai i30N vs Renault Megane RS vs Peugeot 308 GTi vs Mini JCW John Cooper Works vs Skoda Octavia vRS. Who's your money on? What's the fastest sub £30k hot hatch and what's the best sub £30k hot hatch to buy?
Celtic Manor: www.celtic-manor.com/
Follow the guys:
Tiff: / tiff_needell
Ryan: / ryancullenrace
Ash: / ashleym10886
Ollie: / olliechadwick
Paul: / pww
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Email: goo.gl/03VEeW

[@lovecarsTV]

Sub £30k hot hatch. Which one for you?

[@UTubeSL]

I own an i30N :D And... great video, Lovecars. Brilliant presenters and content.

[@marfrandema1884]

If the vrs is the 4WD i am in.

[@relledk]

Mini Hyundai Megane Skoda Peugeot

[@sbaddison]

i30N

[@dobarlos1381]

Škoda

[@themighty222]

Tiff is hilarious, loved watching him try to throw the peugeot into oversteer

[@lovecarsTV]

😬😬

[@fcatt48]

He is a comedian, maybe he should stick to that because he's not much kop as a driver.

[@kevinetz5]

Thank you so much for this channel, it is really refreshing to once again have high production honest car reviews and comparisons. Keep it on

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you for watching and for the nice words

[@j.a.citadel3258]

The Hyundai is one of the best hot hatches I have ever driven and it really is a remarkable feat considering its hyundai first stab at a hot hatch. Must admit I have a real soft spot for vrs, as I am a family man with 2 children and have a real passion for cars it's only really the skoda you choose at least from my point of view, I know it's humdrum and its not the fastest car in the world but it has to be considered as a better car than almost any other vehicle made today obviously this is only my opinion but that's what I believe. Thanks again gents another fantastic video and content is fabulous. Hope to see another video soon

[@georgemavrides3434]

i30N Fastback maybe? ;)

[@j.a.citadel3258]

@@georgemavrides3434 maybe bud but I think I would have to see if skoda are doing the same vrs treatment with the new scala. But if I was to choose my daily it really would be the skoda but for the weekend it's got to be the hyundai. It's just so much more fun in almost every respect. Is that the car you want??

[@Guerrillapicnic]

I have a 2018 vrs estate and it's phenomenal.

[@domallen1451]

They're bringing out a lighter version soon aswell should be even better

[@mclarenf1gtrlmedition715]

KOREAN KIMCHI POWER!

[@JDStoneCreations]

These videos are getting better and better. I mean I couldn't give a hoot about modern hot hatches but the way the videos are put together are spot on. No BS, just car stuff. Love it.

[@CT37BN]

Hyundai for best overall enjoyment/ownership, Renault for it's great looks/wide stance, Peugeot for being a different choice against Golf. If it weren't for those cool wheels, Skoda looks invisible. Never a fan of Mini. Great show!

[@lovecarsTV]

DM 2MW thank you very kind of you to say 👍

[@ProfCalculon]

DM 2MW ...Skoda looks invisible 😂😂😂👍👍👍

[@mattaulb]

Why is it so hard to admit that the Peugeot is a freaking beast at cornering? It s the only one where they had to hold themselves...

[@MyRealName]

@@dgbservices6049 short gearing and lightness really helps it here.. not sure how it would fare on faster tracks

[@MyRealName]

You think they had to hold themselves because it's faster? do you think the g-force experienced in a peugeot is that much bigger? because it's not, it's about poor seat design. that's why they had to hold themselves

[@mattaulb]

@@MyRealName it has the best seat in class 😂

[@cihanmertsener]

Please more Tiff. We miss fifth gear.

[@lovecarsTV]

He’s around for a while longer with us!

[@cihanmertsener]

@@jryalls I mean old fifth gear. :)

[@DanielSadjadian]

Tiff is the best!

[@Tommymazzel]

Glad to see all time favorite tiff back on my tv. New to this channel, love the content! Keep up the good work

[@longtailgt]

The i30 N is really doing great for a company who's never made a hot hatch before. Props to Hyundai.

[@tucosalamanca171]

you cannot have a new video without expecting my congrats and likes:) cheers guys keep on the great work.

[@lovecarsTV]

😬😬😬😬👍

[@supernova1976]

Fun, entertaining and realistic + icing on the cake Mr Tif . Thank you

[@camliv78]

The best car you had on the track today .... hands down the i30N .... forgetting for an instant that this is the very first attempt at a hot hatch ever from the Hyundai stable .... this car brings serious serious game! This car is the truly the best mix of Hyundai’s notorious reliability and pure German influence ... you simply cannot do better! I say all of the above having been in the motor industry for over 10 years and have driven many cars both fast and slow .... the industry of car sales has destroyed a bit of my love for cars but and a BIG but this car has brought back that passion ..... I truly love what Albert biermann has done with this beautiful car!

[@lovecarsTV]

Yes well said. Check our last video on the fastback. We say exactly that 👍

[@Pistonjockey]

Was waiting for tiff's review on the I 30. Thank u Tiff.

[@edwardtiangco1445]

Love Tiff's casual face while he's tackling the corners like it was nothing.. and chit chatting too! Hahaha.. good show gents

[@gtirstyper]

Nice review. Great to see Tiff back to what he does best!

[@derz1978]

What a brilliantly executed and entertaining show. Top work chaps

[@nickhastings6705]

Great video! Absolutely love my 308 GTi and great to see it do well in the lap battle! Such a fun car to drive but can be a bit of a handful on a bumpy road! Definitely have the Megane RS as a contender for a replacement (even with a slower lap time)

[@LightingComposition]

This is the most hilarious, exciting and authentic reactions on this review.

[@williamhewitt3320]

Looking forward to this one!

[@robgoff3549]

Great video. So much better than some of the other hot hatch shoot-outs!

[@888mf4]

lovely video guys, as usual

[@nickvalerio9826]

Fantastic content once again! Very entertaining. Hot hatches aren't my thing (personal choice - nothing against the segment), but an awesome video highlighting strengths and shortcomings of each. Congratulations on another well produced and stylish video. You definitely deserve more subscribers than you have!

[@lovecarsTV]

Thanks Nick! Really appreciate the nice comments

[@tucosalamanca171]

best! car! channel! ever!

[@silverelgrandlow6298]

This is what I'm all for about! Just having a good time with good cars, not caring for the brand, and excellent reviews. Subscribed! 😍

[@lovecarsTV]

Glad to have you

[@stewiecall97]

Great production quality for quite a small channel, definitely subscribing!

[@DamoDrives]

Reviewed the i30n performance and possibly would have that over any of the other hothatchs on the market

[@lovecarsTV]

Seems to be a younger persons choice!

[@DamoDrives]

Lovecars I must have good taste as I’m 39 🙌🙌

[@VitalijsLeitans]

@@DamoDrives I'm a BMW lover and American muscle cars... :D But I30N... It call's me like dark power in Star Wars movies... I'm 36 :D

[@leeelliott429]

Awesome content. Subscribed. Keep Tiff such a pro :)

[@RarelyReplies]

I've said it before, absolutely enjoy this channel. This is perfect for in between episodes Grand Tour

[@LgsPhotography]

I absolutely love the Megane, Hope you guys manage to get your hands on the new trophy 300 soon!

[@Murphy252000]

Keep at it lads, proper reviews of cars when can aspire to have!

[@djorksolo8544]

Peugeot 308 GTI just kicked the ass of its rivals on track, with the smaller engine, and the best chassis ! Peugeot always been a great brand about chassis !

[@stringsnare]

hahaha please i30n best car

[@stringsnare]

@@dgbservices6049 unfortunately we dont have pugs in N.America, so the i30N it will be :)

[@max.power89]

@@stringsnare but you even haven't the i30n in North America!

[@stuco81]

@@dgbservices6049 It also feels better built...

[@flyingrc2041]

the i30 will last and will still be working in 5 years time

[@bebertease]

I am Swiss, and we often make fun (kindly) of our loud and big neighbors. But I have to admit they make great handling cars. The French hot hatches are among the best in the Swiss Alps, and the new Alpine A110 is brilliant.

[@malph9216]

Again, a proper petrolhead video....well done Lovecars. Thoroughly entertained and I wish I could have their jobs.......And Tiff? You're a legend mate!

[@matt-the-mint7834]

This channel is better than a lot of actual TV shows.

[@lovecarsTV]

Hi praise indeed Matthew, thank you. Reality is we shot this in just 6 hours!

[@henjoh69]

Megane RS, 308, i30 and Skoda for me!

[@VarioFelce]

Amazing vibes on these videos!!!

[@SrchangwaytogoC]

Absolutely loved the final chat bois!

[@lok481]

Great video lots of fun to watch! Tiff is the man but that shirt, that shirt...!😜

[@coupe6339]

I30 N for me

[@MrSupersixfour]

Great too see all these great cars together...I'm loving my i30n but I have to say the rs megane is beautiful inside and out. Great fun review

[@danhill9534]

Tiff is a legend! When he says a car is good then it's good!!!

[@matthewwknightt]

Another brilliant video guys

[@roshanthapa8487]

Awesome Video. 25 minutes felt like less than 5 minutes. Skoda RS is my favorite but Hynundai impressed too. Thanks for the lovely video and info.

[@NWGaryP]

Great channel and content guys :)

[@tucosalamanca171]

so many good ingredients in this. your videos always make me laugh and you sure spank your cars properly.

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you as always for the nice comments!

[@martonkoch1838]

I want the Skoda with the headlights of a Superb, engine and exhaust of the i30N, and the interior of a Golf GTI. :D and for the price of a Dacia Sandero

[@aaronfraser5428]

Márton Koch I agree, the headlights on the Octavia can’t match the superb or kodiaq

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

🤣

[@Guptajixo]

Great video as always 👍

[@emiliofernandez7117]

Megane RS and 308 for me! Beautiful cars ❤️

[@tucosalamanca171]

Emilio Emilio.... always around and always first. always good to see your comments.

[@stuco81]

Cant abide that 308 interior... otherwise a great car.

[@nadsenec8512]

308gti is shit car

[@nadsenec8512]

@@dgbservices6049 A ? 270hp a 1200kg its normal good on circuite, a 308gti 30 000eu is realy shit car, ugly look, interior small shit THP engine a its only shit peugeot quality bad, this all cars is realy shit, me look on streed all only no 308gti why ? never buy peugeot 30 000eu

[@vancehibberd1546]

I'm a keen Renault enthusiast but the new RS is a little disappointing. It's lost it's purity like the Meg 2 and 3 have. Hopefully the Trophy (and hopefully an R version) is a better drivers car. The 4 wheel steer weighs the car down and does seem to help in the tight stuff as the Hyundai and pug clean it up. I take my hat off to the I30n and 308... good drivers cars which is what I'm about.

[@adjrasta9365]

Great channel....you and Tiff work well together

[@krausol2802]

Loved this ...particularly the surprise you all had on your faces vs the skoda. He would have won this if the start was not missed....I own a vRS estate version and it is the best all-round car out there - huge boot space, great seats, reasonable fuel consumtion, nice quality interior, really fast for a station wagon, just brilliant value overall. Super versatile!

[@kn0t2brite]

Got to be the Megane. Looks fantastic, especially in that colour.

[@lesleydavies2988]

Awesome video guys 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@sbaddison]

Another brilliant video gents😎

[@petrossthe7221]

GUYS I I FEEL ONE OF THE BEST KZbin CHANNEL AT THE MOMMENT TIFF IS A LEGEND OLWAYS LOVE WATCHING HES BANTER

[@minicoopersf5627]

I'm quite surprised by the Mini!!! Even with least power in the lineup it held up pretty well!! Great job Guys :D

[@flyingrc2041]

Until it stops working then u find out it's worth nothing! Junk!

[@jimmyneutron5679]

@@flyingrc2041 we have our mini since years now never a single problem with it lmao... cant say the same about the renaults we had...

[@ilovetool1]

Another great video. Overtaking everyone else on car related KZbin channels in my view. Good content, not all fake and over edited etc. Just good chats and information.

[@knighty6988]

Gr8 vid! The Mrs & I love our 308! Kids love too. 🚙

[@vagelisda]

i don't know why you haven't ten times the subscribers,this is so great

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you!! We're working on it!!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Glad to see the Hot Hatch competition alive and well. While the Hyundai i30N is an awesome performance machine, I do heavily prefer the looks and style of the Renault Megane. Lovely cars all around, and I'm still delighted to see my Honda Civic Type R will have many more playmates to race with out in the countryside.

[@LWemel]

Again a great job!

[@strussdo]

The space in the back of that mini 👀

[@pollumG]

My new favourite channel... No doubt about it

[@NICKFOXTV]

Really curious about the i30n, have to be between that and the RS just because I have had so many RS clios in the past and loved them!

[@lovecarsTV]

Got plenty of votes from the guys

[@-dov-arxon2216]

Both are amazing cars

[@MrDraquo]

Wish we could have them here in the States 😥...

[@ZekeMagnum]

did you get the rs trophy 300?

[@KOL630]

I do like that Peugeot it’s simple but looks quite hard. Megane is the most flamboyant looks wise though! Good video 🤓

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

A few good boy racers here...!!! 😁👍

[@lovecarsTV]

Ha! A couple of old man racers too!

[@joefattal7592]

Love this channel. More content please

[@lovecarsTV]

joe fattal oh yes exciting things ahead 👍👍

[@SnakeyUk08]

Bang on the money with that video Lovecars good job all involved , nice little shout to the skoda though punched well above its weight so to speak

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you for the nice words. Much appreciated!

[@MELKOvideo]

Megas RS is the best looking car in my opinion

[@vancehibberd1546]

For me it's not how a car looks but how it performs!

[@thecoops2329]

Except for the truly appalling interior.

[@ThomasHarrisonLord]

Brilliant!

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you very much!

[@pow1983]

Great selection of cars! Personally prefer the Skoda over VW and Seat so glad to see it competing. In the market for a new car. I've had a Skoda non VRS but tuned to VRS speed and very good fun. Though I had the standard suspension so a bit roly poly. i30N & Type R are floating my boat along with the MX-5... Not interested in Fords, VWs or Vauxhalls... on to the next videos to see what else I could go for.

[@arekb5951]

Will you test the new Megane RS Trophy on this circuit? I'd love to see how many tenths of a second Renault could squeeze out of this lovely chassis. Great video as always, cheers.

[@93455Driver]

Just amazing content, do not understand how come the You Tube algorithm is not recommending the channel to more petrolheads. Interested to see what a Type R would have done against the I30N (both are great value).

[@novaf4946]

Rather take the Megane or 308 They’re killing all

[@yankidiot]

Tiff is an absolute legend

[@haidersohail1649]

I must say the Megane may be a let down in comparison from its heritage but the front is beautiful. Wide stanced and Noodles driving it then you have a priceless package lol

[@lovecarsTV]

It went down well with the guys

[@SushiParty]

My first pick would be the Hyundai I30N followed by the Megane RS. Great little video and love the banter and humour.

[@faisalleeds]

Good to see the Skoda featured. Obviously not designed for the track, but gets overlooked compared to other hot hatches.

[@MyRealName]

well, it doesn't get overlooked by buyers, i've seen them everywhere.

[@samueljones3668]

faisalleeds Its the better Golf honestly, if VAG gave them the opportunity they'd make an Octavia R and Golf sales would go down because of it. The Octavia and Leon are already cheaper and much more reliable than its Audi and VW brothers.

[@dimsoneill]

Love the Skoda, got the 2020 245 vRS Wagonin the Gun Metal gray and it's the perfect mix of fun and practicality.

[@ovisteaua9191]

​@@dimsoneillsounds like a golf

[@derbigpr500]

The biggest advantage the Megane has, and which these tests don't talk about, is the way it handles in the real world on real roads. It's incredibly comfortable and suspension is very, very compliant, but with excellent body control, so it just flows with the bumpy roads perfectly, far better than even most regular hatchbacks, let alone hot hatches, and on top of that it has the best sound proofing and the highest level of refinement, as well as the most comfortable seats and highest quality interior overall. So it's kinda like a refined and comfortable hot hatch for the roads, rather than a hot lap focused track car. It's kinda like the Alpine A110 actually in the way it rides, which is not surprising considering Alpine and RS are cousins. It's also very, very stable on imperfect roads because of the 4 wheel steering, that is especially evident on wet roads where it feels like it's on rails. I'm with Tiff on this one 100%, Megane is overall the best car in this group, and possibly the best hot hatch overall at the moment, if not necessarily the most powerful or fastest on the track, because it simply isn't focused on that. The Trophy version will be here soon and that's gonna do the lap times.

[@lovecarsTV]

Thanks for the response. Good to have such a detailed comment / opinion 👍

[@dimsoneill]

Octavia vRS with active dampers is brilliant on the road. Like two cars in one changing from Comfort to Sport.

[@ZaDude1970]

Tiff pointing finger, "He's wearing shorts!" LOL

[@autoismtv9820]

What a great video I would go for the i30N

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you. And great choice! 👍

[@autoismtv9820]

You’re very welcome Paul your videos are great

[@dombower]

Really want to hear your review on the Dacia duster tci 150 prestige. The polo gti and golf tdi gt estate. Aka all the cars I’m trying to figure out which I want.

[@rukibencels]

The unique problem of the 308 is it provides all the power in a click, what can make the wheels to skid, if this was solved, maybe it would be the winner in both track and drag. Outstanding hot hatch

[@orangeisnewblack1183]

Just saw couple of your videos and you guys are awesome and your channel has potential to compete channels like carfection and autocar Awesome videos👍🔥🔥☝

[@lovecarsTV]

Thank you very much!!

[@simontallboy209]

I have a 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport, because we don't get the N version in North America. I've had it for a year and I'm quite happy. It does the daily run quite well, and it's a fun car on the back roads. Once it's out of warranty I hope to do some mods to get it closer to the N. I think this is the Hyundai that will capture some more attention from the aftermarket.

[@thesilentgametestr]

As a fan of Peugeot cars owning a 2008 myself, I would choose the 308gti if I wanted a subtle daily sports hatch, but I would choose the i30N for the sound and something different if I wanted more fun etc.

[@TomQuigleyArt]

Iv got to say the mini (I have one), with the zf 8 speed it would of taken the Skoda. But would of still got beaten by the Magane . Just wish they put a LSD on it though and it would be a lot better. Great show guys, keep up the good work

[@TomQuigleyArt]

Gandalf721 I know bud, they put something called a torque vectoring system on it, I’m pretty sure even a nova Sri had a LSD back in the day. It’s great in the dry but in the wet there’s no point pushing it too much. I may have to get one fitted with a remap and then il be happy.

[@wondurfulworld8285]

I really curious about the Octavia vRS then the i30n, Other cars too expansive to buy & maintain.

[@ejdydmj1650]

How do you know they are expensive to maintain if you never had one.. I have 308 gti what a machine! I love it. Its not cost me much to maintain..

[@DILINGER0]

Great Tiff. Megane for me. The most beautifull car of all, the most enjoyable driving and the last member of one of the best hot hatchs saga in history.

[@alanthecat59]

EXCELLENT WORK GG

[@niewissen9912]

Over 2000 views and only 192 likes. Come on people. Support these guys by liking the video. It helps them alot!! And love cars is worth it. Thanks again for another great video. Does Love cars have any merchandise? I.e. T shirts ect

[@lok687]

my 308 gti seems to be broken then qause it oversteers all the time :p i pilot sport 4S infront and 2 year old supersports in the rear is always a fun idea. Eitherway thank you for this video!

[@lovecarsTV]

Ha! Tiff tried everything to achieve what you do daily!!

[@KING0SISQO]

Lovecars worn tyres. Less grip. Oversteer achieved.

[@whitewalker9622]

PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give me NO stinking commercials, this is by far the best car reviewing channel on joytube..

[@ryuhayashi97]

I'm just here to leave a like, got to study for the final. Will be back soon

[@joeconcertshd3451]

VRS is underrated in my opinion. I've had a ride in my friend's diesel VRS, and for even a diesel it's feels good fun!

[@turbosydney]

The most boring one by far of the bunch, in every way possible.

[@corone2018]

Finally a real review ..

[@ziggyfreud5357]

It's just a good laugh to watch Tiff. The cars are not worth bothering with.

[@lovecarsTV]

Thanks. We have plenty of other videos with more expensive/powerful cars if that’s what your looking for 👍

[@ziggyfreud5357]

@@lovecarsTV The Megane would be my choice. Just looks the biz.

[@dltmdwnfkdldjs]

i30n looks amazing and sounds amazing and performance is also quite nice it seems.

[@davidfulford4096]

Skoda for me cuss the tuning potential with that engine and dsg together is crazy💯👌🏼🔥

[@lovecarsTV]

It was a real surprise addition!

[@schumifan78]

DSG for grandmas, real drivers drive manual.

[@ninjamvm]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH6vlZyFaNKBldU watch this .. 😄

[@j.navarrete86]

@@schumifan78 Exactly

[@dextertheragdollcat213]

@@schumifan78 In the olden days.

[@noblemav]

Guys that vid was well done 👍 heads up for the Hyundai i30 N

[@alexblag18]

And just think, the Ford Fiesta ST completed this circuit in 47.3 on the Auto Express channel. That is a sub £20k car, which is outstanding.

[@lovecarsTV]

Cheers Alex

[@alexblag18]

Lovecars How can the ST be on par with the hot hatch’s from the class above?!