The system utilises combustion energy for restarting the engine quickly which means the use of the starter motor, and hence fuel, is kept to a minimum. It achieves this due to the positioning of the crankshaft and pistons which, along with the valve opening and direct petrol injection, are all precisely in synch with each other.

This new system actually reduces fuel consumption in the new auto by almost 14% as compared to the first generation Mazda3 cars that had conventional two litre petrol engines. When the engine is shut off by the i-stop system, all other functions of the car such as audio, climate control and illumination continue to work.

We had UK spec car data available to us and we’ve chosen the top of the range car where possible.

The top 2 cars were not the most practical of cars for obvious reasons, so we’ve chosen to leave out the Westfield Sport and the Caterham Seven. Undoubtedly these are both great cars, but for the purposes of this chart we have omitted them both.

Ready..? Let’s go.

Honda Civic 2.0 Type R

5. Honda Civic Type R

Honda’s updated model of its excellent longstanding type R is a little bit bulkier than its predecessor, however coming in at around £18,000 and doing 0-60 in 6.6s puts the Civic at number 5 in our chart. The Honda Civic has always been a favourite amongst the hot hatch fans, and thanks to its performance deserves its position in our chart.

Seat Leon 5dr hatchback 2.0 TFSI Cupra

4. Seat Leon 2.0 TFSI Cupra

Possibly my favourite on our list is the Seat Leon Cupra. It looks great, it performs fantastically and is comfortable and well made. Perhaps even a 2009 purchase for me, I’m that much of a fan. This car just makes it into our chart’s price bracket at £19,545 and races to 60mph in 6.4s.

Renualt Megane 2.0T Renaultsport

3. Renault Megane 2.0T Renaultsport

This hot hatch is beefier than the Clio version and slips into our range at a price of about £19,395 and pushing itself from 0-60 in 6.3s. Perhaps one of the more understated hot hatches in terms of its aesthetics but handles very well, and is a great all-rounder.

Vauxhall Astra VXR

2. Vauxhall Astra VXR

The priciest car in our chart, edging the closest to our £20k limit. This looks great, accelerates hard, and is quite roomy. The only downside perhaps is that it’s the most likely to lose its value over any of the others in our chart. However, if that doesn’t really bother you (and to be honest, there won’t be much in it), then this will take you from 0-60 in 6.2s.

Mazda 3 2.3 MPS hatchback

1. Mazda 3 2.3 MPS

Looks can be deceptive, and our no.1 is deceptively quick. The quoted spec time for 0-60 is 6.1s, however word is that it can probably beat the 6 second barrier. That’s quicker than a Lotus Elise, which is pretty impressive. It’s perhaps not for the “hot hatch” fan who probably wants it to look as fast as it performs. However, the Mazda 3 2.3 MPS is a surprise package to appear at the top of our charts being the fastest car for under £20,000.

Reviews for all the cars

• Mazda 3 2.3 MPS
• Vauxhall Astra VXR
• Renault Megane 2.0T Renaultsport
• Seat Leon 2.0 TFSI Cupra
• Honda Civic Type R