Hot hatches have existed since the mid-1970s. Once upon a time, it described a go-faster supermini with a bit more performance; nowadays, the term is somewhat broader, ranging from tiny city cars to fire-breathing, all-wheel-drive five doors with more performance than a 25-year-old supercar.
Time brings another factor into play: depreciation. Used cars – especially used hot hatches – are some of the best all-rounders you can buy. While some of you are lucky enough to be searching for the best hot hatch less than £20k, in today’s financial climate, a £10k budget is more realistic.
The cheapest hot hatch should not be relied upon; we’re after cars that can be used all day, every day, come rain or shine. Our independent journalists have considered everyday practicality, driving thrills and ownership experience in their choices.
Know what you want already? Read our tips for buying a used car.
Best used hot hatchbacks for under £10,000
The ST sold in good numbers so there are lots of very good examples on the used market
We may not be able to buy new Fiestas any more, but the Fiesta ST – any Fiesta ST – deserves your attention. The Mk7 is the one to choose if you have £10,000 burning a hole in your pocket, however. It’s superb to drive, the perfect size for British roads and it’s affordable to run, too. We’ve summoned more than 40mpg out of one.
Up front, there’s a 1.6-litre turbo engine delivering 200hp and a 0-62mph time of sub seven seconds. There are three trim levels; ST-1 is the most basic, ST-2 adds part-leather Recaros and a starter button, while cruise control, auto lights and auto mirrors are reserved for ST-3 models. After in-built sat-nav? You’ll want a late model ST-3. Five-door models are also available , but you’ll need to go for a post-2016 model.
To find out more, read the Ford Fiesta ST (2012-2017) review for a deep dive buying guide
Up front, there’s a 1.6-litre turbo engine delivering 200hp and a 0-62mph time of sub seven seconds. There are three trim levels; ST-1 is the most basic, ST-2 adds part-leather Recaros and a starter button, while cruise control, auto lights and auto mirrors are reserved for ST-3 models. After in-built sat-nav? You’ll want a late model ST-3. Five-door models are also available , but you’ll need to go for a post-2016 model.
To find out more, read the Ford Fiesta ST (2012-2017) review for a deep dive buying guide
Pros
- Lovely steering
- Raspy engine
- Lots to choose from
Cons
- Watch out for modifications
- Cheaper models quite basic in terms of kit
Recently discontinued, the Up! GTi punches far above its weight
Cut short in its prime, the Up! GTi was withdrawn from sale last year, when Up! production ended. Stocks quickly sold out, and residuals – owing to rave reviews – remain strong. Higher mileage examples are just about attainable within our £10,000 ceiling.
With just 115hp on tap, the Up! GTi used its close ratio gearbox and light weight to conserve momentum, aided by a wheel at each corner and a short wheelbase. They’re hardy, reliable cars, and can be tuned easily, with only a few expensive parts – such as LED headlamps – to contend with when budgeting. They’re among the most frugal of the Up! range, too.
To find out more, read the Volkswagen Up review
With just 115hp on tap, the Up! GTi used its close ratio gearbox and light weight to conserve momentum, aided by a wheel at each corner and a short wheelbase. They’re hardy, reliable cars, and can be tuned easily, with only a few expensive parts – such as LED headlamps – to contend with when budgeting. They’re among the most frugal of the Up! range, too.
To find out more, read the Volkswagen Up review
Pros
- Iconic GTi badge
- Rorty three-cylinder engine
- Roomy despite its tiny size
Cons
- Standard tyres aren’t that grippy
- Watch for crash-repaired examples
The 130i is the only rear-wheel drive car to bless this list
BMW’s original 1 Series shoehorns the Bavarian company’s know-how and interior fixtures into a hatchback model. And unlike with the latest model, you get rear-wheel drive. The 269hp 130i is as quick and responsive as you’d hope for a lightweight six-cylinder car complete with 18-inch wheels and narrow tyres.
It sounds glorious right up to its 7,000rpm red line and it can get very sideways. If you’re extremely anal about steering you’ll want a pre-2009 car, as these come with hydraulic, rather than electric, setup. The upshot here is that they’re just that bit more communicative. The first job to check on these cars is the tyres. If the rears are very worn, it’s likely the car’s been abused.
To find out more, read the BMW 1 Series (2004-2011) review for a deep dive buying guide
It sounds glorious right up to its 7,000rpm red line and it can get very sideways. If you’re extremely anal about steering you’ll want a pre-2009 car, as these come with hydraulic, rather than electric, setup. The upshot here is that they’re just that bit more communicative. The first job to check on these cars is the tyres. If the rears are very worn, it’s likely the car’s been abused.
To find out more, read the BMW 1 Series (2004-2011) review for a deep dive buying guide
Pros
- Premium marque
- Delicious six-cylinder engine
- Chassis balance
Cons
- Parts are expensive
- Lots have been abused
If you stretch your budget you might find a newer Golf – but it will probably be a bit rough
For many, the Golf is the default choice to this question. It’s frugal, refined, practical (with three or five doors) and reliable too. But if you’re the kind of person who thought the Mk5 GTI was a bit too clinical and lacking in theatre, then the Mk6 ramps up the pleasure senses with a raspy exhaust note, a free-revving almost lag-free engine and direct steering.
Though you can provoke the GTI into naughtiness easily, this is a truly refined experience when you want it to be. You can easily wile away the monotony of a long motorway trip behind the wheel in great comfort, which isn’t something you can say about all the cars on this list.
To find out more, read the Volkswagen Golf GTI (2009-2012) review for a deep dive buying guide
Though you can provoke the GTI into naughtiness easily, this is a truly refined experience when you want it to be. You can easily wile away the monotony of a long motorway trip behind the wheel in great comfort, which isn’t something you can say about all the cars on this list.
To find out more, read the Volkswagen Golf GTI (2009-2012) review for a deep dive buying guide
Pros
- Roomy and practical
- Generally reliable
- Lots of trim levels
Cons
- The obvious choice
- Some electronics issues
The regular 208 GTi is good – but you’ll want the Peugeot Sport model
Three words we love to see: By Peugeot Sport. Thee later models of the 208 GTi were a good chunk of change more than the standard car, but they came with a host of must-have upgrades, chief of which is the Torsen limited-slip differential. This little addition can send power to the wheel with the most traction, which makes a huge difference to the way the 208 GTi pulls you out of bends.
There are a few things to bear in mind with these cars though. The first is that it uses Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’, which utilises a tiny steering wheel and high-set dials. It’s worth doing a test drive before buying as short and tall people can find this combo a bit of a pain. The By Peugeot Sport Models can also come with a ‘coupe franche’ two-tone paint scheme. The matte section of this scheme is a pain to clean and does not respond well to a bucket of Fairy Liquid, although admittedly, you shouldn’t really be cleaning any car with washing-up liquid.
To find out more, read the Peugeot 208 GTi (2012-2018) review
There are a few things to bear in mind with these cars though. The first is that it uses Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’, which utilises a tiny steering wheel and high-set dials. It’s worth doing a test drive before buying as short and tall people can find this combo a bit of a pain. The By Peugeot Sport Models can also come with a ‘coupe franche’ two-tone paint scheme. The matte section of this scheme is a pain to clean and does not respond well to a bucket of Fairy Liquid, although admittedly, you shouldn’t really be cleaning any car with washing-up liquid.
To find out more, read the Peugeot 208 GTi (2012-2018) review
Pros
- Excellent engine
- Serious cornering ability
- Up-to-date infotainment
Cons
- Seating position won’t be for everyone
- Special paint can be a pain to clean
The ‘Busso’ V6 engine is legendary, more classic than modern classic these days
Not one for the faint hearted, Alfa’s 147 GTA is a hard and fast hatchback with a stonking great 3.2-litre V6 shoehorned in up front. The big noise and power combo in a three-door hatchback means the GTA can seem a bit wayward at times. The Q2 model, which featured a limited-slip differential, transforms the car on twisty roads, with many owners retro-fitting them to earlier GTAs.
These cars have a mixed reputation for reliability. They might not be fully deserving of that, but engine parts (such as the timing belt) need replacing fairly regularly – every four years or so. They can also chew through tyres, with owners reporting new front sets being needed after less than 10,000 miles.
To find out more, read the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA (2003-2005) review
These cars have a mixed reputation for reliability. They might not be fully deserving of that, but engine parts (such as the timing belt) need replacing fairly regularly – every four years or so. They can also chew through tyres, with owners reporting new front sets being needed after less than 10,000 miles.
To find out more, read the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA (2003-2005) review
Pros
- Sumptuous engine noise
- Badge appeal
- Lairy to drive
Cons
- Some reliability issues
- Specialist services required to fix problems
Track-focused Cup models are extreme and won’t be for everyone
There were so many Renault products that could have graced this list. The Clio 182, Clio 182 Trophy (complete with Sachs adjustable dampers) and the big-bum Megane to name a few. But this era Megane gets the nod because it’s a genuine five-seater with a rock-solid engine.
It’s also a riot and took home a fair few performance car awards back in the day. There are a tonne of special editions out there, but even the cheapest models with a mere 250hp easily keep up with today’s hot-hatch traffic. Cup package models turn things up to 261hp and don’t cost all that much more money too.
To find out more, read the Renaultsport Megane (2010-2016) review
It’s also a riot and took home a fair few performance car awards back in the day. There are a tonne of special editions out there, but even the cheapest models with a mere 250hp easily keep up with today’s hot-hatch traffic. Cup package models turn things up to 261hp and don’t cost all that much more money too.
To find out more, read the Renaultsport Megane (2010-2016) review
Pros
- Good value
- Fair few different variations
- Super sharp
Cons
- Lacks broad appeal
- Harsh ride, noisy in everyday use
The MINI is generally solid, but repairs can be expensive
There’s an irresistible pull about the MINI, isn’t there? Putting your money where your mouth is will reward you with a pleasingly retro-themed car that certainly doesn’t drive like the 1950s model it’s inspired by. It has quick steering, excellent Brembo brakes and punchy performance from its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine.
The interior can be a little tight for taller drivers, and especially rear-seat passengers, but it’s worth folding yourself in for a spirited B-road drive. The options list was huge for the MINI so make sure you choose your car well. Look out for cars equipped with the Chili pack, which adds Xenon headlights, alloy wheels, aircon, electric mirrors and an MP3-compatible CD player.
To find out more, read the MINI Cooper S (2006-2016) review
The interior can be a little tight for taller drivers, and especially rear-seat passengers, but it’s worth folding yourself in for a spirited B-road drive. The options list was huge for the MINI so make sure you choose your car well. Look out for cars equipped with the Chili pack, which adds Xenon headlights, alloy wheels, aircon, electric mirrors and an MP3-compatible CD player.
To find out more, read the MINI Cooper S (2006-2016) review
Pros
- Fun image
- Funky interior
- Excellent engine
Cons
- Air con not standard on all models
- Relatively expensive for the performance on offer
All-wheel drive and a plush interior helps separate this from the crowd
If you’re looking for a hot hatch with a luxury angle, then the Audi S3 ticks a lot of boxes. This nameplate was bringing all-wheel-drive superiority to the hot hatch segment way before the likes of Mercedes’ A45 AMG or Volkswagen’s own Golf R – arguably, the S3 out-classes them both in terms of prestige. It has an exquisite interior, a subtle look and refined motorway manners. However, should you feel the mood take you the long way home, the all-wheel drive system is perfect for exploiting its 265hp thump.
It might not offer the fingertip-teasing thrills on a B-road in the same way as some on our list, but its sheer straight-line heave is truly staggering. It can do 0-60mph in less than six seconds – something most supercars struggled with until the 1990s. And all in something that’ll carry the family in excellent comfort.
To find out more, read the Audi S3 (2006-2013) review
Search for used Audi S3 cars for sale
It might not offer the fingertip-teasing thrills on a B-road in the same way as some on our list, but its sheer straight-line heave is truly staggering. It can do 0-60mph in less than six seconds – something most supercars struggled with until the 1990s. And all in something that’ll carry the family in excellent comfort.
To find out more, read the Audi S3 (2006-2013) review
Search for used Audi S3 cars for sale
Pros
- Interior less plasticky than rivals
- All-wheel drive as standard
- Generally reliable
Cons
- Too clinical when compared with other hot hatches
- Harsh high-speed ride
The last of the old-school naturally aspirated hot hatches
Respected in its time, and idolised afterwards, EP3-generation Honda Civic Type R was the last of the simple, naturally aspirated, sub 200hp hot hatches. Relatively plain looking in comparison to its wacky FN2 successor, its appeal was straightforward: a big capacity, high-revving screamer of an engine, and fully independent rear suspension. Thrilling to drive, but twitchy at the limit, it’s recognised nowadays as a bona-fide modern classic. £10,000 will get a good car, but not the best.
Make sure the engine’s never been run low on oil, that previous owners have adhered to timing chain schedules, and the gearbox, stirred by that tiny dash mounted lever, still engages cleanly. Air-conditioning was a rarer option, and 30th Anniversary edition cars added more substantial Recaro seats. For a deeper dive, check out our EP3 buying guide.
To find out more, read the Honda Civic Type R (2001-2005) review
Make sure the engine’s never been run low on oil, that previous owners have adhered to timing chain schedules, and the gearbox, stirred by that tiny dash mounted lever, still engages cleanly. Air-conditioning was a rarer option, and 30th Anniversary edition cars added more substantial Recaro seats. For a deeper dive, check out our EP3 buying guide.
To find out more, read the Honda Civic Type R (2001-2005) review
Pros
- Instant street cred
- Thrilling, high revving engine
- Reliable if properly looked after
Cons
- Rust is claiming less cared-for examples
- Catalytic convertors are desirable (and get nicked)
Keith Adams is the Editor of Parkers. During his career he has been the editor of Classic Car Weekly, Modern Classics and founded of Honest John Classics, as well as writing for CAR magazine, Practical Classics, Octane, Autocar and The Independent among others. Keith lives in rural Lancashire and enjoys buying and selling cars as well as reading and writing about them.
