by Hot hatches are fast and agile, yet practical and quite economical. Many of them have long become iconic, and some are already hunted by collectors.
Top Gear has chosen the most outstanding hot hatches in the history of this segment.
Peugeot 205 GTi 1984
The Peugeot hot hatch is an iconic model of the 80s. It is inexpensive, light, and great to handle. Initially, it was equipped with a 1.6-liter 105 hp engine, although later 1.9-liter versions with 115 and 130 hp appeared.
Ford Fiesta ST 2013
The seventh generation Ford Fiesta turned out to be very worthy, and its hot ST version became one of the best in its class. The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developed 197 hp and was exclusively mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Renault Clio Williams 1993
One of the most famous hot hatches of the 90s.
For its time, the car was quite powerful (150 hp) and relatively affordable.
Honda Civic Type R 2001
The Honda Civic Type R is truly an iconic model. Its high-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder developed 200 hp without any turbocharging. The hot hatch could accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, and its handling was just excellent.
Lancia Delta Integrale 1989
Long before the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru Impreza STI, Lancia was making the right all-wheel-drive hot hatch. It boasted a turbo engine with up to 220 hp and a Torsen differential. Incidentally, the Delta Integrale earned four championship titles in rallies.
Renault 5 Turbo 2 1983
The Renault 5 Turbo 2 is an unusual hot hatch, at least because it’s rear-engined.
Its 1.4-liter turbocharged four developed 185 hp and enabled acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Only 3576 units were produced.
Ford Focus RS 2002
All Ford Focus models have good handling, but the very first RS is particularly valued. Only 4500 of these were produced. It had 220 hp, a limited-slip differential, and a superbly tuned chassis.
Volkswagen Golf V GTI 2005
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the founder of the hot hatch segment. Its first generation is popular among collectors, but the Golf V GTI turned out to be particularly successful.
It’s not just about the 200 hp turbo engine and well-tuned chassis, but also the revolutionary DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Renault Megane R26.R 2009
The Renault Megane RS is one of the most extreme modern hot hatches, but its R26.R version is particularly hardcore. The track-focused model featured a carbon hood, polycarbonate windows, and omitted the rear seats. Its 230 hp turbocharged four-cylinder ensured excellent performance – 6 seconds to 100 km/h. Only 450 units were assembled.
Honda Civic Type R 2017
The modern Honda Civic Type R is the Nürburgring record-holder among front-wheel-drive cars. The hot hatch attracts with advanced aerodynamics, a well-tuned suspension, and a 320 hp turbo engine.
