Hot hatchbacks are great. They’re the Swiss Army knives of the automotive world, offering drivers performance, practicality and acceptable fuel economy – all for a reasonable price.
Sadly though, small hot hatchbacks are becoming somewhat of a dying breed. Renault discontinued the Clio RS in 2016, while the Vauxhall Corsa VXR bowed out in 2018. Ford also swung the axe on the stalwart Fiesta ST in June 2023 so it could shift its focus to electric cars and SUVs, and Hyundai has announced the end of the i20 N, with the Suzuki Swift Sport following it off the new car pricelists.
So, if you’re in the market for a new hot hatchback, we’d recommend getting in now before the market dries up completely, and start to think about your secondhand options. Thankfully, there are still one or two excellent options out there. Scroll down to read the complete list of the best small hot hatchbacks on sale today.
The best new small hot hatchbacks to buy in 2024
New looks, same exciting performance and accomplished handling
It’s also one of the more grown-up small hot hatchbacks available, thanks in no small part to the involvement of MINI’s parent company, BMW. The suspension controls the car’s body well without compromising too much on passenger comfort – and the interior has been screwed together with immaculate precision. It isn’t perfect, though. The steering is well-weighted but it isn’t very communicative, and only seems to wake up at very high speeds.
Read our full MINI Cooper S review
Pros
- Punchy engine
- Sharp handling
- High-quality interior
Cons
- Options = expensive
- Firm ride on large wheels
It's a hooligan – and that makes it terrific fun to drive
Everything about the Abarth is blunt and unrefined. The steering is heavy, the suspension is unforgiving and, if you’re a too exuberant with the throttle, you’ll spin both front wheels away from the lights through first and second gear. But it’s very charming and its exhaust note is always addictive. We love it.
Read our full Abarth 595 review
Pros
- Exciting handling
- Burly performance
- Cracking exhaust note
Cons
- Compromised ergonomics
- Expensive flagship model
Rally-bred hot hatch offers supercar-slaying pace
There are few cars on sale today that handle quite as well as the GR Yaris. It’ll cling on to the tarmac long after the front-wheel drive Fiesta ST has understeered off into the verge. And, because it was designed for rallying, you can achieve the same face-melting cornering forces in snow-storms, torrential downpours and down muddy back lanes.
To find out more, read our full Toyota GR Yaris review
Pros
- Eye-widening performance
- Stunning handling capability
- Feels special
Cons
- Could sound better
- High seating position
The most sensible option here with an impressive turn of speed
It’s more laid back than its rivals, thanks to its softer suspension setup, automatic gearbox and optional sports comfort seats. That makes it more comfortable day-to-day. The trade-off is that it isn’t as exciting – but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s boring. You still get a 204hp 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 0–62mph time of 6.5 seconds.
Read our full Volkswagen Polo GTI review
Pros
- Loads of performance
- Easy to live with
- Well-equipped
Cons
- Rivals are more exciting
- Naff touch-sensitive controls
Some approved used choices, if you don’t need new
It might be gone from the new cars lists, but it'll never be forgotten
Ford facelifted the Fiesta ST in 2022. Key changes included a fresh front bumper, this lairy Mean Green paint and an extra 30Nm of torque. Thankfully, Ford’s engineers didn’t fiddle with the car’s suspension setup, so it’s still beautifully balanced in the corners.
Read our full Ford Fiesta ST review
Pros
- Fabulous to drive
- Plenty of performance
- Lots of equipment
Cons
- You can't order one from the factory
- Not much else
Intoxicating turbocharged performance for those that love driving, now off-sale
Its performance is intoxicating, too. You get 204hp and 275Nm of torque from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – enough for a 0–62mph time of 6.2 seconds. You need to work the unit to get the best from it, as its sweet spot is in the upper half of the rev-counter, past the 4,500rpm mark. But that just makes it so much more fun to drive.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai i20 N review
Pros
- Quick acceleration
- Responsive steering
- Slick gearchange
Cons
- Firm ride
- Patchy interior quality
Lightweight hot hatch with surprisingly good fuel economy, now off-sale
Rather than simply crowbarring a massively powerful engine under the bonnet, Suzuki gave the Swift Sport a more modest power output then set about finding ways to cut fat off the car. The result? A sporty hatch with 129hp and a kerb weight of 1,020kg. Don’t believe the company’s official performance figures, either – it can get from 0–62mph far quicker than nine seconds. Check out our long-term test for more information.
To find out more, read our full Suzuki Swift review
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Efficient
Cons
- Small boot
- Tiny fuel tank
Small hot hatchback FAQs
What is the best hot hatchback?
If you’re only concerned about performance, the best small hot hatchback you can buy brand new is the Toyota GR Yaris. It frighteningly fast in a straight line and rapid enough through the bends to make you lose your lunch. It sacrifices a lot of practicality in the pursuit of speed, though. So, if you want the best all-round hot hatchback, you still can’t beat a used lightly Ford Fiesta ST.
What is the best sporty small car?
The Abarth 595 is the smallest car here – and it’s undeniably sporty, especially when fitted with its most potent 180hp 1.4-litre engine. If you’re prepared to live with its ASBO-spec exhaust note, spring-loaded suspension and sit-up-and-beg driving position, it’s the ideal hot hatchback for darting around the city.
What is the best hot hatch of the last 25 years?
The Toyota GR Yaris makes an excellent case for itself here because it’s one of the few cars on sale that truly moved the goalposts when it was launched. Not only does it blow every single one of its rivals out the water in terms of performance, it’s also an incredibly special machine. It feels unlike anything else to drive – probably because no manufacturer has built a car in the same way since rallying was at its peak popularity in the 1990s and 2000s.
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