Market Watch: Hot Hatchbacks To Buy Before They Are Gone Forever

While the industry shifts towards full electrification, key attributes we once paid attention to often gets swept under the carpet. Although engineers managed to find a way to defy physics by hiding weight, consequences of piloting a heavy vehicle are far more apparent than we’d expect. Braking distances, cornering speed, weight balance - these are just some of the repercussions when we add a hefty battery pack and accompanying motors.

When it comes to fired-up hatchbacks, weight is key because their wheelbases are often short, and to stay aligned with practical hatch proportions, they’re often taller than sedans. This delicate balance, when perfected, supplies the driver with unadulterated fun.

Some say that the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N qualifies as a hatchback, and with supercar-rivalling figures we don’t doubt its hot hatch credentials. But there’s a certain allure in front wheel drive, petrol-powered hatchbacks that don’t weigh the earth. These 3 examples show what can be achieved when the shackles are off. They’re hard acts to follow now - savour them while we still can!

2019 Renault Megane RS

It feels like a crime to hoon a pumped-up French hatch with an automatic, but trust the engineers at RenaultSport to fulfil thrills on maximum attack mode. The 3rd-gen Megane RS uses a 6-speed dual clutch to extract full potential from the 1.8-litre turbo. 276hp and 390Nm were beefy numbers even by hot hatch standards, which is why it sprints to 100km/h in well under 6 seconds.

But the magic starts to unfold in corners, where revised geometry for the front suspension and usage of shock absorbers inspired by rally cars meant it can maintain composure even beyond the edge of grip.

2017 SEAT Leon Cupra

The Cupra brand might have undergone a major overhaul, but its DNA has always been sports-oriented. The feisty sibling in VW Group is perhaps best represented in a compact, SEAT Leon version, fettled by Cupra.

Some might opine that limits are not sky-high when it comes to front axle grip - 285hp and 350Nm are quite substantial after all. But what’s a hot hatch without hints of torque steer? It’s perfect for those who prefer to stay away from mainstream GTIs, and yet find the Golf R too dependable.

2008 Honda Civic Type R (FN2)

The subdued aura of the FN2 Type R could very well hit peak form in recent years. Built in the UK, this 3-door hatchback lived in the shadows of the JDM FD2R sedan, with a less manic K20 engine, torsion beam rear axle and slightly more heft to contend with.

But it has aged well over time - shifts from the 6-speed manual are sleek, its cockpit remains aircraft-level futuristic, and 1,300kg won’t weigh you down. A high revving Honda in the late noughties are few and far between - this example with quality mods might sound excessive, but it’s all part of the charm.

---

Car you sell, Carousell. Get the highest quote for your car in just 24 hours, with assistance on paperwork too.