Hot hatchbacks - or hot hatches - have played a central role in the UK’s enthusiast car scene for decades, and it’s not difficult to understand why.
The best hot hatches are some of the most entertaining cars to drive regardless of budget. Whereas sports cars compromise practicality and supercars demand seriously deep pockets, a good hot hatch has an attainable price, a practical body and a real sense of fun.
Sadly, there isn’t as much choice as there once was. Just as hot hatches helped kill off the classic British sports car in the eighties, a move to SUVs, hybrid and electric power means modern-day icons like the Ford Fiesta ST and Renaultsport Megane are no more.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t any great hot hatchbacks left, though. Our list of the most popular models according to RAC Drive readers includes examples for a variety of budgets and needs – and some new-era electric car choices.
Best Hot Hatches 2025: the shortlist
Toyota GR Yaris
Price: from £46,045 Power: 280hp 0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
The Toyota GR Yaris sits alongside motorsport-inspired Gazoo Racing sports cars in the Supra and GR86, but it’s arguably the most bonkers of the lot. Toyota takes the humble hybrid hatchback Yaris and totally transforms it, with a bespoke, pumped-up three-door body.
But that’s nothing compared to what goes on under the skin. The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine is a firecracker that loves to be revved, with a fun six-speed manual gearbox (an eight-speed automatic also available), a trick four-wheel drive system, two limited-slip differentials, stiffer suspension and beefed-up brakes. It’s both extremely capable and seriously thrilling – and it’s a fully-fledged rally homologation special. Do hot hatches get cooler? We’re not sure.
Honda Civic Type R
Price: from £51,905 Power: 329hp 0-62mph: 5.4 seconds
The Honda Civic Type R has been a core player in the hot hatch scene ever since the first version hit the UK in 2001. This latest model is far bigger, more powerful and considerably more capable, but it hasn’t lost its sense of humour.
The Type R’s exciting 2.0-litre turbo engine makes it seriously rapid, as does a clever front differential and seriously sorted suspension. Whether you’re hammering around a track or enjoying the open road this hot Civic is an engaging riot – and it’s even practical and surprisingly comfortable. The only downside is the price – at over £50,000 it’s a far cry from affordable Type Rs of old.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
Price: from £43,215 Power: 300hp 0-62mph: 5.6 seconds
The original hot hatch in many eyes and still going strong five decades on, the Volkswagen Golf GTI ticks a lot of boxes even in standard form. It’s fast but also smooth and easy to drive when you’re not in the mood, with plenty of practicality to boot.
But it isn’t the last word in driver appeal. That’s where the GTI Clubsport comes in. With a 35hp power boost, revised adaptive suspension, new drive modes and a tweaked front differential it feels noticeably sharper and more exciting, while still being a usable and comfortable daily driver. We reckon the GTI Clubsport is the sweet spot for all performance Golfs.
Ford Focus ST
Price: from £38,800 Power: 280hp 0-62mph: 5.7 seconds
Ford took away arguably one of the most entertaining hot hatches ever when the Fiesta ST was removed from sale – and the same fate will befall the bigger Focus ST at the end of this year. We say grab one while you can, because it’s an entertaining and keenly priced hot hatch.
Using a detuned version of the 2.3-litre turbo engine found in the old Focus RS, the ST is potent and makes a rorty noise. It’s playful and engaging to drive, too, but it’s made more thrilling still in Edition form with its Brembo brakes, limited slip differential and sporty coilover suspension. Okay, so the interior isn’t exactly luxurious, but the Focus ST is well worth considering.
Audi RS 3
Price: from £62,120 Power: 400hp 0-62mph: 3.8 seconds
The Audi RS 3 is no ordinary hot hatch, occupying a performance (and price) level above that often dubbed the ‘mega hatch’. Expensive it may be, but the 400hp five-cylinder turbo engine delivers sports car-trumping pace, all-weather security and one of the most evocative soundtracks in the modern car world.
It’s also great to drive. Fast Audis of old were more stable straight-line monsters than corner carvers, but with a clever rear differential the latest RS 3 feels agile and balanced like none of its predecessors. It’s surprisingly refined and comfortable when you’re at a cruise, too. If you can afford it, this hot Audi might be all the car you ever need.
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Price: from £65,010 Power: 650hp 0-62mph: 3.4 seconds
Does a 4.7-metre long, 2.2-tonne, 650hp behemoth qualify as a hot hatchback? Perhaps not in many eyes, but such stats only tell half the story as, on the road and on the track, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N shows driver engagement isn’t lost in the electric age – and it deserves a place in this list because of that.
With its beefed-up bodywork, adaptive suspension and some serious technical wizardry it’s fast and capable, but most importantly it all works together to provide a sense of fun and involvement. Things like the N Active Sound with its faithfully tuned ‘engine’ noises and the N e-shift gearbox-mimicking feature, as well as the drift mode and adjustable torque distribution, all come together to raise a huge grin – but at a cost, because this is no affordable hot hatch.
Cupra Leon 300
Price: from £43,225 Power: 300hp 0-62mph: 5.7 seconds
You can think of the Cupra Leon as being a Golf GTI with some Spanish pizazz, and when specced correctly it definitely earns a place on this list. Avoid the rather meek 1.5 TSI and eHybrid versions and go straight to the 2.0 TSI 300 model for maximum smiles per mile – it’s effectively a Golf GTI Clubsport underneath.
The Cupra also retains most of the talents of the Golf on the road, too, while being roomy and well-equipped too. Fancy a bit more boot space? It isn’t technically a hot hatch, but Cupra also offers the Leon Estate as a 333hp Golf R-alike all-wheel drive rapid family transport solution.
Mercedes-AMG A45 S
Price: from £65,395 Power: 421hp 0-62mph: 3.9 seconds
Mercedes-AMG will sell you the semi-affordable A35, but it’s more of a warm Tikka Masala. If you want the full Vindaloo hot hatch, then you’ll need much deeper pockets for the searingly fast Mercedes-AMG A45 S.
With 421hp at your disposal, as well as a trick four-wheel drive system and uprated everything, the A45 S is incredibly fast, capable and entertaining on the right road. It lacks the character and engine note of the Audi RS 3, but this is still a seriously impressive all-rounder that delivers whatever the weather.
Alpine A290
Price: from £33,500 Power: up to 220hp 0-62mph: 6.4-7.4 seconds
Keen on a fun, fast electric hatchback but don’t have the budget for the Ioniq 5 N? For almost half the price Renault’s sporting brand, Alpine, will sell you the striking A290. It’s based on the brilliant new Renault 5, but with visual aggression and performance dialled up to 11.
With a much wider track, bespoke suspension, uprated brakes and more power – 180hp in the GT version or the full 220hp in the GTS, and both feel much livelier than the Renault 5. And with an Overboost button giving you the full beans for overtakes it feels like a proper hot hatch, albeit one that’s also surprisingly comfortable and reasonably practical.
Best hot hatch FAQs
What is a hot hatch?
Put simply, a hot hatch is a typical family hatchback that’s been upgraded in the name of performance and sporty appeal. A hot hatch will have a racy bodykit, more power, chunky brakes and uprated suspension to make it faster and more exciting to drive.
What is the best hot hatchback?
The best hot hatchback depends on your needs, but some of the best on sale include the Toyota GR Yaris, the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport.
What is the fastest hot hatch?
The fastest acceleration hot hatch on sale right now is the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, with its storming 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds. The Audi RS 3 is next with its 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds.
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