Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the petrol head's most debated topic of all time. Forget supercars, the most hotly contested argument over cars has always been about hot hatchbacks. Let’s face it, most of us have never sat behind the wheel of a Lamborghini. So, we can’t really argue about the best supercar. But, we’ve all raced around our local towns in a souped up hot hatch. It’s all about putting a high-powered engine into a small everyday car. The results are phenomenal. But, which is the very best?
VW Golf GTi Mk1
We’ll start with the original, and arguably the best ever made. Back in the 80’s, a bright spark at Volkswagen decided to put a super-fierce engine inside their small hatchback. It changed the course of motoring forever. The Golf GTi (the world’s first hot hatchback) was born. It had the iconic checkered trim and the golf ball gear stick that we’d come to love. It was fast, responsive, exciting. Driving had never felt so thrilling! It became the benchmark for the future, but we’ll always remember the one that started it all.
Peugeot 205 GTi
Not long after the Golf GTi hit the streets, every car manufacturer wanted a piece of the action. Copycat models quickly spawned in all the major hatchback models. However, few captured the thrill and excitement of the Golf GTi. Only Peugeot came close with the 205 GTi. It became a rally champion, and a firm favourite of motor lovers. Unfortunately, it was Peugeot’s last great car, and that makes it all the more special for hot-hatch fans.
Honda Civic Type R
Moving towards the 21st century, the hot hatchbacks became a cultural phenomenon. Car manufacturers fine tuned the engines to enormous potential, and power was unleashed. Many claim the best hot hatch ever made was the Honda Civic Type R. The Japanese manufacturers perfected the balance of power and handling to create the perfect car. A quick look at used car sites like www.harratts.co.uk, and you’ll see the Civic is still a popular seller. A new model was released in 2015, but it failed to capture the magic of the original.
Ford Focus RS
Here in 2016, the hot hatch competition still rages on. The Golf GTi is still a firm contender, but there is one car that is out on its own. The Focus RS is the best modern hot hatchback, and by quite a distance. It’s also one of the best-sellers in the country. The car is ferocious, yet controlled and agile. It’s everything a hot hatchback was designed to be. Nothing else has come close yet.
MINI Cooper S
We’ll end with a fan favourite. Although it’s not the fastest or most powerful, it’s always been a rally staple. This car has won more rally races than any other, making it a force to be reckoned with. It also has that classic, iconic design and shape that most petrolheads love.
The debate will rage on as manufacturers seek to make even better models. But, which is your favourite?
VW Golf GTi Mk1
We’ll start with the original, and arguably the best ever made. Back in the 80’s, a bright spark at Volkswagen decided to put a super-fierce engine inside their small hatchback. It changed the course of motoring forever. The Golf GTi (the world’s first hot hatchback) was born. It had the iconic checkered trim and the golf ball gear stick that we’d come to love. It was fast, responsive, exciting. Driving had never felt so thrilling! It became the benchmark for the future, but we’ll always remember the one that started it all.
Peugeot 205 GTi
Not long after the Golf GTi hit the streets, every car manufacturer wanted a piece of the action. Copycat models quickly spawned in all the major hatchback models. However, few captured the thrill and excitement of the Golf GTi. Only Peugeot came close with the 205 GTi. It became a rally champion, and a firm favourite of motor lovers. Unfortunately, it was Peugeot’s last great car, and that makes it all the more special for hot-hatch fans.
Honda Civic Type R
Moving towards the 21st century, the hot hatchbacks became a cultural phenomenon. Car manufacturers fine tuned the engines to enormous potential, and power was unleashed. Many claim the best hot hatch ever made was the Honda Civic Type R. The Japanese manufacturers perfected the balance of power and handling to create the perfect car. A quick look at used car sites like www.harratts.co.uk, and you’ll see the Civic is still a popular seller. A new model was released in 2015, but it failed to capture the magic of the original.
Ford Focus RS
Here in 2016, the hot hatch competition still rages on. The Golf GTi is still a firm contender, but there is one car that is out on its own. The Focus RS is the best modern hot hatchback, and by quite a distance. It’s also one of the best-sellers in the country. The car is ferocious, yet controlled and agile. It’s everything a hot hatchback was designed to be. Nothing else has come close yet.
MINI Cooper S
We’ll end with a fan favourite. Although it’s not the fastest or most powerful, it’s always been a rally staple. This car has won more rally races than any other, making it a force to be reckoned with. It also has that classic, iconic design and shape that most petrolheads love.
The debate will rage on as manufacturers seek to make even better models. But, which is your favourite?
