Creating the best hot hatch of 2012 requires far more than simply putting a big engine in a small hatchback. The best hot hatches have to be as thrilling in the corners as they are in a straight line, and that takes real engineering expertise. However, while thrills are undoubtedly at the top of our wish list, our winner can’t be a one-trick pony. It also needs enough class, comfort and kit to make life easy when you’re not in the mood to play. Are we asking too much? No, because our best hot hatches of 2012 do all of that.’