With ‘only’ 267bhp the Volkswagen Golf R is a bit behind the times for a top-rank hot hatch, especially with the Ford Focus RS500 boasting 347bhp in standard trim. But if you’re a Golf fan and you’re feeling a bit of engine-envy then you could take a trip to Mcchip.How does an additional 45bhp sound? The new Mcchip ECU remap frees up...

How does 404bhp through the front wheels sound? A bit of a handful? Maybe, but it hasn’t stopped tuners BBR from pushing the Ford Focus RS to its limits.BBR have spent 18 months working on the Focus RS and have ended up with no less than four different upgrade kits. From 342bhp all the way up to 404bhp, each stage of the upgrade process releases a little...

In standard form the Abarth 500 dishes out 135bhp from its turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, but with a bit of work from the engineers at G-Tech the little Abarth is now capable of 207bhp.G-Tech are calling this the RS-S, and the complete package includes Garrett loaders, larger fuel injectors, new spark plugs and a modified cat back exhaust system. As well as...

There’s no denying that the Volkswagen Golf R is a fantastic performer, with plenty of grunt courtesy of its 270bhp engine and more than enough grip thanks to its clever all-wheel-drive system. But one thing it lacks is flair – park it next to a Focus RS and the Golf R looks like a plain Jane in comparison.Personally I quite like the Golf’s...

Steinmetz recently unveiled their latest batch of goodies for the new shape Vauxhall Astra. The package includes aerodynamic components, lowered suspension, and some stylish new alloys.The body kit consists of a front spoiler, a black front grille and a new roof spoiler at the rear. Along the sides Steinmetz are offering designer strips in silver or anthracite...

With all of the fuss over the recent Ford Focus RS500 and the fact that all 101 UK cars were snapped up before going on sale, you can’t blame tuning company Mountune from taking every opportunity to publicise their own spiced-up Focus RS.They’ve let Fifth Gear have a go in their Focus RS MP350, with Vicki Butler-H behind the wheel. She’s...

Vauxhall/Opel tuner Irmscher have unveiled their first attempt at tuning the latest Astra. The Irmscher Astra i1600 is based on the most powerful version of the Astra, the 180bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre, and after some work by Irmscher’s engineers it is now capable of 200bhp. As well as the extra 20bhp Irmscher have found another 65Nm of torque, taking the...

Nowack, a tuning company based in Germany, are offering three tuning packages for the Mini Cooper S.The first package, the N210, involves an ECU remap and freer flowing air filter to push the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine up from 184bhp to 208bhp. The second  level, N230, takes that a step further by fitting a new sports exhaust to push power up to...