Crowning the King: The Top Hot Hatches Right Now
Does one emerge as the strongest all-around package for most buyers?
The hot hatch market caters to car enthusiasts seeking the ultimate combo of practicality, performance and value. Buyers are spoiled for choice when deciding on a small, fun car to tackle British B-roads. Nearly every major manufacturer now offers one or more contenders, making crowning an outright “best” hot hatchback no easy task. After closely comparing models on price, driving excitement, features, luxury feel and real-world usability, does one emerge as the strongest all-around package for most buyers? Read on and find out for yourself…
Ford Fiesta ST
As the entry-level hot hatch priced from just under £20,000, the fan favourite Ford Fiesta ST delights drivers on a budget. Its tiny dimensions match its low price, though its 197hp turbocharged engine, with nimble handling and six-speed manual gearbox, makes for riotous fun on tight roads. The practicality, tech and refinement are clearly compromised to achieve that bargain price, however. The similar Volkswagen Polo GTI starts costlier but adds amenities like adaptive dampers, digital gauges and push-button start to give it more upscale appeal. The performance between the two remains a close match.
VW Polo GTI
The VW Polo GTI is another long-time player, offering a more refined take on the hot hatch concept. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder makes an impressive 207 horsepower, rocketing this small hatchback from 0-60 in around 6.5 seconds. Amenities like push-button start, adaptive chassis control, and large infotainment screen give the Polo GTI an upscale feel lacking in cheaper rivals. It handles beautifully as well, though ride quality moves toward firm and busy rather than truly comfortable. Prices start higher than the Fiesta but feature content is more generous too.
Hyundai i20 N
New for 2022, Hyundai’s i20 N aims to take down more established rivals through its 201hp turbo motor, aggressive styling and value pricing, much like the Fiesta ST. Impressive chassis tuning gives it serious credibility amongst enthusiasts too. Yet its racy cosmetics likely deter some buyers, while fuel economy trails smaller alternatives. Key highlights include a rev-matching manual transmission, electronic limited-slip differential, variable exhaust system, and sharpened steering and suspension. Overall, the Hyundai i20 N packs impressive performance and exciting driving dynamics into an affordable package.
Toyota GR Yaris
Moving up the pricing ladder, the new Toyota GR Yaris has shaken up perceptions of what a small hot hatch can achieve. Unique for its all-wheel drive configuration, the bespoke GR Yaris wields a 257hp turbo three-cylinder that rockets to 60 in under 5.5 seconds. That makes it quicker in a straight line than rivals costing twice as much. Its specially-built chassis and four-wheel drive enables incredible traction and grip when barreling down twisty back roads too. Inside is rather sparse, but this singularly focused hatch lives for carving up curves, not creature comforts. A really fun drive for any hot hatch enthusiast.
Honda Civic Type R
Few hot hatches can match the Honda Civic Type R's sheer performance capabilities. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine pumps out 306 horsepower while bespoke suspension tuning and limited-slip differential enable it to carve corners with remarkable poise. Massive brakes allow repeating hard stops hardly a struggle. Aggressive aerodynamics aid high-speed stability too. The latest Civic Type R set a front-wheel drive lap record at the legendary Nürburgring circuit. Yet despite such track-ready prowess, it remains a practical hatchback in day-to-day driving. For driving enthusiasts desiring pulse-pounding performance with room for luggage and the usability of a regular Civic, the Type R is hard to beat, cementing its reputation as a standout hot hatch for UK roads.
BMW 128ti
The BMW 128ti injects an enticing rear-wheel drive spirit into the hot hatch formula. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine sends 262 horsepower to those rear wheels for strong straight-line pace and engaging handling balance when attacking corners. The steering and chassis communicate sublimely without punishing the passengers over bumps. Equally suited to either daily commutes or weekend canyon runs, the 128ti blends driving enjoyment, practicality and luxury for a compelling package. It's a slick value too, significantly undercutting core BMWs while matching pricier rivals on power. For shoppers desiring a compact hatch with genuine driver appeal, the new 128ti warrants a test drive.
Mercedes-AMG A45 S
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S stakes its claim as the most powerful option in its segment. A specially built 2.0-litre turbo four makes 415hp, while clever traction technology routes torque to individual wheels. The result is astonishing acceleration with 0-60mph dispatched in only 3.7 seconds! This matches genuine supercars just a decade ago. Yet unlike big-powered rear-drive machines, the A45 S sends its power to the tarmac via all four wheels, letting drivers fully exploit its performance without constantly spinning tires. The interior is packed with premium details, one of the best cabins in it’s class for sure.
VW Golf GTI Clubsport
The VW Golf GTI Clubsport is a high performance version of the popular VW Golf GTI. Introduced in 2015, the Clubsport model was created by VW to celebrate 40 years of the Golf GTI brand. Equipped with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine tuned to produce 286 horsepower, the Clubsport features an impressive power boost over the standard GTI. Unique upgrades like a front differential lock, larger brakes, tweaked suspension and driving modes give the Clubsport sharper handling and driving dynamics. Overall, the limited-production Golf GTI Clubsport combines the practicality of the base GTI with serious performance upgrades for a powerful hot hatch appealing to driving enthusiasts. The special edition is Volkswagen's most powerful production Golf model ever sold. Power and handling prove more accessible versus the most hardcore Hondas and Mercedes too. Only a lack of all-wheel drive limits its abilities during cold or wet weather. A new rival for 2023 comes in the form of the rear-wheel drive 128ti hatchback from BMW. Early reviews sing high praise of its acceleration, chassis balance and value. But as a newer model, it still needs to stand the test of time like its rivals.
While not decisively claiming victory in any one area, the Golf GTI Clubsport does the best job of balancing excitement, comfort, quality and prestige. As an outstanding all-arounder, the extra investment in the Golf GTI Clubsport delivers serious bang for the buck, securing its place as our top choice among UK hot hatches both for enthusiasts and regular drivers alike. It’s safe to say any of the hot hatches listed in this article are fantastic machines and are a joy to drive.
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