Best hot hatches 2024 – the most fun, and the one to avoid
A great hot hatch needs to combine driving fun with everyday usability. So, which models do it best – and which one is best avoided?...
A great hot hatch needs to excel in several areas if it's to be crowned the cream of the crop.
First, it must be able to get your pulse racing on a twisty back road; if it can’t raise a smile then it’s fallen at the first hurdle. Here, handling prowess and power delivery are key. Equally, it must serve as excellent everyday transport, providing practicality, comfort and reasonable running costs.
We assess every hot hatchback on sale by driving thousands of miles on the road and on our test track. But because they also serve as everyday workhorses, we put their practicality to the test by filling them full of passengers and their luggage, and we assess their fuel economy, value for money and likely ownership experience. All the areas that matter to the hot hatch buyer, in other words.
After all that extensive testing, we've concluded that the Mercedes-AMG A45 is the very best hot hatchback you can buy – but to find out which version we recommend and which rivals are worth considering, you'll need to keep reading.
Remember, if any car here takes your fancy, you can follow the links to read our in-depth reviews, or see how much you could save by searching our best hot hatch deals pages.
Our pick: A45 S 4Matic+ Plus 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Savage acceleration
- Immense grip
- Quick-shifting automatic gearbox
Weaknesses
- Very expensive
- Audi RS3 is more comfortable
- Infotainment controls could be easier to use
As well as being the very best hot hatch on sale today, Mercedes-AMG A45 might just be the finest alarm clock, too – because it’s precisely the kind of car you’ll find yourself waking an hour early for, just to head out for a drive.
You’ll cover a lot of miles in that hour, because its 415bhp engine is coupled with grippy four-wheel drive to enable a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec – remarkable performance in a car that’s relatively comfortable and can carry six carry-on suitcases. Features like AMG sports seats, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and AMG-specific digital dials all add to that incredible driving experience.
It’s worth noting that because the A45 is at the scorching end of the hot hatch market, you’ll find the Audi RS3 more civilised and the BMW M135i cheaper. But few blend such savage performance with playful handling and an upmarket look and feel. Supercar performance has rarely been more accessible.
“If you don't mind sacrificing a bit of civility for extra fun, the A45 is the hot hatch to have. The amount of speed you can carry through corners is remarkable, and the effectiveness of the four-wheel drive system is seriously impressive.” – Dan Jones, Reviewer
Read our in-depth Mercedes-AMG A45 review
Strengths
- Bonkers acceleration
- Sounds fantastic
- Remarkably comfortable with adaptive suspension fitted
Weaknesses
- Expensive to buy
- Some rivals are even more agile through the corners
- Limited interior options for UK buyers
In a hot hatch world where 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engines are the norm, the existence of the five-cylinder, 2.5-litre Audi RS3 Sportback should be savoured. And not just because of the eye-widening performance – 0-62mph in 3.8secs, top speed up to 180mph – rather because it sounds utterly glorious.
Yet like the Mercedes-AMG A45, the RS3 is remarkably comfortable given its searing pace, and thanks to four-wheel drive and a snappy automatic gearbox, it’s as easy to bumble around town as it is to make the most of its performance. The five-door bodystyle means it’s practical to use every day, although the boot is smaller than regular versions of the Audi A3.
The Mercedes is more nimble through the corners, and the Volkswagen Golf R is significantly cheaper to buy, but the Audi RS3 remains a tough hot hatchback to fault.
“The RS3's engine note alone is almost enough of a reason to buy one. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine makes a distinctive warble sound that's instantly recognisable and a joy to listen to.” – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Audi RS3 review
Our pick: 40 TFSI e Sport 5dr S Tronic
Strengths
- Very fast and capable
- Easy to live with
- Slick-shifting gearbox
Weaknesses
- Not the cheapest hot hatch out there
- Fiddly infotainment system
- Audi's so-so reliability record
The Audi S3 may not deliver the ultimate driving thrills of some hot hatchback rivals, but it counters with impressive point-to-point pace.
It’s absurdly rapid in a straight line, and there’s always plenty of grip on offer in corners. That’s partly down to the accuracy of the S3’s steering, and the assured nature of its four-wheel drive system. It never feels intimidating, unlike some hot hatch rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R or Toyota GR Yaris.
While the closely related Volkswagen Golf R is a better all-rounder, the S3 isn't far behind – and it has the obvious allure of a premium badge and a more upmarket interior.
“The S3's rear seat backs split in a useful 40/20/40 configuration, which is something you have to pay extra for in a BMW M135i. It's a very useful feature, especially if you regularly do long road trips and need the extra flexibility for your luggage.” – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor
Read our in-depth Audi S3 review
Strengths
- Savagely fast
- More fun than the Audi S3 and BMW M135i
- Comfortable ride, especially with optional adaptive suspension
Weaknesses
- Won’t thrill you like the very best hot hatches
- Lacklustre interior and infotainment for a car of this price
- Relatively expensive to buy and run
The Golf R is the kind of hot hatchback we love – exciting to drive when you're pressing on, but perfectly civilised when you're not.
You see, being based on the regular Volkswagen Golf, it offers plenty of space for your passengers and all of their luggage, yet also offers more feedback through corners than the rival BMW M135i and the mechanically-similar Audi S3.
The Golf R's four-wheel drive system also aids traction, yet you can feel power being sent to the rear wheels to help the car rotate on the way out of corners.
Indeed, if it had a smarter interior and a less frustrating infotainment system, the latest Golf R might rise even higher up this list.
“The Golf R is available with an optional Akrapovic exhaust system. It's quite expensive, but it does make some humorous exhaust pops as you lift off the accelerator.” – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Volkswagen Golf R review
Strengths
- Explosive straight-line pace
- Just as practical as the Ioniq 5
- Fast charging speeds
Weaknesses
- Costs more than electric alternatives
- Some features more suited to track use
- Mercedes-AMG A45 S is cheaper and more talented
You might be surprised to see an electric car on this list, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proves there's a place for them in the hot hatchback class.
It's powered by two electric motors (with one on each set of wheels) that combine to produce a whopping 601bhp – or 641bhp in 10-second bursts using the N Grin Boost mode. Using launch control, the car is said to hit 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds – that makes it the quickest car on this list by quite some margin.
However, it's not just about power and pace with the Ioniq 5 N, because it has some very clever party tricks. The most notable is the N e-Shift and N Active Sound Plus driving modes; the former makes the car drive as if it has an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and you can shift the simulated gears up and down with the steering wheel-mounted paddles, while the latter pumps fake engine sounds into the interior and outside the car.
The combination, along with the car's playful handling, is an electric car that's great fun to drive. Of course, with all those gadgets, you do have to pay a price for the Ioniq 5 N, because it's very expensive.
“Beneath the surface, the Ioniq 5 N is closely related to the Kia EV6 GT. However, it has new suspension, bigger brakes, quicker steering, reinforced underpinnings and a vast array of drive modes to distinguish it from its cousin.” – Oliver Young, Used Cars Reporter
Read our in-depth Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review
Strengths
- Superb build quality
- Sporty handling
- Class-leading infotainment system
Weaknesses
- Mercedes A-Class is safer
- SE trim not that well equipped
- Road noise at speed
The BMW 128ti is essentially a pared-down version of the BMW M135i, with front wheel drive rather than four-wheel drive and a detuned version of that car’s turbocharged 2.0-litre engine.
On paper, you might think these factors count against it, but they don’t; the 128ti is lighter and more agile, and it benefits from a bespoke suspension set-up, stiffer anti-roll bars and revised steering.
If you're looking for the most thrilling BMW 1 Series you can buy, and one that is guaranteed to have you smiling after every journey, then this is it. It's also eminently usable as family transport, benefitting from the same high-quality interior and decent space as the standard 1 Series.
“Compared with the regular 1 Series, the 128ti and M135i hot hatches get their own bespoke steering and suspension set-ups. With four-wheel drive, the M135i has amazing traction on greasy, winding roads, but the front-wheel drive 128ti is the more engaging driver’s car, thanks to its more natural-feeling steering and playful chassis.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth BMW 128ti review
Our pick: 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV Titanium 5dr
Strengths
- Well equipped
- Great driving position
- Even more fun with the grippy Track Pack
Weaknesses
- Infotainment system can be fiddly to use
- Interior is a bit low rent
- Steering is inconsistently weighted
The regular Ford Focus is one of the best-handling family cars on sale, making it an excellent starting point for a hot hatch.
So, where does the Focus ST version differ? Well, the key differences include a 276bhp 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s happy to be revved hard, plus a limited-slip differential to help you get the most traction out of corners.
In essence, it’s great fun to drive while retaining the practicality of the regular Focus. However, the steering can be inconsistently weighted at times, and the rather low-rent interior might put you off. The BMW M135i, for example, has a nicer interior and features an infotainment system that's easier to get along with.
“The Focus ST is one of the best hot hatches to drive along a country road. It offers greater agility, playfulness and, ultimately, a higher fun factor than many of its rivals, including the Volkswagen Golf GTI. As a bonus, it's more affordable to buy than that car, too.” – Steve Hungtingford, Editor
Read our in-depth Ford Focus ST review
Strengths
- Decent practicality
- Tidy cornering
- Quiet and comfy for a hot hatch
Weaknesses
- Some rivals offer more thrills
- Quite pricey for the performance offered
- Unintuitive infotainment system
The latest Volkswagen Golf GTI is outgunned by the very best hot hatches when it comes to outright thrills and speed. It’s also quite pricey considering the performance on offer.
However, it does nail the balance of everyday usability. The ride, for example, is surprisingly supple for a hot hatch (especially with the optional adaptive suspension fitted), and performance is closer to the more powerful Honda Civic Type R than you might think. Plus, its boot managed to swallow five carry-on suitcases in our tests.
Unfortunately, the GTI is no longer available with a manual gearbox, so instead you have to make do with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. This is a shame, because the manual was ultimately more fun to use.
“We mourn the loss of the manual gearbox in the Golf GTI. However, the dual-clutch DSG automatic does offer smooth-yet-swift shifts, and you can take back control with the gear-shift paddles behind the steering wheel if you want to.” – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Volkswagen Golf GTI review
Strengths
- Plenty of pace
- Classy interior
- Excellent infotainment
Weaknesses
- Rivals are more fun and engaging
- You'll want to add options
- Rear head room not great
The M135i is the most powerful version of the BMW 1 Series you can buy. It's powered by a 302bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine; that’s on a par with the Audi S3 but a bit behind the big hitters in the class, such as the Mercedes-AMG A45.
Despite that, the M135i is hardly a slouch. With its launch control system engaged, it can dash off the line with immediacy and hit 62mph in just 4.8sec. It hardly ever struggles for traction, too, thanks to its xDrive four-wheel-drive system – even on damp conditions.
Is the engine and gearbox the most exciting combination? No, not quite. The engine produces a bit of a monotonous drone, even when you step on it, and it's not quite as engaging in the corners as an Audi RS3. Mind you, the M135i does win back some points for everyday usability, because it has a smart, high-quality interior and one of the best infotainment systems in the business.
“The M135i's interior is a big step up from what you'll find in the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI. The dashboard is awash with soft-touch materials, plus it feels solid and built to last. The infotainment system is very easy to use while driving, too, partly because of the rotary control dial on the centre console.” – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor
Read our in-depth BMW M135i review
Our pick: 2.0 TSI 333 VZ1 5dr DSG 4Drive
Strengths
- Estate is very fast yet surprisingly comfortable
- Plenty of engine options
- PHEV offers cheap company car tax
Weaknesses
- Not the last word in playful, engaging handling
- Cupra’s reliability record
- Fiddly touch-sensitive controls
Previously, the Cupra Leon was a go-faster version of the Seat Leon. However, following a mid-life facelift in 2024, it's now a standalone model, with bespoke styling that aims to give it a more distinctive, sporty look.
For the most fun version of the Cupra Leon hatchback, you have to go for the range-topping 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. It produces 296bhp and can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, which is not quite as quick as a Ford Focus ST, but it's still pretty punchy.
One issue with that version is that it can struggle for grip in wet conditions, which is why the 328bhp engine offered in the estate is even better, because it gets four-wheel drive. No matter the version you go for, though, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is more comfortable for everyday driving, while the Focus ST is more engaging to drive down a twisty road.
“The adaptive suspension, which is fitted on all Cupra Leons apart from the entry-level version, is very useful. It allows you to tailor the ride to suit your mood and the road surface, whether that's hard and focused for driving down a twisty B-road, or soft and cosseting for a long motorway journey.” – Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor
Read our in-depth Cupra Leon review
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And the hot hatch to avoid...
The go-faster version of the Fiat 500 is startlingly quick and wonderfully stylish. Unfortunately, this isn't backed by composure in corners and the bouncy ride can become extremely wearing. Read our review
How we choose the best hot hatches
Our team of expert reviewers rigorously test every new hot hatch to ensure our guide to the top 10 models stays up to date.
Our testing is carried out based on data from our annual reader survey. More than 20,000 motorists tell us what factors they regard as being the most important when choosing their car.
For hot hatches, the most important buying preferences are:
A good hot hatch needs to be able to get your pulse racing, so we measure the acceleration of every hot hatch from a standing start at speeds from 10mph to 100mph. We also measure the braking performance by recording the distance it takes for a car to come to a stop from speeds of 30mph and 70mph.
While hot hatches offer strong performance, they should also feel agile and entertaining while doing so. Our expert reviewers take into account how well each car changes direction, the amount of body lean it displays and how strongly the tyres grip the road. We also consider steering characteristics such as how responsive the car is to inputs.
More than 20,000 readers contributed to our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, and this exclusive data allows us to create unique reliability ratings for each car, including each hot hatch.
That’s not all, though. Our full testing regime covers dozens of different areas, so you can be sure of making the right, informed purchase. You can find out more about this in our how we test cars feature.
FAQs
A hot hatchback is a performance variant of a small car or family car, which is typically designed for everyday use. In most cases, they are front-wheel drive with a front-mounted petrol engine. To help maximise performance and fun, they usually have a more powerful engine than the regular version, as well as upgraded suspension and braking systems to help improve cornering. Hot hatchbacks can be visibly distinguished by their sharper, more aggressive styling, too.
Fun can be measured in lots of different ways. If you're looking for the most powerful hot hatchback, then the answer is the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. When it comes to choosing the best everyday hot hatch, little comes close to the Volkswagen Golf R. If you want a car equipped with a slick manual gearbox, there's also the Ford Fiesta ST, Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i20N.
If by fastest you mean the hot hatchback with the quickest 0-62mph time, then the answer is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This fully electric hot hatch can hit 62mph from a standing start in just 3.4sec, which is faster than even a petrol-powered Audi RS3, which can cover the same sprint in 3.8sec.
With 415bhp available from its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, the Mercedes-AMG A45 is the most powerful hot hatchback you can buy. It deploys that power well, too, achieving a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.9sec. A quick-shifting automatic gearbox and immense grip from its performance tyres helps to transfer that power to the road. The engine loves to rev, too, with peak power not arriving until you hit 6750rpm.
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