HOT hatches have to be the ultimate car: fast, affordable and usable everyday.
You have to be able to pack the family in for the holidays but still enjoy tearing through country lanes at the weekend without compromise.
They’re the cars that petrolheads who can’t stretch to a supercar end up buying to live out their racing fantasies.
And there’s now a new era of hot hatches following in the footsteps of the 80s and 90s classics.
So The Sun Online hit the test track to see which one stacks up best on the circuit – and, more importantly, British roads.
In the epic battle were the BMW M140i, Audi RS3, Ford Focus RS, VW Golf R, Mercedes A45 AMG and Honda Civic Type R.
So where should you spend your money? Read on for our car-by-car rundown.
Ford Focus RS
Engine: 2.3-litre, 345bhp
Top speed/0-62mph: 165mph/4.7 seconds
Price:£31,885
The Ford Focus RS has one of the biggest boy racer pedigrees here – evoking memories of the legendary Escort RS from 30 years ago with its big spoiler.
On the track is where it really shines with its four-wheel drive system and clever Drift Mode making you feel like an absolute hero behind the wheel.
The gear change is slick and it feels like it will grip forever – plus that noise is pretty epic.
But – and crucially for the everyday driver – on the roads the noise might be a little too much.
The interior is also a little low rent compared to rivals with hard plastics and a button heavy dash – but that comes with the attractively low price.
The rear seats are spacious and there’s a low load lip for your shopping or flat pack furniture in the boot.
In many ways, the Focus RS is the ultimate boy racer – and if you can stomach the noise it doubles as a great family car that won’t break the bank.
BMW M140i
Engine: 3.0-litre, 335bhp
Top speed/0-62mph: 155mph/4.8 seconds
Price:£31,570
The BMW oozes class and understated appeal – but it lacks the wow factor in this company.
Yes, BMW makes the M2 if you want something to rival the Audi and Mercedes but that’s not a hatchback. So it’s left to the M140i to carry the fight.
It’s a little bland even with sporty front seats but it’s comfortable and spacious – plus for a BMW at £32,000 it’s not even that expensive.
It’s the only one of this test that’s rear wheel drive and on the slightly greasy and wet test track that was a concern.
At high speeds it felt like it was ready to bite if you pushed too hard and was a touch unstable.
However, on a regular country road where you’re not pushing the limit this was a classic BMW.
No dramas and an engaging drive. Just don’t expect fireworks.
Audi RS3
Engine: 2.5-litre, 395bhp
Top speed/0-62mph: 155mph/4.1 seconds
Price: £43,765
There’s no aggressive spoiler on the Audi RS3, just a subtle body kit that hints at the startling five-cylinder 395bhp engine under the bonnet that sucks you back in your seat.
The feeling of speed and power is heightened because the car feels big and heavy. That won’t be a problem on UK roads, though, but if you’re after a nimble hot hatch the RS3 is not for you.
The auto gearbox is a joy though and one of the slickest around – a real plus point over its Mercedes rival.
The interior is also pretty impressive – and probably the best of the bunch – with quilted seats, a Bang and Olufsen stereo and a minimalist dash thanks to a cool pop-up screen.
What’s not to like then? Mainly the price. The car we tested had a whopping £10,000 of options taking the price over £50,000.
Few families can stretch to that but we reckon the RS3 might just be a used car steal soon.
VW Golf R
Engine: 2.0-litre, 306bhp
Top speed/0-62mph: 155mph/4.6 seconds
Price: £31,255
The Volkswagen Golf is often referred to as all the car you’ll ever need because it’s affordable, reliable, well-built and practical.
Strap a big engine in it and you can add fast and fun to the list. That’s the Golf R.
But, it’s fair to say, in this company it feels a little basic – and noticeable slower. Yes it’s got 306bhp and 4WD but next to these that feels underpowered when you’re pushing on a track.
And away from the lights you won’t get quite the joy a boy racer might be after – and steering is less engaging then rivals, too.
There are some bucket seats to give a flavour of a hot hatch inside and you get some styling tweaks to lift it from a regular Golf.
Aside from that it’s fairly standard but that’s no bad thing – because, as we said, the Golf is a seriously impressive motor.
If you’re after something a little more grown up that isn’t quite as aggressive as some, the Golf R probably suits your needs as a perfect family hot hatch.
Mercedes A45 AMG
Engine: 2.0-litre, 381bhp
Top speed/0-62mph: 155mph/4.2 seconds
Price: £41,875
Out of the six cars here, the A45 AMG is probably the best combination between classy and boy racer styling with a black gloss body kit and a racy spoiler twinned with the red-stitched interior and fake carbon fibre dashboard.
On track it’s also a stunning performer. It’s fast, agile, you’re clamped in a bucket seat and the engine is a joy as you slam through the gears on the flappy pedals in Race Mode.
However, it’s all too eager to hit the rev limiter and you are often left grabbing for downshifts.
In the more sedate comfort settings on public roads things soften up and quieten down but it’s still far too noisy, the seats are uncomfortable over long journeys and the auto gearbox is way behind the Audi.
The boot is also narrow compared to rivals with a high load lip and the rear is cramped. This isn’t really a hot hatch for a family outing.
It’s also pricey – just like the Audi, this Merc test car had £10k of options pushing the list price over £50,000. It’s hard to justify that cash for this car on UK roads. A shame as it’s such fun to drive on the limit.
Honda Civic Type R
Engine: 2.0-litre, 316bhp
Top speed/0-62mph: 169mph, 5.7 seconds
Price: £30,995
Let’s get the bad out of the way with the latest Type R: it looks a mess.
Ok, so styling is subjective but the number of angles created is baffling. A teen boy’s dream, a subtle family hot hatch not quite.
However, let’s not write off the Type R just yet as it’s actually a seriously impressive machine.
The only front wheel drive motor here, it’s quick, engaging and with the short manual ‘box a real bundle of joy on the track.
And things get surprisingly better on the road because, unlike the previous Type R, this didn’t nearly send us to A&E with spinal injuries.
In comfort settings, the whole car is tuned down to something that’s usable on a day-to-day basis. It’s not too noisy and doesn’t crash over bumps like you’re off-roading.
The dash is a little basic but then it’s the cheapest car here. On the plus side the rear is spacious and boot generous.
Oddly, there’s a seatbelt missing in the middle so you can only seat four – and that will be a huge problem for some buyers with family needs.
If you can look past the design – or you happen to like it – then the Civic Type R makes a lot of sense.
Verdict
Each of the cars here offer something a little bit different and it really depends on your needs of a hot hatch – plus your budget.
For anyone who wants an all rounder – something that’s fast, affordable and usable – then buy the VW Golf R.
If you’re after pure performance and can put up with the little bit of discomfort then the Focus RS offers great value for money and is a traditional hot hatch that just pips the Type R.
If money is no object and you want a premium feel, then the Audi is a better everyday bet than the Merc – while the BMW doesn’t quite make the cut in this company.
- Ford Focus RS
- Volkswagen Golf R
- Honda Civic Type R
- Audi RS3
- Mercedes A45 AMG
- BMW M140i