In an attempt to see which one is a fan favourite, we have compiled a short hot hatch list that proves that fun yet engaging cars still exist across several budgets. Don’t forget to vote at the bottom and let us know which current hot hatch you’d have.
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Before we get into it, a hot hatch can be simply described as a higher-performance variant of a hatchback on which it is based. Speaking of which, the illustrious segment has become known for its practicality and compact size, generally featuring a boot door that swings upwards for easy access to the cargo area. Credit to who spawned the segment can generally be agreed on with the French who in the mid-20th century debuted models that were revolutionary alternatives to less practical and traditional sedans. Early examples like the 1930s Citroën Traction Avant and the 1950s Renault 4 which featured rear hatches for easy cargo access.
However, the segment truly gained momentum in the 1970s with models like the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic taking the world by storm. The segment found favour in Europe and Asia due to their space-efficient designs and affordability. Today, the segment continues to evolve but a fair chunk of their market share has been lost to even more practical SUVs, which have usurped the usurper.
A hot hatch has taken this concept further by incorporating increased power, enhanced handling characteristics and more aggressive aesthetics, resulting in a sporty and engaging driving experience that has proven immensely popular with young buyers wanting to tick the boxes of an engaging drive without compromising on versatility. While the 1971 Autobianchi A112 Abarth or AMC Gremlin from the year before had the hallmarks of a hot hatch, the 1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI is widely credited as the catalyst to the segment, combining a lightweight body with a peppy engine and sporty handling. This is also arguably the model that spawned rival icons like the Peugeot 205 GTI, Renault 5 Turbo, and Ford Escort XR3. Surprisingly, almost 50 years later – the recipe seems nearly unchanged in a true hot hatch!
Suzuki Swift Sport – R454 900
Despite a new model on its way to South Africa, the previous generation of Suzuki Swift Sport is still listed as a new vehicle for the South African market. Available in either an automatic or a manual, it is one of the most affordable hot hatches on the local market and delivers fairly impressive performance from its turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder which delivers 103 kW and 230 N.m. While it may not be the most revered, it certainly is one of the best bang for buck hot hatches in this list.
Volkswagen Polo GTI – R573 300
Despite the heritage, the Golf GTI isn’t the only to wear the illustrious badge from Volkswagen nor is it the only one to be equipped with the illustrious EA888 motor. With almost the same running gear under the bonnet, the Polo GTI is endowed with 147 kW and 320 N.m from the factory which is channelled to the front wheels via Volkswagen’s DSG box. Locally manufactured, Kariega in the Eastern Cape is the sole Polo GTI manufacturing facility in the world!
Mini John Cooper Works – R691 438
Further down on the list is the Mini JCW which is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that, like its antecedent, pulls the car forward via the front wheels. This model generates 170 kW of power and 320 N.m of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.36 seconds. The Mini JCW has a starting price of R691 438 and is nearing the end of its availability amidst the arrival of the new Cooper Sport which has touched down in Mzansi.
Volkswagen Golf Mk8 GTI – R836 700
Following this is what can be widely considered as the ubiquitous hot hatch; the Volkswagen Golf GTI which is priced from R836 700. It features the renowned 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 engine, delivering 180 kW of power and 370 N.m of torque. This hot hatch accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. For an additional R160 000, the Golf R can be acquired at R996 700. Utilizing the same EA888 engine, the five-door hatchback boasts an impressive output of 235 kW and 400 N.m of torque – see further below.
Related: Golf GTI Poll Verdict – Here is South Africa’s Favourite GTI Generation
Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally – R848 600
Arriving as one of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s full-fat products locally, the GR Yaris has just been refreshed and will continue to be offered locally. Despite this, the outgoing model is equipped with a raspy 3-cylinder motor that has outputs of 198 kW and 360 N.m, impressive from the 1.6-litre motor. Rally pedigree is also endowed in the compact hot hatch and many consider this Japanese ware as the spiritual successor of the legendary Lancia Delta HF Integrale from the 1990s.
Hyundai i30N – R848 900
At the core of the N lies an enhanced iteration of Hyundai’s G4KH Theta II 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers impressive outputs of 206 kW at 5 500 r/min and 392 N.m of torque at 2 100 r/min. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.81 seconds before topping out at 250 km/h. The recommended retail price for this model is R848 900, a smidge more than when it won the CAR Performance Shootout in 2023.
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T GR-Four Core – R849 400
Powering the GR Corolla is the renowned G16E-GTS 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, shared with the acclaimed GR Yaris mentioned above. In this four-door iteration, this engine has been tuned to deliver enhanced performance and now boasts an output of 221 kW @ 6 500 r/min and 370 N.m of torque at 3 000 r/min. Power is transmitted through a six-speed manual transmission and to all four corners, delivering exhilarating performance that our digital editor Alex Shahini experienced during the 2024 season of the Toyota GR Cup.
Two variants are available: the Core and the Circuit. While both share the same potent engine, the Circuit model, priced at R911 400, offers a premium experience with added refinements such as a head-up display and synthetic leather/suede upholstery. Distinguishing features for the Circuit include an exclusive Midnight Grey paint option and a sleek gloss-black grille, while the Core version is available in Glacier White, Raven Black, or Fierce Red.
Audi S3 Sportback quattro – R930 300
Underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the S3 is another vehicle available with the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor however in this application outputs 213 kW and 400 N.m. Power is sent to all corners via a dual-clutch automatic, similar to the Golf R which is further down the list. Buyers can also opt for the Black Edition which comes in at R1 091 000 but all will forever be overshadowed by Audi’s revered 5-cylinder iteration (keep reading for more on that).
Renault Megane RS 300 Trophy EDC – R949 999
Despite only one entry on the list, the French have been hot hatch maestros in the past. The Megane R.S. 300 Trophy remains the only survivor of this nostalgic legacy and harnesses a potent 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, generating 221 kW @ 6 000 r/min and 420 N.m of torque @ 2 400 r/min. This powertrain is paired with a swift-shifting dual-clutch EDC gearbox that propels the car from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, culminating in an exhilarating top speed of 260 km/h. Drawing inspiration from Formula 1 technology, the engine incorporates a turbocharger mounted on ceramic ball bearings, ensuring lightning-fast response times.
BMW M135 xDrive – R982 768
BMW has enhanced the 1 Series’ flagship model, increasing its power output by 8 kW to 233 kW @ 5 750 r/min. However, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine now produces 50 N.m less torque than before, with a peak of 400 N.m @ 2 000 r/min. This power is routed to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The M135 will go from 0- 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.
Volkswagen Golf R R996 700
Like the S3 listed above, the Golf 8 R is underpinned by the MQB platform however, it boasts more power at 235 kW but torque remains the same at 400 N.m. Differentiating it from the front-wheel driven GTI, the R-badged model features a 7-speed DSG which channels power to all corners.
Honda Civic Type R – R1 021 600
Topping the million rand mark, the venerated Honda Civic Type R has forever been a driver-focused car. Tested during the 2024 Performance Shootout, the model impressed with its crisp manual transmission and impressive grip levels considering its front-wheel-driven platform. Like the Golf R above, it comes with 235 kW but ousts its German rival with 420 N.m from its 2.0-litre powerhouse.
Audi RS3 Sportback Quattro – R1 330 800
On the higher end of the spectrum and in the realm of what has emerged as hyper hatchbacks is the Audi RS3 Sportback Quattro. This performance-oriented hatchback is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, delivering an impressive 294 kW @ 5 600 r/min and 500 N.m of torque at 2 250 r/min. With launch control engaged, the RS3 Sportback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Power is managed through a standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. While its electronically limited top speed is set at 250 km/h, an optional upgrade raises this figure to 290 km/h.
Mercedes-AMG A45s Hatch 4matic + – R1 475 690
The lineup of locally available hot hatchbacks culminates with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Hatch 4MATIC+, commanding price of R1 475 690. Powering this German model is a heavily electrified 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, delivering an impressive 310 kW@ 6 750 r/min and 500 N.m of torque at 5 000 r/min. Mercedes-AMG boasts a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds which is courtesy of an all-wheel drive system.
Money and logic aside, let us know which of these you’d take!
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