‘Hot hatches’ have been wildly popular since the mid-1980s. Carmakers take a standard hatchback car and add a faster engine and make adjustments to the bodywork and interior layout. Hot hatches are popular now more than ever before and car manufacturers are striving to produce better and faster hot hatches, making the competition extremely high. With so many to choose from, how does one choose the right one? Here is a list of the top 10 hot hatches available currently in South Africa, which will help guide you in the right direction regarding new hatchbacks that cost comfortably under R1 million.
1. BMW M140i 5-door Auto – R720 540
This pocket rocket isn’t only the fastest in its class but is also a rear-wheel drive. This 3.0 L, turbocharged, straight 6-cylinder engine produces 250 KW of power and 500 Nm of torque via an 8-speed, automatic gearbox. The M140i has a top speed of 250 km/hr and goes from 0-100 km/hr in 4.6 seconds.
2. Audi S3 Sportback Quattro – R671 000
Audi has always produced amazing hot hatches and never disappoints when it comes to the S3. This 4-cylinder, 2.0 L, turbocharged engine generates 228 KW of power and 400 Nm of torque. This front-wheel-drive car has a 7-speed automated dual-clutch drive. Its top speed is 250 km/hr and reaches 0-100 km/hr in 4.6 seconds.
3. Volkswagen Golf R – R681 000
This hot hatch has been one of the originals since the first Mk1 Golf GTi, and one of the most popular. Its 2.0-L turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine delivers 228 KW of power and 400 Nm of torque. It is an all-wheel-drive car, setting it apart from the rest, and giving it more traction off the line. It has a 7-speed, automated dual-clutch, and a top speed of 250 km/hr, covering 0-100 km/hr in 4.6 seconds.
4. Honda Civic Type R – R691 300
The Honda Civic Type R has always been legendary and daring to stand out from the rest with its unique looks. It has a 2.0 L, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine, generating 228 KW of power and 400 Nm of torque via a 6-speed manual gearbox and its front-wheel drive. Its top speed is 272 km/hr, and it manages 0-100 km/hr in 5.8 seconds.
5. Renault Megane 280 RS Cup/Lux – R569 900
Renault has produced a bit of a gamechanger with this model, by introducing 4-wheel steering. Its 1.8 L, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine delivers 205 KW of power and 390 Nm of torque. The Cup edition has a 6-speed manual gearbox and the Lux edition has a 6-speed automated dual-clutch gearbox. Its top speed is 250 km/hr and accelerates from 0-100 km/hr in 5.8 seconds.
6. Mini Cooper JCW Hatch Sports Auto – R532 565
The cute, zippy Mini Cooper is always fun and a practical little hatch. It has a 2.0 L, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine, with a power output of 170 KW and torque at 320 Nm. It is driven by an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and has a top speed of 246 km/hr, clearing 0-100 km/hr in 6.1 seconds.
7. Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line – R596 969
Mercedes-Benz really took it up a notch with this popular hot hatch. Not only is it luxurious, but quick too. It has a 2.0 L, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine, delivering 165 KW of power and 350 Nm of torque. Driven by a 7-speed, automated dual-clutch gearbox, it reaches a top speed of 250 km/hr and 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
8. Volvo V40 T5 R-Design – R567 500
What a good-looking hot hatch. Volvo upped their game with this little number. It has a 2.0 L, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine, with a power output of 180 KW and 350 Nm of torque, via an 8-speed automated gearbox. It has a top speed of 240 km/hr and achieves 0-100 km/hr in 6.3 seconds.
9. Golf GTi – R565 800
Still as sporty and legendary as ever and showing off its good looks. It is equipped with a 2.0 L, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine, with a power output of 169 KW, and 350 Nm of torque. Its 6-speed automated dual-clutch gearbox enables it to reach a top speed of 248 km/hr and complete 0-100km/hr in 6.4 seconds.
10. Renault Clio RS 18 F1 – R459 900
A super little hot hatch with all the bells and whistles, and yet does not come with an expensive price tag. Its 1.6 L, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine generates 162 KW of power and 260 Nm of torque. It is driven by a 6-speed automated dual-clutch gearbox, achieving a maximum speed of 235 km/hr, and completing 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
Hot hatches are exhilarating to drive, but please drive safely and obey all the rules of the road. Have you thought of car insurance for your future car yet? Why not get an affordable car insurance quote with Prime South Africa?
