Since the first VW Golf GTI back in the late seventies, hot hatchbacks have been synonymous with affordable performance. Apart from being nimble as well as practical, hot hatchbacks have a very special feeling about them: That there is no way this little car should be this quick!

Sporty hatchbacks are ideal for people that live in the city, want a cheap runabout, need some space for either kids or cargo, but do not want to compromise on driving pleasure. They are perfect for going on a relaxed drive to the shops but having a drive back that gets your puls up and put a massive smile on your face. Equally at home on bendy mountain passes as well as narrow side streets, hot hatches really offer a well rounded package.

But with nearly every major carmaker nowadays offering sporty versions of their little cars, which one should you get? Should you go for the classic VW Golf GTI, or the new Hyundai i20 N?

gowago.ch gives you an overview of the 10 best hot hatches currently on the market, so you can decide which one will let you grin from ear to ear!

• Hyundai i20 N
• VW Golf GTI
• Fiat 500 Abarth
• Ford Focus ST
• Toyota Yaris GR
• Mini Cooper JCW
• Honda Civic Type R
• Mercedes A-Class A45 AMG
• Renault Mégane R.S.
• Tesla Model 3 Performance

Hyundai i20 N

Hyundai has recently been very successful in motorsports and has carried its innovations over onto their production cars. Designed for the precise driver, the Hyundai i20 N is a performance hot hatch that offers an fun driving experience. It combines the practicality of a daily driver with the excitement of a track-ready car, making it versatile for various driving conditions.

The i20 N excels in providing an engaging drive, thanks to its responsive turbocharged engine, lightweight chassis, and precision handling. It's particularly fun on twisty roads, where its agility and braking performance shine, delivering an adrenaline-filled ride - it really let’s you feel like you are driving its rally cousin.

Its does have quite a firm ride, which can make your daily commute somewhat bumpy. Comfort has definitely been exchanged for performance - motorway runs will be fine, but bumpy side roads could let your back complain. In addition, the manual gearbox, while precise, may not suit everyone's preference for regular commuting.

• Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Power: 204hp
• 0-100 kph: 6.2 seconds
• Consumption: 6.9l / 100km
• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot: 352l
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 330.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 300.-/month

The Hyundai i20 N is perfect for those who love the thrill of driving. Its performance, combined with practicality, makes it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a car that's as fun on a daily commute as it is on a weekend trip up mountain passes.

View Hyundai i20 N offers on gowago.ch

VW Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the daddy of the hot hatch, and the newest version in its 8th incarnation goes back to its roots more than predecessors. It perfectly hits the mark between reliability, comfort, usability, and sportiness. Equally at home on twisty roads and on your commute.

The Golf GTI shines with its potent turbocharged engine, precise handling, and sporty yet refined interior. It provides a satisfying balance between performance and comfort, making it an excellent all-rounder in the hot hatch category.

The GTI's interior tech, particularly the capacitive touch buttons and the infotainment system, can be frustrating due to their placement and sensitivity issues. Additionally, the car has less legroom and cargo space compared to some competitors, which might be a consideration for those needing more space.

• Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter
• HP: 241hp
• 0-100kph: 6.3 seconds
• Consumption: 6.5l
• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 381l
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 330.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 475.-/month

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is ideal for those seeking a really solid car that combines sporty driving dynamics with the practicality of a hatchback. Its performance, comfort, and technology make it a versatile choice for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. It’s really the standard choice here, pretty much perfect - but lacking a bit in joie de vivre.

See the Golf GTI offers on gowago.ch

Fiat Abarth 500

The guys at Abarth are mad, but they do know how to make a fun car. The Fiat 500 Abarth is designed as a sporty, cheeky version of the Fiat 500, focusing on delivering most of all fun driving in a compact and stylish package suitable for city driving and spirited weekend drives.

It excels in providing an amusing driving experience with its turbocharged engine. The turbo kicks in rather late, which boosts you forward in an environment of lovely noise from the exhaust - there really is nothing like it on the market. It’s ridiculous, but in the best possible way. The combination of quick acceleration for such a tiny car, its nimble handling, distinctive exhaust note and sporty aesthetics really make for a lot of overall driving enjoyment. Bonus: You can get a cabriolet version!

The 500 Abarth's compact size, while beneficial for city driving, limits interior space a lot. The at points overly harsh ride, reflecting its sporty tuning, may be rather uncomfortable and bouncy for drivers and passengers alike.

• Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
• HP : 160 - 180 (depending on version)
• 0-100 kph: 6.8 seconds
• Consumption: 6.5 l /100km
• Doors: 3
• Seats: 4 (barely)
• Boot: 185l
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 344.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 331.-/month

Ideal for proper enthusiasts and city dwellers seeking a sporty compact car with a boatload of personality. Its performance and unique style make it a fun choice for those valuing driving pleasure over practicality.

Discover Abarth 500 offers on gowago.ch

Ford Focus ST

Ford has always been an expert at creating fun hot hatches. The brand’s sporting pedigree certainly helped in this aspect, and the Ford Focus ST is no exception. It offers a dynamic and precise driving experience while maintaining all the practicality needed for daily driving, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts and especially families alike.

It delivers engaging driving dynamics with strong performance, a balanced chassis, and responsive handling. The Focus ST excels in offering fun behind the wheel, whether on open roads or during spirited driving sessions.

The interior's heavy reliance on touchscreen controls can detract from the overall user experience. Some may find the system frustrating due to its layout and responsiveness, impacting the car's usability. Also, to be honest, it is not really that good-looking from the outside and does lack the special something its predecessors had.

• Engine options: 2.3L EcoBoost
• HP: 280 PS
• 0-100 kph: 5.7 seconds
• Consumption:
• Doors: 5
• Seats: 5
• Boot: 370 litres
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 400.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 330.-/month

Ideal for those who appreciate a sporty drive without sacrificing practicality. The Focus ST is perfect for drivers looking for an exhilarating driving experience combined with the functionality of a family car.

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Toyota Yaris GR

Tiny but with loads of grunt: The Toyota Yaris GR is engineered as a rally-inspired, high-performance version of the Yaris, designed to deliver exhilarating driving dynamics in a compact package, suitable for both everyday roads and the track.

The Yaris GR excels in providing a driving experience that is extremely engaging. Its clever 4 wheel drive system is both safe and let’s you have a lot of fun on twisty roads. With its powerful turbocharged engine and lightweight construction, it offers a nimbleness and agility that is unmatched in the segment.

Given its focus on performance, the Yaris GR might compromise on ride comfort, with a firmer suspension setup that could be less forgiving on rough roads. The interior space might also be limited, affecting practicality for passengers and cargo. It’s also not for everyone, as it is really in the end a rally car for the road - so less experienced drivers should steer clear of it. And, despite being so hardcore, it does not really feel that exciting at normal speeds.

• Engine: 1.6L turbocharged three-cylinder
• HP: 257hp
• 0-100 kph: 5.2 seconds
• Consumption: 8.2 l / 100km
• Doors: 3
• Seats: 4
• Boot space: 207 litres
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 470.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 421.-/month

The Toyota Yaris GR is ideal for real driving enthusiasts seeking a small but mighty performance car that does mostly one thing: perform. Its rally-bred heritage and impressive dynamics make it a standout choice for thrill-seekers - it is not super practical though.

Find your new Yaris GR on gowago.ch

Mini Cooper JCW

This model embodies the pinnacle of Mini's performance and heritage, blending iconic design with track-inspired engineering for an exhilarating driving experience that's equally at home on the city streets and the race track. The John Cooper Works package really adds on to the sportiness of the Mini Cooper S, making it quick and handle well.

The JCW excels in delivering dynamic handling, responsive acceleration, and a sporty exhaust note, wrapped in a distinctively stylish package that honors its racing legacy.

Its sporty focus means ride comfort might be compromised on uneven surfaces, and its compact dimensions limit interior and cargo space. It is also, surprisingly, not always as go-karty as you would imagine.

• Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
• HP: 231hp
• 0-100 kph: 6.5 seconds
• Consumption: 5.7 l/100km
• Seats: 4
• Doors: 2 or 4 (depending on the model)
• Boot space: 211 liters
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 500.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 360.-/month

Ideal for those seeking a fun, spirited driving experience in a car with iconic styling and heritage. Perfect for enthusiasts who value performance and design over practicality.

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Honda Civic Type R

Engineered for enthusiasts, the Honda Civic Type R is designed to deliver massive performance through its powerful engine and precision handling, all while maintaining the practicality of the Civic platform. And in the end, it’s a Honda, so it is incredibly good quality for a great price.

It stands out with its aggressive styling, high-performance capabilities, and engaging driving experience, thanks to its turbocharged engine and sophisticated front-wheel-drive system that keeps the handling stable even during spirited drives.

The bold, polarizing design may not appeal to everyone, and its firm suspension setup might affect ride comfort on uneven roads.

• Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
• HP: 320 hp
• 0-100 kph: 5.9 seconds
• Consumption: 7.7 litres / 100km
• Seats: 4
• Doors: 4
• Boot space: 420 litres
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 707.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 660.-/month

Perfect for driving enthusiasts seeking a hot hatch that combines potent performance with daily usability. Its track-ready capabilities and spacious interior make it a unique offering in the segment.

Find your Honda Civic Type R on Gowago

Mercedes A-Class A45 AMG

The Mercedes A-Class AMG aims to combine the luxury and refinement of the A-Class with the performance and excitement of AMG. It's designed for those who seek both prestige and driving pleasure in a compact form.

Offers exceptional performance and handling - it nearly isn’t a hot-hatch anymore actually when it comes to performance. The high-quality interior, and advanced technology features, are all wrapped into a stylish, compact package that's emblematic of the Mercedes-AMG brand.

The premium experience comes at a far higher cost than its competitors, and its sport-focused ride may be too firm for some, impacting daily comfort. Additionally, space can be limited compared to larger sedans or SUVs.

• Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder
• HP: 381 hp
• 0-100 kph: 4.2 seconds
• Consumption: 6.9 l/100km
• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot: 341 litres
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 662.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 530.-/month

Ideal for those valuing luxury and performance in a compact, stylish package, perfect for city driving and occasional spirited weekend drives.

Find great A-Class AMG offers on Gowago

Renault Mégane R.S.

Designed for driving enthusiasts, the Mégane R.S. combines everyday comfort with thrilling performance. It is often regarded by car journalist as being the best hot hatch currently out there and as such is a bit of a dark horse. It's a car that excels both on the track and the road, offering a fun and focussed driving experience without sacrificing practicality.

It shines with its powerful turbocharged engine, precise handling, and sport-tuned suspension, delivering an engaging and responsive drive that makes every drive exciting.

The firm suspension setup and sporty focus really compromises ride comfort on rough surfaces. Additionally, its aggressive styling and performance features might not appeal to those seeking a more understated car.

• Engine: 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder
• HP: 280hp
• 0-100 kph: 6.4 seconds
• Consumption: 7.9 l/100km
• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 294 litres
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 497.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 425.-/month

Ideal for those who desire a hot hatch with exceptional performance and handling capabilities. It's perfect for drivers looking for a car that's as thrilling on weekend drives as it is capable in daily use.

See Gowago Leasing offers for the Mégane RS

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Yes, it isn’t exactly a hatchback. But it still is a smaller family car, and one that is ready for the future. The Model 3 aims to redefine electric performance, offering blistering acceleration, cutting-edge technology, and zero emissions. It's designed for those who want sustainable driving without compromising on power and agility. It also shows that with the turn towards electric mobility, fast small cars will not be relegated to the bin.

The Model 3 excels in delivering instant torque for rapid acceleration, impressive range, and advanced autonomous driving features. It manages to combine luxury with efficiency in a sleek package.

Its minimalist interior might not appeal to all, and reliance on touchscreen controls for most functions can be distracting.

• Engine: Dual electric motors
• HP: 450hp
• 0-100 kph: 3.2 seconds
• Range: 530km
• Seats: 5
• Doors: 4
• Boot space: 561 litres
• Gowago Leasing via Tesla.com: from 489 CHF / month

Ideal for tech-savvy individuals and environmental enthusiasts seeking high performance without the carbon footprint. Its blend of speed, innovation, and sustainability makes it a compelling choice for the modern driver.

Bonus: Mazda MX-5

Yes, yes - this is a convertible and not exactly a family car. But if you want to have fun and open-top thrills, while still having a car that is easy to park and fairly practical, the Mazda MX-5 is a great option. It is not for nothing that there is the saying that, for whatever you need, the Mazda MX-5 is the solution.

The Mazda MX-5 is designed to deliver pure, open-top driving joy, embodying the spirit of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster. It's perfect for those who value driving pleasure over practicality.

Excels in providing an engaging driving experience with precise handling, responsive steering, and a balanced chassis. It's known for its fun-to-drive nature, making every drive an adventure.

Its compact size limits interior and cargo space, making it less practical for everyday use or long trips. The performance is more about agility than raw power.

• Engine: 4 cylinder petrol
• HP: 181hp
• 0-100 kph: 6.5 seconds
• Consumption: 6.1l/100km
• Seats: 2
• Doors: 2
• Boot space: 127 litres
• Gowago.ch Leasing New: from 498.-/month
• Gowago.ch Leasing Used: from 334.-/month

Ideal for enthusiasts and drivers who prioritize the joy of driving and the experience of an open-top roadster. Its iconic design and driving dynamics offer a unique blend of excitement and simplicity.

Discover the Mazda MX-5 through a Gowago Leasing

Conclusion

As we reach the end of our journey through the world of hot hatchbacks, it's clear that each car brings its own unique thrill to the table. Whether you're drawn to the classic charm of the VW Golf GTI, the rally-inspired exhilaration of the Hyundai i20 N, or the cutting-edge electric performance of the Tesla Model 3, there's a small car out there that promises not just a mode of transportation, but a source of joy and excitement. These vehicles prove that you don't need to break the bank to have a thrilling driving experience. Choosing the right one depends on your personal priorities, whether it's brand heritage, technological advancements, or environmental considerations. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed a ride that brings a smile to your face and a pulse to your drives.

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