The best hot hatchbacks of 2023

What is the best option money can buy? Here, we count down the best hot hatchbacks in a 10-car list, and reveal which models are best avoided… Exciting newcomers join the usual suspects who’ve undergone improvements to stay competitive in 2023.

The best hot hatchbacks are great for enthusiasts because they come in a compact, practical, powerful and affordable package, making them ideal fun cars for everyday use. Hatchbacks first appeared in the 1970s and became popular throughout the 1980s and 1990s, remaining a mainstay on the road and track. The segment has evolved since the days of the VW MK1 Golf GTi, and today there is a wide range of capable hatchbacks on the market ranging from compact to sporty.

Modern iterations have made use of clever engineering and technology and are far more attractive than the littered tin cans of the past. 2022 was a good year for hot hatchbacks, but they only got better. The usual suspects are joined by newcomers who have undergone improvements to stay competitive. Here are the best hot hatchbacks to look out for in 2023.

The big hot hatch needs to excel in several areas. And in our list of the best hatchbacks we considered first, that the best hatchbacks on the list have to be able to make your pulse racing on a twisting back road; If you can’t get through the corners without lifting the edges of your mouth, you’ve fallen at the first hurdle. So, handling dexterity and power delivery are central to our choices.

However, hot hatchbacks are likely to be used every day of the week, so they also need to possess a measure of practicality, with reasonable running costs and not be so assertive that you quickly tire of them. Finally, we’ve counted down our top 10 picks, as well as revealing patterns to avoid.

10- The BMW M135i

The BMW 1 Series is set for a facelift , and it looks like the M135i is about to get some big tailpipes to polish its performance credentials. And while the BMW 1 Series is an excellent car in its lesser form, with a slick interior and an impressive infotainment system, the range-topping M135i variant throws serious performance into the mix. Inside, the 1er will get the latest dual-screen infotainment setup from the 2 Series Active Tourer running BMW OS8.0 software.

It pairs a 302-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, which means the M135i can go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. The engine may not be the loudest, but it pulls powerfully no matter what gear you’re in. Just keep in mind that some competitors are more tenacious when driving close to their limits.

BMW M135i hatchback features

• Lots of pace
• Stylish interior design
• Excellent infotainment system

Disadvantages of the BMW M135i hatchback

• Rivals are more fun and attractive
• You’ll want to add options
• Rear headroom is not great

9- Volkswagen Golf GTI

Like the BMW M135i, the latest Golf GTI outperforms the best hot hatchbacks of 2023 when it comes to thrill and speed. But it is very expensive considering the performance offered. The Volkswagen Golf GTI pioneered this kind of hot hatchback, and now, decades after its existence, it’s still whipped cream with compact machines that are delicious and fun to drive. The GTI has been redesigned for the 2022 model year, complementing the design with more modern interior features. Its cabin is spacious both front and back.

There is ample room for cargo under the hatchback door. And this latest version is just as fun as the first. Similarly wonderful treatment. It makes for a better hatchback, however, and proves to be well balanced in everyday use. The ride, for example, is surprisingly supple for a hot hatchback (especially with the optional adaptive suspension equipped), and it’s more robust than you might think. We also like the fact that it’s available with a manual or automatic gearbox – something some competitors aren’t.

Features of the Volkswagen Golf GTI

• Relatively strong performance
• Smooth and steady turns
• Quiet and comfortable hot hatch

Disadvantages of the Volkswagen Golf GTI

• Some competitors offer more excitement
• Too pricey for the performance provided
• Sad infotainment system

8- Ford Focus ST

The regular Ford Focus is one of the best family hatchbacks for sale, which makes it an excellent starting point for a hatchback. So, where does the ST version differ? Well, the key differences include a 276-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine whose performance will delight you when you rev ​​it hard, plus the presence of a limited-slip differential to help you get maximum traction when cornering.

In essence, it’s a lot of fun to drive while retaining the practicality of the normal Focus. However, the steering can be inconsistently weighted at times, and the low-rent interior may turn you off. Steering and suspension are designed and tuned to increase agility. You get bigger brakes than the standard Ford Focus for more efficient deceleration, and its speed truly makes it one of the best hot hatchbacks for 2023.

Features of the Ford Focus ST

• Grippy and reasonably fun to drive
• Great leadership position
• Well equipped

Disadvantages of the Ford Focus ST

• The infotainment system is easy to use
• The interior is a bit low rent
• Routing is weighted inconsistently

7- Hyundai i30 N

Hyundai moved into the championship with the i30 N, as it had never made a hatchback before, yet managed to better the efforts of many manufacturers that had been making them for decades. Like the regular i30 family car, the i30 N isn’t the most spacious of the hatchbacks, but it comes with precise handling, a responsive engine, a roaring exhaust note and a six-speed manual gearbox to make your car smile. It’s well priced and well equipped too. And the Hyundai i30 N resembles Korean fried chicken.

If you’re in the market and want the best hot hatch, the Hyundai i30 N is one you might consider alongside the likes of the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Yaris, and Volkswagen Golf GTI. It brings a twist from an unexpected source to a classic recipe. As you will notice, this version is no ordinary Hyundai i30. The N gets an aggressive new body kit, with plenty of red stripes, 19-inch light-alloy wheels and a dual-exit exhaust system.

Features of the Hyundai i30 N

• Precision processing
• Responsive and powerful engine
• It is selling at a good price and is well equipped

Disadvantages of the Hyundai i30 N

• Not as fast as some competitors
• The interior is not exciting
• Rear knee room is tight

6- The BMW 128ti

The 128ti is essentially a shortened version of the BMW M135i, with front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive and a detuned version of that car’s 2.0-liter turbo engine. On paper, you might think these factors don’t affect her, but they are not. The 128ti is lighter and more agile, and benefits from a customized suspension setup, stiffer anti-roll bars and revised steering. If you’re looking for the most exciting BMW 1 Series you can buy, we offer you one that’s guaranteed to make you smile after every trip.

The BMW 1 Series has been a staple contender among premium family hatchbacks for many years, appealing to anyone looking to mix practicality with a dose of glamor. In this latest model, BMW gives you a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and you can get all-wheel drive for more road holding in some of the more expensive versions. In fact, many of the mechanical parts were taken from the BMW X1 and BMW X2 SUV. to make it the ultimate hot hatchback.

Features of the BMW 128ti

• Great build quality
• Sports processing
• Class-leading infotainment system

Disadvantages of the BMW 128ti

• The Mercedes A-Class is safer than it is
• The SE model is not well equipped
• Road noise is loud when driving at speed

5- Audi S3

The Audi S3 may not deliver the sheer driving thrills of some of its top hatchback rivals, but it pulls off an impressive point-to-point pace. It’s also impressively fast in the straight, and there’s always plenty of control on display in the corners. This is due in part to the S3’s steering precision and the sure nature of the all-wheel drive system. You never feel intimidated, unlike some competitors. While the Volkswagen Golf R is the best crossover, the S3 isn’t far behind, and it has the obvious appeal of a premium badge and a more luxurious interior.

Hot hatchbacks were all about cheap thrills. This is what makes the Audi S3 hatchback class so irresistible, you can have a bigger engine and sharper handling for just a few thousand pounds more to get an otherwise unbelievable track car. The S3 comes with all-wheel drive as standard, and if you use launch control, the S3 can catapult you from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, which is faster than a front-wheel-drive Honda Civic Type R, and just as fast as a Volkswagen The most powerful Golf R.

Features of the Audi S3

• Very fast and capable
• It’s easy to live with
• Expected slow depreciation

Disadvantages of the Audi S3

• Not the most attractive hot hatch
• Unimpressive infotainment system
• The BMW M135i has a more elegant interior than the Audi S3

4- Ford Fiesta ST

With a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine under its hood, the Fiesta ST is never short of power; In fact, it produces 197 horsepower, which means you can cover a 0-62mph sprint in just 6.5 seconds. Most importantly, it’s fun and nimble in the corners. All models have three drive modes (Normal, Sport and Track) to suit different conditions, and the standard Performance package includes a limited-slip differential to help increase traction.

The Ford Fiesta ST has earned the right to sit proudly among the biggest names in the hatchback hall of fame. In fact, the Fiesta ST can hold its head high. It is one of our favorite hot hatchbacks. Not surprisingly, the previous generation ST model won four Nicknames for Best Hatchback at the annual Car of the Year Awards. If you use launch control, the S3 can catapult you from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds—deserving its history as one of the best hatchbacks to drive.

Features of the Ford Fiesta ST

• Driving pleasure with plenty of grip
• Powerful engine
• Great driving position and position

Disadvantages of the Ford Fiesta ST

• Firm bouncy ride
• Competitors have better reliability
• Steering could be better

3- Volkswagen Golf R

Like the Volkswagen Golf R, this latest version combines tremendous grip with a comfortable ride, but unlike that car, it also offers a playful balance of handling. It can also carry a similar amount of speed through corners to the mechanically similar Audi S3, and noticeably more powerful than the BMW M135i. While the all-wheel drive system also helps enhance traction, yet you can feel the power sent to the rear wheels to help the car turn its way out of corners.

In fact, the Volkswagen Golf R has a smarter interior and less frustrating infotainment system, which is why we put the latest Golf R at the top of this list. And as you can see, the ‘R’ is insanely strong and brutally quick whether you opt for the five-door hatchback or the family and estate utility version. Although finished inexpensive. In fact, if your pick of the best hot hatchbacks is all about cheap thrills, you might be surprised to see the price tag.

Features of the Volkswagen Golf R

• Brutally fast
• More fun than the Audi S3 and BMW M135i
• A comfortable ride, especially with the optional adaptive suspension

Disadvantages of the Volkswagen Golf R

• You won’t be impressed with the best hot slots
• Lackluster interior and infotainment for a car at this price
• Relatively expensive to purchase and operate

2- Mercedes-AMG A45 S Plus

Is there a greater compliment you can pay a hot hatchback than setting an alarm early in the morning just to go for a drive? Well, that’s what you’ll find yourself doing with the Mercedes-AMG A45. This addictive nature is due in part to the A45 S Plus’s 415hp engine , because it thrives on the revs, delivering astounding performance. It’s faster in a straight line than many sports cars, and its natural, precise steering and minimal body roll mean it only gets more fun on a twisty road.

The modified headlights, the AMG-specific radiator grille and the new round badge with the AMG emblem in place of the Mercedes star, immediately highlight the new A-Class from Mercedes-AMG. A new face adorns the new front apron, the familiar power puffs through the newly designed wheels, the rear spoiler lip and the characteristic round tailpipes, while the AMG sports seats, the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and the AMG-specific digital dials add to the special feeling you get from the driving experience.

Features of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Plus

• Brutal acceleration
• Enormous grip
• Quick-shift automatic gearbox

Disadvantages of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Plus

• very expensive
• RS3 is more comfortable and quieter

1- Hyundai i20 N

The Hyundai i20N is the South Korean brand’s second hot hatchback and shows just how many times it’s changed if Hyundai wasn’t really “fast” and “exciting”, doing well, as the world needed practical, dependable cars. And the Hyundai i30 N’s stable badge proves that the car wasn’t a fluke. It looks sharper than the Volkswagen Polo GTI and is more urban and easier to drive near its limits than the Ford Fiesta ST, yet it’s cheaper than both rivals.

On top of that, it should be relatively cheap to run (we averaged 40 mpg during our trial of one) and reliable. Plus, it comes with Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty. In short, the i20 N harkens back to the days when hatchbacks kept costs low and fun, and that’s why we love it.

Features of the Hyundai i20 N

• One of the cheapest hot portals
• Simple neutral handling plus plenty of grip
• Faster than a Ford Fiesta ST

Disadvantages of the Hyundai i20 N

• Slightly less playful handling than the Fiesta ST
• Boot smaller than competitors
• Infotainment system

Hot hatchbacks to avoid…

Abarth 595

The faster version of the Fiat 500 is stunningly fast and stunningly elegant. Unfortunately, this is not supported by composure in the corners and its ride can become very bouncy and worn. And the Abarth 595 is a bit like roller skates. Let’s explain. It’s a snappy version of the Fiat 500 and was first launched in 2008 as the Abarth 500. Over the years, Abarth has had a lot of time trying to keep it modern – including changing the name to the 595 – but it’s still technically the same car underneath. This is an old style.

While most manufacturers have shied away from making high-performance city cars, Abarth’s ability to deliver pint-sized excitement means it can still stand out from the crowd, despite its older underpinnings. These days finding a fast car is much more difficult. After most of the Abarth 595’s previous competitors were discontinued. Although hot hatches like the Ford Fiesta ST and Suzuki Swift Sport are offered at the same price, they are slightly larger and technically belong in the above class.

Skoda Octavia vRS

If you’re looking for a fast and practical family car, the Octavia vRS might appeal, but it doesn’t impress in cornering, which is a serious problem for fans of hot hatchbacks. A hot hatchback straight out of the box would usually suit most people’s needs, but the Skoda Octavia vRS takes it to the extreme. There are two body variants (hatchback and estate), and three engine options: petrol, diesel and petrol hybrid (PHEV).

And you can get this variant of a Skoda Octavia with a manual or automatic gearbox, and this insane list of variations adds up to 10 ways you can get an Octavia vRS. And unlike diesel-powered models, the TSI is powered by petrol with the help of an electronically controlled limited-slip front differential. This helps apply power to sharper bends, but it’s not aggressive, and you never feel like it could pull the car’s line around a corner.