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Top 10 Best Hot Hatches for 2020

Top 10 best hot hatches for 2020

Hot hatchbacks: they arrived boldly in the late 1970s and fully established the genre in the ‘80s with cars like the Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTi and Renault 5 GT Turbo. Light in weight, slightly more powerful engines than their humble siblings and a practical body style gave them universal appeal.

Forty years on, many mainstream models can out-perform these early hot hatches (the Mk1 Golf GTI sprints from 0 to 62mph in an almost leisurely 9.2 seconds) but they are still engaging and fun to drive even today.

Four decades later and the world is a very different place with tougher legislation for safety and emissions. But we’re not ready to let go of fun just yet. Here is our top 10 hot hatches as we prepare to jump into 2020.

BMW M135i

No debates around front- vs. rear-wheel-drive here: the hottest version of BMW’s new 1 Series puts its power down through all four wheels.

Power 306 PS | 0-62mph 4.8s | Max speed 155mph

View BMW 1 Series Offers

Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC

Also all-wheel-drive, this is the fastest on our list with an unruly exhaust note to match.

Power 421 PS | 0-62mph 3.9s | Max speed 168mph

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Renault Megane RS 280

Fast, fun and French, it’s the sleek Megane RS.

Power 284 PS | 0-62mph 5.8s | Max speed 158mph

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MINI John Cooper Works Clubman

It might be more bread van than hatch in shape, but the JCW Clubman is certainly hot.

Power 306 PS | 0-62mph 4.7s | Max speed 155mph

View MINI Clubman Offers

Honda Civic Type R GT

The enjoyable Type R receives extra kit in the form of the GT.

Power 320 PS | 0-62mph 5,8s | Max speed 169mph

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Audi RS 3

Audi’s quick RS 3 is available as a standard hatch, larger Sportback or even saloon.

Power 400 PS | 0-62mph 4.1s | Max speed 155mph

View Audi RS Offers

Ford Fiesta ST

Ford’s pocket rocket has matured rather well.

Power 200 PS | 0-62mph 6.5s | Max speed 144mph

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Hyundai i30N Performance

Hyundai joins the hot hatch brigade for the first time with its i30 N. Now available in the slightly quicker Performance version (shown) or Fastback.

Power 275 PS | 0-62mph 6.1s | Max speed 155mph

View Hyundai i30 Offers

Volkswagen up! GTI

The up! GTI proves fun can be had in small packages.

Power 115 PS | 0-62mph 8.8s | Max speed 122mph

View Volkswagen up! Offers

Suzuki Swift Sport

Perhaps considered a ‘warm’ hatch by some, it remains a favourite for its all-round engagement and ability.

Power 140 PS | 0-62mph 8.1s | Max speed 130mph

View Suzuki Swift Offers

About the Author

Andrew is a freelance motoring journalist with a background in IT and the vehicle leasing industry. With a lifetime’s passion for all things automotive, he can be found behind the wheel of everything from vans to supercars. In addition to reviewing the latest vehicles and technology, Andrew also runs a couple of classic British motors. He lives at the edge of the Peak District with his son and cat.

Andrew Wright @theMotorWriter