The best hot hatchbacks have long been considered a kind of egalitrianising performance car format, making them some of the best cars in the real world. Combing all the practicality features of an ordinary family car with more power and an uprated chassis, they offer keen drivers without the budget or desire to buy multiple vehicles the chance to have their cake and eat it, too.
The hot hatch market is currently undergoing significant change, with some models between update cycles and others disappearing altogether. Unfortunately, it’s the more affordable hot hatches that seem to be suffering most in the latter category – for instance, it was extremely sad to see the Ford Fiesta ST bite the dust last year. On the other hand, at the upper end, there are ever-more innovative so-called hyper-hatch models appearing, including some powered by electricity rather than petrol.
On this page we’ve listed our favourite hot hatches across the whole spectrum, based on extensive experience driving them on the road in particular but also often on track. You can find out more about how we test cars on our dedicated explainer page, but be assured that if a car is good enough to make this list then it really is worth every penny of your hard-earned income.
Keep reading.
The best hot hatches to buy in 2024
Toyota GR Yaris
Quite possibly the best pocket rocket of all time
Truly great supermini-sized hot hatchbacks are few and far between these days – the Ford Fiesta ST has been killed off entirely, the Hyundai i20 N is only available from stock and the VW Polo GTI is a bit… dull. The latest Mini Cooper S is still worth your time, but joyful and playful though that is, in terms of sheer bang-for-buck performance and capability the Toyota GR Yaris is streets ahead. The sheer level of bespoke technology packed into this little car is genuinely astonishing. Even more so when you consider Toyota’s typically conservative image.
Originally conceived as a rally car homologation model, the GR Yaris has a unique bodyshell and an extraordinarily adjustable four-wheel drive system. An update for 2024 – known as the Gen 2 GR Yaris – sees improvements to the interior (better dashboard, lower seats) and chassis plus a bump in power for the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which now produces 280hp. You can also get an eight-speed automatic for the first time, although a six-speed manual is still offered for purists. Never has the pocket rocket cliché seemed so appropriate, but it’s a shame the entry-level price is now nearly £45,000.
To find out more, read our full Toyota GR Yaris review
Originally conceived as a rally car homologation model, the GR Yaris has a unique bodyshell and an extraordinarily adjustable four-wheel drive system. An update for 2024 – known as the Gen 2 GR Yaris – sees improvements to the interior (better dashboard, lower seats) and chassis plus a bump in power for the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which now produces 280hp. You can also get an eight-speed automatic for the first time, although a six-speed manual is still offered for purists. Never has the pocket rocket cliché seemed so appropriate, but it’s a shame the entry-level price is now nearly £45,000.
To find out more, read our full Toyota GR Yaris review
Pros
- Exceedingly fast but very playful with it
- Truly bespoke engineering and design just for this model
- Improved interior will make Gen 2 easier to live with
Cons
- Prices have jumped by around £12,000 – which is hard to ignore
- May be a little too exciting if you favour a more conservative driving style
VW Golf GTI
The legend continues to live up to expectations
You can’t have a list of the best hot hatches without a Golf GTI on it. Although the current version is only available from stock now, Volkswagen has already revealed details of the next model – so unlike some rivals (notably the Hyundai i30 N) we know it’s set to continue in the future. And while some might argue its place in the world has been superseded by the more powerful Golf R, which also features four-wheel drive, for us the front-wheel drive GTI is still the very heart of the British hot hatch market.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the GTI is still quick enough. But as ever with this model, its genius is in an achieving a well-rounded balance of abilities without becoming too extreme – or too boring. The badge delivers instance recognition and acceptance, it’s comfortable enough for everyday motoring, yet sharp enough to drive to still be brilliant fun when the opportunity presents itself. Clubsport models are available if you want to turn the dial up a bit as well. Some of the interior controls are a touch fiddly, but we can forgive that. If you want pedigree, the GTI’s heritage is unmatched and it continues to live up to expectations.
To find out more, read our full VW Golf GTI review
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the GTI is still quick enough. But as ever with this model, its genius is in an achieving a well-rounded balance of abilities without becoming too extreme – or too boring. The badge delivers instance recognition and acceptance, it’s comfortable enough for everyday motoring, yet sharp enough to drive to still be brilliant fun when the opportunity presents itself. Clubsport models are available if you want to turn the dial up a bit as well. Some of the interior controls are a touch fiddly, but we can forgive that. If you want pedigree, the GTI’s heritage is unmatched and it continues to live up to expectations.
To find out more, read our full VW Golf GTI review
Pros
- Wonderfully balanced between everyday comfort and handling fun
- Clubsport models offer even more driving excitement
- Quality and heritage shine through however and wherever you use it
Cons
- Like all modern VWs, the infotainment system is a weak point
- Rivals arguably offer better value, but that depends on your priorities
Ford Focus ST
Another brilliant all-rounder – that you can also buy as an estate
Want something a little shoutier than a Golf GTI but still well-rounded? Then may we suggest the venerable Ford Focus ST – which is the only true hot hatch that Ford still makes. Overlooking that crime for a moment, the Focus ST is belting fun to drive while remaining reasonably mature. Useful features that help it function as a regular family car include roomy rear seats and the option of an estate body style if the boot of the conventional hatchback isn’t big enough for you. The 2.3-litre turbo-petrol is keen, if not as vocal as it once was, and is best suited to the standard six-speed manual gearbox.
Though the optional eight-speed auto is certainly more traffic jam friendly, it’s also not as slick as the GTI’s DSG transmission and can make the 280hp engine seem strangely flat. We’d recommend upgrading to the variable dampers if you can, as the ST is decidedly firmer riding than the Golf, too – making the Comfort setting a welcome relief on longer journeys. This general tautness does help give the Ford an always agile feel, however, making it closer in concept to the GTI Clubsport than the regular model. It’s definitely a car for enthusiasts, with a shade more character than rivals such as the Cupra Leon as well.
To find out more, read our full Ford Focus ST review
Though the optional eight-speed auto is certainly more traffic jam friendly, it’s also not as slick as the GTI’s DSG transmission and can make the 280hp engine seem strangely flat. We’d recommend upgrading to the variable dampers if you can, as the ST is decidedly firmer riding than the Golf, too – making the Comfort setting a welcome relief on longer journeys. This general tautness does help give the Ford an always agile feel, however, making it closer in concept to the GTI Clubsport than the regular model. It’s definitely a car for enthusiasts, with a shade more character than rivals such as the Cupra Leon as well.
To find out more, read our full Ford Focus ST review
Pros
- Solid blend of everyday useability and driving fun with lots of standard kit
- Spacious rear seats and estate body option add to the practicality
- Punchy engine and agile handling are easy to get to grips with
Cons
- Interior design is a little bland and the infotainment is comparatively dated
- Firmer ride than the Golf GTI may prove too annoying for some buyers
Mercedes-AMG A45 S
Mega performance versus mega price – with the former making the latter worth it
Mercedes-AMG makes a less potent A-Class hot hatch called the A35, but really you want the full fat A45 S – if you can afford it. Because no matter what our backroom team says about not mentioning cost in these articles, there’s no escaping that this AMG A-Class will set you back over £60,000. For what is still, essentially, a five-door family hatchback. But what a machine you’re getting in exchange for your money. From the trick four-wheel drive system to the F1-meets-cyberpunk touchscreen control pods glommed onto the steering wheel and the augmented-reality sat-nav this is a high-tech, high-speed Affalterbach bombshell.
The 2.0-litre turbo engine under the bonnet is the most powerful four-cylinder production engine in the world. With 421hp it’ll propel this winged weapon 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, making it faster than all but one other car on this list (ooooh, the suspense). Better yet, it’s a really good blend of entertaining and approachable to drive – fast, obviously, but also engaging, which makes it fun to drive even at lower speeds. If we’re going to make any complaints, the interior looks better than it feels in some areas, but overall this is every bit as good as it needs to be for the price.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes-AMG A45 S review
The 2.0-litre turbo engine under the bonnet is the most powerful four-cylinder production engine in the world. With 421hp it’ll propel this winged weapon 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, making it faster than all but one other car on this list (ooooh, the suspense). Better yet, it’s a really good blend of entertaining and approachable to drive – fast, obviously, but also engaging, which makes it fun to drive even at lower speeds. If we’re going to make any complaints, the interior looks better than it feels in some areas, but overall this is every bit as good as it needs to be for the price.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes-AMG A45 S review
Pros
- Wickedly fast and loads of fun without being too scary – or boring
- Most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world
- Lots of tech, most of which actually works very well
Cons
- In our experience, the interior can be a bit creaky in places
- Not the most subtle-looking machine, so good job it goes well to back the image up
Honda Civic Type R
One of the best high-performance Hondas ever – which makes it a very good hot hatch indeed
Honda is another firm with a storied history of building exciting hot hatches, but we don’t think it has ever created one that’s quite as complete as this. Previous models have often been too uncompromising to live with – this latest Civic Type R retains the sharpness that has always made them so exciting but added a degree of comfort and sophistication that takes the overall proposition to the next level. No longer need you fear a lengthy journey, yet given the right opportunity, the Type R is still as fabulously frenetic as it has always been.
The interior may not be too exciting to look at – superbly supportive red seats aside – but it’s well put together and demonstrates sensible control logic. More to the point, the amount of feel you get through the steering wheel, the chassis, the gearbox and the brakes means it’s an involving, thrilling joy to wring every last ounce of performance from the 329hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Customisable driving modes add to the experience, and although it’s only front-wheel drive there’s fantastic grip and wonderful body control. For the money it costs – upwards of £50,000 – some buyers might expect four-wheel drive, though.
To find out more, read our full Honda Civic Type R review
The interior may not be too exciting to look at – superbly supportive red seats aside – but it’s well put together and demonstrates sensible control logic. More to the point, the amount of feel you get through the steering wheel, the chassis, the gearbox and the brakes means it’s an involving, thrilling joy to wring every last ounce of performance from the 329hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Customisable driving modes add to the experience, and although it’s only front-wheel drive there’s fantastic grip and wonderful body control. For the money it costs – upwards of £50,000 – some buyers might expect four-wheel drive, though.
To find out more, read our full Honda Civic Type R review
Pros
- One of the best driving experiences around at any price level or market sector
- This latest version is much more comfortable than previous models
- Feels very well made and, being a Honda, is likely to be very reliable
Cons
- Fixed specification for UK buyers – the only factory option is the paint
- For similar money you could buy a Porsche Cayman (we’d still be tempted by the Civic…)
Audi S3
The best hot hatch for a subtle premium experience with lots of speed
The latest generation of S3 continues the polished subtlety of previous model, but ups the ante with some engineering know-how borrowed from its even more potent brother, the Audi RS3. With the updated RS3 still in development at the time of writing, this makes the S3 a rather savvy choice. It’s stacks cheaper than the RS3, but now benefits from the clever, torque-splitting rear axle that made the older RS version so much fun. This means the S3 really knows a how to have a good time, something preceding variants have occasionally overlooked in favour of sophistication.
You do have to drive it quite hard to achieve this nirvana, though. Which we suppose is in keeping with the grown-up nature of the beast. Similarly, while the engine has plenty of poke, it’s not that characterful; since we’re making complaints we should mention the limited steering feedback and stiff ride – the latter can be improved by opting for the adaptive suspension, however. The interior is also on the plain side. But build quality tops rivals BMW and Mercedes, and the driving position offers plenty of adjustability. A sensible car, then – albeit a very fast one. A small saloon version is available in addition to the hatchback.
To find out more, read our full Audi S3 review
You do have to drive it quite hard to achieve this nirvana, though. Which we suppose is in keeping with the grown-up nature of the beast. Similarly, while the engine has plenty of poke, it’s not that characterful; since we’re making complaints we should mention the limited steering feedback and stiff ride – the latter can be improved by opting for the adaptive suspension, however. The interior is also on the plain side. But build quality tops rivals BMW and Mercedes, and the driving position offers plenty of adjustability. A sensible car, then – albeit a very fast one. A small saloon version is available in addition to the hatchback.
To find out more, read our full Audi S3 review
Pros
- Driving experience is more intense than in previous versions
- Which makes this one of the most fun Audis you can currently buy
- Still has an impressive air of sophistication and subtlety, even so
Cons
- You’ll need the adaptive suspension if you want any semblance of ride comfort
- Rivals are still more exciting to drive, and the interior is a little… boring
MINI Cooper SE
An electric hot hatch that proves you don’t need petrol-power to have fun
It’s taken a long time, but we’re finally starting to see electric-powered hot hatches that live up to the name. While the Abarth 500e doesn’t quite hit the spot and the MG4 XPower is just lots of power with not enough finesse, the latest generation of electric MINI Cooper gets the formula right. You can have an entry-level Cooper E model with 135hp or a punchier Cooper SE with 160hp, and both deliver the kind of tautly controlled and dynamically gymnastic driving experience we’ve come to expect from this joyful brand.
It's also worth noting that the electric versions of this latest generation of MINI hatchbacks are the only ones that get an actually new platform. The petrol variants are merely updated versions of the previous model. Even so, it would be remiss of us to not point out that you can feel the weight of the batteries here – which means a really good petrol hot hatch is still a more engaging experience. But if you want fun and zero emissions, in more conventionally attractive package with a well-made interior, the MINI is a great place to start. And with up to 249 miles of driving range, it’s pretty useable, too.
To find out more, read or full MINI Cooper Electric review
It's also worth noting that the electric versions of this latest generation of MINI hatchbacks are the only ones that get an actually new platform. The petrol variants are merely updated versions of the previous model. Even so, it would be remiss of us to not point out that you can feel the weight of the batteries here – which means a really good petrol hot hatch is still a more engaging experience. But if you want fun and zero emissions, in more conventionally attractive package with a well-made interior, the MINI is a great place to start. And with up to 249 miles of driving range, it’s pretty useable, too.
To find out more, read or full MINI Cooper Electric review
Pros
- Exciting and well-balanced to drive, which is rare for a hot hatch EV
- Choice of battery sizes and motor power
- Useable driving range (especially compared with Abarth 500E)
Cons
- Battery weight does make it feel heavier than the best petrol hot hatches
- Going electric still demands a higher purchase cost than sticking with petrol
Cupra Born VZ
The fun-to-drive VW ID.3 we’ve been waiting for isn’t sold by Volkswagen…
The Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric car platform underpins a wide selection of cars now, and has always impressed us with its fined capability. But it’s never quite managed to be proper fun. Until now. The Cupra Born is basically a VW ID.3 in fancy trousers, and the Cupra Born VZ is the ID.3 GTI we’ve been waiting for. With a revised chassis, grippy tyres and 40% more power – not to mention 70% more torque – this is quite a step up from the standard car. And although there are still petrol-powered alternatives listed here that are ultimately more fun, this is another indication that car enthusiasts don’t need to despair about the coming internal combustion engine ban.
Peak power is 326hp, which together with 545Nm is enough to see off 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, but it’s the improvement in feedback that makes this performance model stand out. In contrast to most hot hatches – which are traditionally front-wheel drive – the Born VZ is rear-wheel drive, leaving the front wheels free to do the steering uncorrupted, and Cupra has made the most of this to finally extract a greater sense of involvement from the MEB chassis. Our reviewer described it as ‘effortless fun’.
To find out more, read our Cupra Born VZ review
Peak power is 326hp, which together with 545Nm is enough to see off 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, but it’s the improvement in feedback that makes this performance model stand out. In contrast to most hot hatches – which are traditionally front-wheel drive – the Born VZ is rear-wheel drive, leaving the front wheels free to do the steering uncorrupted, and Cupra has made the most of this to finally extract a greater sense of involvement from the MEB chassis. Our reviewer described it as ‘effortless fun’.
To find out more, read our Cupra Born VZ review
Pros
- Proof that VW’s MEB platform can provide a fun driving experience
- Plenty of power and performance, good steering
- Claimed 342-mile driving range impresses, too
Cons
- Still somewhat heavy-feeling, due to the weight of the batteries
- Ride may be too firm for some, especially on UK roads
Abarth 595 and 695
The best hot hatch for sheer giggles
If having a good time is more important to you than hitting apexes and minimising lap times, then you should seriously consider the Abarth versions of the Fiat 500. These are not sophisticated precision driving machines, these are small cars with lively engines and huge character. Hot hatches with a sense of humour, if you will. They make silly farting noises at low speeds, will slide about and spin their wheels if you’re clumsy, and typically come in loud, attention-grabbing paint finishes. But they’re also packed with beautifully intricate detailing and somehow manage to make the cutesy regular 500 look tough, in a really endearing fashion.
There are two standard flavours, plus a huge back catalogue of special editions. The Abarth 595 is the 165hp version, while the Abarth 695 gets 180hp (though some variants of the 595 also match this power output, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting). The ride is probably best considered hard, so it’s not likely to be quite so much fun for you passengers – though you might not notice since you’ll be grinning so much. If you really want there’s an all-electric Abarth 500e as well, but this isn’t quite as entertaining.
To find out more, read our full Abarth 595 review
There are two standard flavours, plus a huge back catalogue of special editions. The Abarth 595 is the 165hp version, while the Abarth 695 gets 180hp (though some variants of the 595 also match this power output, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting). The ride is probably best considered hard, so it’s not likely to be quite so much fun for you passengers – though you might not notice since you’ll be grinning so much. If you really want there’s an all-electric Abarth 500e as well, but this isn’t quite as entertaining.
To find out more, read our full Abarth 595 review
Pros
- Bags of character makes this a fun car to live with
- Nicely finished, with intricate paint jobs and lovely details
- Performance is more serious than the car looks
Cons
- A short wheelbase and firm suspension makes for a bumpy ride
- Not much modern safety kit
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
A gamechanger for the hot hatch market that takes electric power to another level
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N really a hatchback? It might look like one in the pictures, but you’ll know from seeing the Ioniq 5 on the road that this is really a rather large car that many will classify as an SUV. The reason it makes the grade here, however, is quite simple: it’s a genuine gamechanger for hot hatch and EV performance, as it’s among the most fun you can have on four wheels in the entire car market. Hyundai has truly moved from the budget brand of yore to a trend-setting innovator, and the Ioniq 5 N is the ultimate proof of this.
Pricing is pretty much on par with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which means it’s not a car you’ll jump into lightly. But in exchange you get even more power, with the twin electric motor drive system delivering an incredible 650hp in combination with extremely tricksy all-wheel drive. It will do 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, which is very, very fast indeed. But it’s the trouble Hyundai’s N department has taken to make it fun to drive that really stands out, with an amazing simulated manual gearbox very much part of the action. If you can, do.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review
Pricing is pretty much on par with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which means it’s not a car you’ll jump into lightly. But in exchange you get even more power, with the twin electric motor drive system delivering an incredible 650hp in combination with extremely tricksy all-wheel drive. It will do 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, which is very, very fast indeed. But it’s the trouble Hyundai’s N department has taken to make it fun to drive that really stands out, with an amazing simulated manual gearbox very much part of the action. If you can, do.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review
Pros
- The first truly convincing electric hot hatch, it’s hugely entertaining to drive
- Very, very fast, but also engaging and begging to give you a good time
- Simulated manual gearbox is a first for an electric vehicle and works well
Cons
- Drive it hard you can expect very poor efficiency – dropping the driving range from an official 278 miles to barely over 100
- Considerable size and weight are hard to ignore
Hot hatches that might be worth waiting for
At the time of writing, there are a few regular hot hatch favourites that aren’t currently on the market due to their product cycles. So if you’re not in a hurry to buy right now, here’s what you’ve got to look forward to in the near future.
Skoda Octavia vRS
A value-optimised version of the Golf GTI that even gives you more passenger space because it comes as a five-door hatchback saloon and an estate, the updated Octavia vRS will be out later in 2024. With 2.0-litre turbo petrol power and stacks of standard equipment you can expect great fun and great value.
Audi RS3
The next RS3 has already broken the Nurburgring lap record for its class, even though it’s not on sale until later in 2024, underlining the promised of an even more capable chassis. The charismatic five-cylinder engine carries over, too, which helps separate it from the already highly impressive Audi S3.
MINI Cooper JCW
The next John Cooper Works version of the MINI Cooper hatchback will have over 200hp and a petrol tank. Past form tells us to expect an agile chassis and lots of character, but other recent JCW models from elsewhere in the MINI line-up have been plagued by overly firm suspension. An even hotter MINI Cooper GP is likely later on as well.
Suzuki Swift Sport
The Suzuki Swift Sport has long been a favourite of hot hatch fans who love the simple formula of lightweight engineering and a modest amount of extra power. The latest-generation Swift is already great fun to drive, so we have high hopes for the performance version, even if it is unlikely to compete with rivals on outright power.
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