THESE SAUCY HATCHBACKS offer sports-car thrills with practicality and space for passengers in the back.
They are perfect for doing the big shop or the school run with a quick a detour around the nearest race track.
If that sounds like your ideal car, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest hot hatches for a variety of budgets.
Under €60k
2017 Ford Focus RS, €59,950
This Fast Ford puts a smile on your face no matter where you drive it. This pocket rocket has a grin-inducing 350hp to play with alongside its ‘drift mode’ – I’m giddy just thinking about it. The Focus RS is not just buckets of fun to drive though, it happens to be super engaging too.
Under €50k
2017 Honda Civic Type R, €49,950
The Honda Civic Type R puts the win into wing. It has a 2.0-litre 310hp turbocharged engine and a top speed of 279km/h but there is no chance of testing the car’s limits on our roads. As Clarkson says: “It’s dressed to thrill with nowhere to go.” Although I hear the Nürburgring is lovely this time of year.
Under €40k
2017 SEAT Leon Cupra 300, €38,950
The Leon Cupra 300 is the most powerful model in the range ever produced by SEAT. It is a fast, fun, hot hatch with great dynamic ability but it doesn’t exactly shout its sporty credentials, it is more of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Still a beast, though.
Under €30k
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTD, €27,950
The Volkswagen Golf GTD combines a fuel-efficient 184hp diesel engine with punchy performance and plenty of torque (380Nm to be exact). It has an aggressive body kit and that famous tartan interior. This particular model has the slick-shifting DSG automatic transmission.
Under €20k
2017 Ford Fiesta ST-Line Red Edition, £13,995 (€15,980)
More of a warm than hot hatch, the Fiesta ST-Line is beefed up with sports suspension, unique rock alloy wheel designs and a Race Red body colour with contrasting roof and mirror housings and full bodystyling kit. The 140hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is a cracking little engine and this is one versatile car with plenty of pep.
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