Hyundai i20N

Volkswagen Golf R

Ford Focus ST

Ford Fiesta ST

Volkswagen Golf GTI

BMW M135i

Toyota GR Yaris

Audi S3

best-used-hot-hatches

Hatchback

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

GOLF

The recipe for creating the perfect hot hatch is simple: take a practical hatchback body. Add in a thumping great engine with lots of power. Garnish with a sweet suspension set-up that makes it great fun to drive. And… well, that’s about it, actually.

Hot hatches are immensely popular here in the UK because they manage to provide all things to all people. And that popularity has two huge benefits for buyers: firstly, there’s a wealth of different models to choose from, and secondly, there are plenty of examples around on the used market, which makes it easy to find a bargain buy.

But which used hot hatch is best for you? Well, to help you work it out, we’ve put together our top 10 list.

<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals from What Car?, sign up to our weekly newsletter here</a>

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Best used hot hatches 

<h2>Best used hot hatches</h2>

<h3>10. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/used-review/n776">Volkswagen Golf R</a></h3>

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> Golf R is one of the most desirable hot hatches going – which perhaps explains why it’s so expensive. But if you’re prepared to stump up the price, you get fantastic all-weather ability, thanks to its four-wheel-drive grip, and vast reserves of power, plus all of the great traits of the Golf that we’ve come to know and love.

We found: 2015 R, 48,000 miles, full service history, £17,695

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Best used hot hatches

You also get a practical, spacious interior finished in fine materials.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/used-review/n776">Read the used Volkswagen Golf review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/volkswagen/golf-r32-r/">Find a used Volkswagen Golf in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

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Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

1 SERIES

<h3>9. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n26">BMW 1 Series M135i</a></h3>

It’s one of the most exciting hot hatches going, with a fabulous engine and an exhilarating rear-wheel-drive setup, but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> M135i has other strings to its bow.

We found: 2014 1 Series M135i, 38,000 miles, full service history, £17,692

Thanks to high-quality materials, its interior is a cut above, and compared with many of its rivals, it's actually pretty decent value for money. In terms of practicality it loses out slightly, with a small boot, slightly cramped rear seats and tight rear door access, but if driving fun is the main consideration, the M135i is right up there.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n26">Read the used BMW 1 Series review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/1-series/">Find a used BMW 1 Series in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

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Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

HATCHBACK

<h3>8. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/used-review/n906">Mini Cooper S</a></h3>

If fast, fun and fashionable are your three top priorities, look no further. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mini">Mini</a> Cooper S combines all three, with its great looks, fantastic turbocharged engine, funky interior and involving chassis.

We found: 2014 Cooper S, 29,000 miles, full service history, £11,790

Space is at a premium, especially in the boot, and you only get three doors, so it isn’t the most practical hot hatch. But if feel-good factor is the be-all and end-all for you, this car should be high on your list.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/used-review/n906">Read the used Mini Hatchback review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mini/cooper-s/">Find a used Mini Cooper S in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

SWIFT

<h3>7. Suzuki Swift Sport</h3>

With just 134bhp to its name and a naturally-aspirated, 1.6-litre engine, the Swift Sport might look outgunned here. But it’s fun in a way no other hot hatch is today: back to basics, with a terrific setup that allows you to make the most of the revvy, rewarding engine. What’s more, it has a strong reputation for reliability, it’s extremely cheap to run, and there are loads of low-mileage, historied examples around, all of which makes it simply cracking value at these prices.

We found: 2015 Sport, 33,000 miles, full service history, £8000

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What’s more, it has a strong reputation for reliability, it’s extremely cheap to run, and there are loads of low-mileage, historied examples around, all of which makes it simply cracking value at these prices.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swift/hatchback/used-review/n781">Read the used Suzuki Swift review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/suzuki/swift/">Find a used Suzuki Swift in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

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<h3>6. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/used-review/n776">Volkswagen Golf GTI</a></h3>

As you’ll have read on Page 1, we like the Volkswagen Golf R very much – but we like the GTI even more. While not as powerful, it’s more affordable, and while making do with two wheel drive rather than four, that makes it lighter, more efficient and therefore cheaper to run.

We found: 2013 GTI 5dr, 39,000 miles, full service history, £14,895

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The Golf GTI, put simply, is a class act – rewarding and enjoyable on a back road, but also comfortable and easy to drive, and practical enough for almost any family occasion. Some rivals are cheaper, which is why it doesn’t finish higher here, but if you can stretch to it, it’s a delight to own.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/used-review/n776">Read the used Volkswagen Golf review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/volkswagen/golf-gti-mk7/">Find a used Volkswagen Golf GTI in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

<hr />

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

FOCUS

<h3>5. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/used-review/n345">Ford Focus ST</a></h3>

Excellent value is the Ford Focus ST’s strongest selling point. Among other hot hatches of its size, it’s one of the cheapest, yet it doesn’t skimp on power, with more than a Golf GTI or a Skoda Octavia vRS.

We found: 2013 ST-2, 31,000 miles, full service history, £12,495

True, the interior is rather busy, with lots of buttons and some cheap plastics, but it’s worth seeing past that for the balanced handling, lively driving experience, gutsy performance and warbling engine note. There are three versions to choose from – avoid the basic ST-1, and go for a better-equipped ST-2 or ST-3. There’s also an estate version, which is worth a look if you need the extra carrying capacity.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/used-review/n345">Read the used Ford Focus review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/ford/focus-st/">Find a used Ford Focus ST in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

LEON

<h3>4. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/hatchback/review/n89">Seat Leon Cupra 280</a></h3>

Want sharp looks and plenty of power for a very reasonable price? The Seat Leon Cupra might just be the car for you, in that case. With 276bhp, it’s one of the most powerful hot hatches around, and it has a high specification, with a limited-slip differential that helps the front wheels with traction, and adaptive suspension to control the ride quality.

We found: 2014 Cupra 280 5dr, 61,000 miles, full service history, £14,447

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The Leon’s still firm, mind you, and it isn’t as well finished inside as a Golf GTI or R, but it’s devastatingly quick, great fun to drive, and given all that it offers, superb value.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/hatchback/review/n89">Read the full Seat Leon review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/seat/leon-cupra/">Find a used Seat Leon Cupra 280 in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

<hr />

Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

MEGANE R.S.

<h3>3. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-rs/hatchback/review/n17168">Renault Megane Renault Sport</a></h3>

Ever since the first fast version of the third-generation Renault Megane arrived on the scene, it has been the hot hatchback to beat. Its incredible blend of pin-sharp handling, sublime balance and a torquey, rev-happy turbocharged engine has made it the driver’s choice of the modern hot hatch crop.

We found: 2015 Renault Sport 265, 31,000 miles, full service history, £14,895

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Problem is, the firm ride, low-quality interior and a lack of space in the rear seats mean this isn’t the most family-friendly choice – but if the driving experience is all, no hot hatch is better. Oh, and did we mention it’s now temptingly cheap to buy, too?

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-rs/hatchback/review/n17168">Read the used Renault Megane Renault Sport review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/renault/renaultsport-megane/">Find a used Renault Megane Renault Sport in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

<hr />

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

OCTAVIA

<h3>2. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n39">Skoda Octavia vRS</a></h3>

If you truly need your hot hatch to combine ultimate practicality with performance and fun, then the Skoda Octavia vRS is a top pick. The petrol version is based around the same mechanicals as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, but features a bigger boot and more space in the back.

We found: 2014 vRS TSI hatchback, 32,500 miles, £12,980

There’s also a diesel version if you do lots of miles, and a capacious estate if you frequently need to carry heavy loads. True, the ride isn’t quite as composed as the Golf’s, and nor is its interior as classy, but it’s still pleasant enough – and what’s more, the vRS is considerably cheaper to buy and just as much fun to drive.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n39">Read the used Skoda Octavia review</a>

<a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/skoda/octavia/">Find a used Skoda Octavia vRS in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a>

FIESTA

<h3>1. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n952">Ford Fiesta ST</a></h3>

If you’re a regular What Car? reader, it’s probably no surprise to see the Ford Fiesta ST take the top spot. It’s the most exciting used hot hatch you can buy at the moment, with a fabulously responsive engine and zingy handling, and the best part is that it isn’t expensive to buy.

We found: 2013 ST-2, 37,000 miles, full service history, £9491

Yes, the ride is firm, the interior’s a bit downmarket, and if you’re looking for a hot hatch that can do it all you’ll need something bigger – but we can forgive those flaws for the unbeatable blend of value and exhilaration that the Fiesta ST delivers. Choose an ST-2 or ST-3, though – both have more equipment than the rather basic ST-1.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n952">Read the used Ford Fiesta review</a>

<a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/ford/fiesta-st/">Find a used Ford Fiesta ST in the PistonHeads Classifieds</a> ***

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<a href="https://twitter.com/whatcar">Got a motoring question? Our experts are standing by to help. Just tweet us your question using #askwhatcar</a>

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Engaging handling </li> <li>Thrilling performance </li> <li>A characterful engine with an enticing soundtrack </li> <li>Reasonable running costs </li> <li>Not hard to live with day to day</li></ul>

A popular choice with UK buyers since the days of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI, the hot hatchback mixes everyday practicality with higher performance and the sort of handling and agility that’s ideally suited to British roads. A good hot hatch should be fun and, since it’s likely to be your daily drive, it should also deliver respectable running costs.

The Golf GTI remains one of the best hot hatches on the market, along with its main competitor,&nbsp;the&nbsp;equally as responsive and cheaper to buy Hyundai i30 N. But there are some terrific options for even less money than both of these cars. We're big fans of the Ford Fiesta ST, which is definitely one of the best hot hatches ever and certainly one of the most fun to drive. It's full of character and its engaging handling makes it a bit of a hoot at all speeds.&nbsp;

If you’ve got a bit more money to spare, there are even faster cars available, such as the Honda Civic Type R. This latest version is sublime to drive, either on road or on a track, as it's so sweetly balanced. It's also incredibly quick in a straight line&nbsp;and round a corner, and yet it's as practical as a regular Civic.&nbsp;

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Best used hot hatches         

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